1st July 2025
In a poignant and celebratory event, Mr. Williams Ayaaba Akongbabre, a distinguished community development advocate, paid a courtesy visit to Hon. Lawyer Charles Lwanga Pouzuing, Esq., the Upper West Regional Minister. During this visit, Mr. Akongbabre dedicated his esteemed 2025 JOYNEWS Impact Makers Award to the citizens of the Upper West Region, conveying his appreciation through the regional minister. This gesture not only marked a personal honor for Mr. Akongbabre but also underscored the invaluable support of the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) in his development initiatives across the Upper West Region and beyond.
Mr. Akongbabre commenced his address by expressing profound gratitude to the RCC, acknowledging it as an indispensable ally throughout his journey since his arrival in the Upper West Region. “This award does not belong to me alone; it is a testament to our collective efforts,” he declared, highlighting the collaborative foundation of his community projects.
In a heartfelt moment, Mr. Akongbabre honored the memory of his late secretary, Madam Rashida Halitu Yussif, who passed away recently. A minute of silence was observed in her honor, reflecting her significant role as a secretary at Relcaso Ghana. Mr. Akongbabre described Rashida as not only a colleague but a friend and sister, whose contributions were pivotal to the success of his numerous initiatives. He articulated the profound loss felt by both himself and the entire Relcaso Ghana family, expressing hope for a reunion in the afterlife.
Reflecting on his initial interaction with the RCC in 2017 concerning his community initiatives, Mr. Akongbabre reiterated the RCC’s essential role in driving his impactful interventions. “The RCC has been instrumental in my efforts; it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge their contributions while accepting this award,” he stated.
Mr. Akongbabre then elaborated on the diverse projects undertaken by his community-based NGO, Relcaso Ghana, which spans critical sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and agroforestry. Among the projects highlighted was the Education Quality Assurance Project (EQAP), which has trained over 7,000 educators and significantly enhanced learning outcomes for thousands of students across various regions in Ghana. Furthermore, his Scholarship Scheme for Needy Children has provided educational assistance to over 30 vulnerable children, including orphans affected by tragic events in Wa.
His health-centered initiatives, particularly the Sick and Neglected Poor People (SNePP) project, have delivered lifesaving healthcare to underserved children, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to uplift marginalized communities. Additionally, the Innovative Scheme for Small-Scale Farmers and Agroforestry (ISSSFAF) project exemplifies his vision to improve economic outcomes for farmers while bolstering food security in the Sissala East District of the Upper West Region.
Mr. Akongbabre conveyed his pride in the tangible impacts of his projects, as evidenced by the positive feedback received from beneficiaries and education stakeholders, including audio-visual testimonials shared with JOYNEWS. He expressed his aspirations for future initiatives, which include establishing a boarding facility at Willi-Gif to extend the SSNeC scholarship to orphans from remote communities, introducing tradable skills training for youth (TRaSTY), and launching the Ghana Creative Arts Teachers Empowerment Program (G-CaTEP). “I believe these endeavours will significantly contribute to Ghana’s industrialization efforts,” he remarked.
In response, Minister Pouzuing congratulated Mr. Akongbabre for his well-deserved recognition, calling it a notable achievement for the Upper West Region. He commended Akongbabre’s transformative projects, acknowledging their profound impact on local communities. “Your initiatives have changed lives, and the RCC is prepared to support your future endeavors,” he affirmed, underscoring the collaborative spirit essential in community development.
The event concluded with a vibrant exchange among the Minister, RCC officials, Mr. Akongbabre, and his team, including both regular and scholarship beneficiaries, who shared refreshments and joyful interactions, demonstrating the community spirit fostered by Mr. Akongbabre’s work.
This act of gratitude and recognition not only celebrated Mr. Akongbabre’s accomplishments but also served as an inspiring example to others in the region, illustrating the power of dedication, resilience, and collective action in achieving meaningful change.
As the Upper West Region continues to experience transformative developments through the efforts of individuals like Mr. Williams Ayaaba Akongbabre, the call for others to engage in community development endeavors resounds clearly. Together, they are forging a path toward a brighter and more equitable future for all.
