
Rev. Dr. Seth Kissi, Akyem Abuakwa Presbytery Chairperson of PCG, on farm inspection

As part of its livelihood empowerment project, the Akyem Abuakwa Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) continues to distribute oil palm and coconut seedlings to its members for cultivation at no cost to the beneficiaries.
The purpose of the project is to economically empower church members in the Presbytery, and improve their living conditions. The livelihood empowerment project was necessitated by the absence of job opportunities and the need to better the lives of its members.
In 2021, 5,600 coconut seedlings were distributed free of charge to members who had farm lands, and were interested in venturing into coconut cultivation. The project was sponsored by the church’s German partners and the Ghana Forestry Commission.
Last year, 40,000 oil palm seedlings were nursed and distributed to members. Another 40,000 has been distributed this year, and the Presbytery has again secured 40,000 seeds, which are being nursed for distribution next year.
According to Rev. Dr. Seth Kissi, the outgoing Presbytery Chairperson, the projects will continue since more members have shown interest in oil palm farming. He said 535 members benefitted from last year’s distribution.
Farm inspection
Meanwhile, a team led by Dr. Misa Aboagye, who is the Lay Representative of Akyem Abuakwa Presbytery on the General Assembly Council of the PCG, together with the Chairperson, has inspected a school farm at Asuom which had benefitted from the seedlings distribution.
The chief of Asuom, Osaberima Ofosuhene Apenteng II, who is also a beneficiary, lauded the Presbytery Chairperson and his Council members for the initiative that is improving the livelihoods of its members.
He entreated leaders of the PCG to embrace the initiative, and replicate it in all the Presbyteries, especially in the rural areas.
Dr. Misa Aboagye, who is the immediate past Director of the Plant Genetics Resource Institute of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) educated the beneficiaries on good farming practices to adopt in their farms.
Taking his turn, Rev. Dr. Seth Kissi urged the beneficiaries to desist from selling the seedlings. He expressed appreciation to the sponsors of the project, and made a passionate appeal to citizens of Akyem Abuakwa, both home and abroad, to support the project with the needed funds.
Some of the members who benefitted from the project last year, Mr. D.C. Ampofo, Mr Asare Dompreh, Madam Selina Djaa and Eunice Amoah, expressed their appreciation to Rev. Dr. Seth Kissi and his Council for the initiative.