CDDF held its maiden press conference on Thursday 21st May 2009 at the International Press Center, Accra, Ghana. The President of the Foundation, Prof. K.M. Bosompem, delivered the press statement in which he outlined a series of integrated initiatives and projects to be implemented by CDDF and a consolidated network of partners across Ghana and elsewhere. He indicated that the partnership for action is in its early stages, yet to be joined by many other organizations, institutions, individuals and others from around the globe.
According to President Bosompem, the leadership provided by CDDF, has already developed approaches to overcome the three most important barriers that inhibit rapid sustainable socio-economic development in poor communities and the developing countries. He identified the barriers as; 1. the inability to replicate development from one area to another, 2. the difficulties in achieving holistic integration of development options, and 3. solving the sustainability question. Further emphasizing the problem of sustainability, he asked, Why is it that we make a borehole in a village only to go back after a few years to discover that it is no longer functional?
Speaking on the core issues of development, the President assured the media that with the new concept and approach offered by CDDF, Ghana and other African countries can now achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by the set target dates in 2015 and 2020. He emphasized the transformational capability of CDDF approach and explained that the Foundations activities are implemented through Community Directed Development Associations (CDDAs), Task Forces and a system of community representatives. CDDF opens up opportunities for individuals, groups and organizations to come up with new initiatives and innovation needed for positive transformation of Africa.
Four other members of the CDDF Board were present at the press conference. They are: Dr. Victor Amoah, CEO of Jarikuma Corporation, USA; Mr. Johnny Kumah, Managing Director, State of Missouri Department of Economic Development, Africa Office, Ghana; Dr. Maxwell Appawu, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research; and Hon. Mahmoud Dantani, of the Radio Universe, University of Ghana, Legon.
President Bosompem, expressed deep appreciation to the broad range of collaborators who have already formed partnership with the Foundation. The press conference was also attended by, the Director of Health Services, Dr. Nkrumah Mill, of the Volta River Authority (VRA); the Director of Trans Africa College Mr. Samuel Segbefia, the CEO of Biogas Technologies West Africa Ltd., Dr. Idan, as well as, representatives of the Paramount Chief of Ada, Nene Abram Akuaku III (Asafoatsengua Glorgoh Dadebom Anim V, Asafoatsengua Owusie Kabu Senake IV, Nene Tetteh Korle IV) and the Chief of Anyakpor Community, Nene Narteh Wussah. Also, present were distinguished representatives from the Dangme East District which is the CDDF start-up intervention area. Below is a list of other important guests:
Hon. Eben Puplampu, Chairman of Ada-Foah CDDA
Hon. Samuel Portuphy, Chairman of Big Ada CDDA
Hon. Buer Puplampu, Chairman of Kasseh CDDA
Hon. Alfred Huago, Chairman of Sege CDDA
Hon. Petiafo Narh Ebenezar, Chairman of Anyamam CDDA
John N. Ahortu, Chairman of Pediatorkope CDDA
Mr. C.T. Caesar, Former acting Chairman of Ada-Foah CDDA
Abraham Tetteh Gbagidie, Director of Agric Dangme East District (DED)
Mr. E. W. Kabu Jumpah, Director of NCCE DED
Mrs. Dora Ayorkor Arday, DED School Health Education Programme (SHEP) Coordinator
Representatives of the Coalition of NGOs of DED
Joyce Yawa Amoah; University of California
Mr. Isaac Adjaottor, CDDF Link Coordinator to DED
Mr. Ben Ayiku, CDDF Link Coordinator to DED
Ohene Asa Bosompem; Represented the CDDF Students in Sustainable Development Network (SSDN), and the University of California- Students Movement for Global Education (SMGE) @ University of Ghana.
The President of CDDF pointed out that with proper implementation of the intervention activities in line with the philosophy of CDDF and its concept and approach, Ghana and the rest of Africa can rapidly eliminate Poverty. He said, Africa now has a unique opportunity to catch up with the developed world in just ten (10) years.
Twenty eight (28) print and electronic Media Houses in Ghana covered the press conference:
Independent
Chronicle
Gye Nyame Concord
Ghana News Agency
Daily Dispatch
Ghanaian Times
Citizen
Choice FM
Channel R
Daily Democrat
Searchlight
GBC Radio
Oman FM
Unique FM
Peace Radio
Rite RM
Kyzz FM
Ghanaian Journal
Today Newspaper
Crusading Guide
Ghanaian Voice
Insight
Radio Universe
Vibe FM
National Times
Ghanaian Observer
Pink FM
To read the full press statement click here.
