ERIC OPOKU DONATES PLANTAIN PROCESSING MACHINE AND GH¢20,000 TO 37-YEAR-OLD BLIND MAN AND HIS FAMILY

ERIC OPOKU DONATES PLANTAIN PROCESSING MACHINE AND GH¢20,000 TO 37-YEAR-OLD BLIND MAN AND HIS FAMILY

The Minister of Food and Agriculture and Member of Parliament for Asunafo South Constituency, Hon. Eric Opoku, has donated a plantain processing machine and GH¢20,000 in start-up capital to 37-year-old David Awuku and his family to support their economic activities and improve their living conditions.

The intervention is aimed at providing the family with an opportunity to establish a small-scale food processing business that can generate income and help them become more financially independent.

Speaking during the presentation, Hon. Eric Opoku explained that he was initially introduced to David Awuku by someone who drew his attention to the family's circumstances.

According to the Minister, during his interaction with Awuku, he learned that his mother had given birth to five children, all of whom are blind.

He said the information prompted him to consider a practical and sustainable way of supporting the family rather than providing assistance that would only address their immediate needs.

Hon. Eric Opoku explained that the choice of a plantain processing machine was informed by the availability of plantain in Asunafo South and its surrounding communities, which would make it easier for the family to access the raw materials required for production.

He noted that the machine could be used to process plantain into plantain chips and also prepare neat fufu, providing the family with different opportunities to engage in food processing and commercial activities.

The Minister expressed optimism that the initiative would develop into a small-scale business, with the family producing plantain chips and neat fufu for traders, retailers and other interested customers.

To ensure that the family could begin operations without unnecessary delays, Hon. Eric Opoku further presented GH¢20,000 as start-up capital to enable them to purchase plantain and other essential materials needed for production.

He urged the family members, particularly the individual responsible for managing the family's affairs, to take proper care of the machine and ensure that it was put to productive use.

He emphasised the need for responsible management and commitment to the business so that the intervention would achieve its intended purpose and provide lasting benefits to the family.

Receiving the plantain processing machine and the GH¢20,000 on behalf of his family, David Awuku expressed his sincere appreciation to Hon. Eric Opoku for the gesture.

He thanked the Minister for considering their situation and providing them with the equipment and financial support needed to start an income-generating venture.

The donation is expected to open a new economic opportunity for David Awuku and his family, allowing them to utilise locally available plantain to produce marketable food products.

Beyond the financial and material assistance, the intervention highlights the importance of empowering persons with disabilities through practical livelihood opportunities rather than limiting support to temporary relief.

If properly managed, the initiative could become a sustainable source of income for the family while serving as an example of how targeted support can help vulnerable households build economic independence.

Source:Bibianinews.com