The John A. Kufuor Foundation has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Africa Plantations for Sustainable Development (APSD) Ghana Ltd, for a partnership to improve livelihoods in rural communities in the company’s catchment area.
The Norwegian power generation business entity, APSD, has embarked on a massive plantation of eucalyptus in the West and East Sene districts of the Brong Ahafo Region for the company’s biomass energy project.
Under the partnership agreement, the Foundation will initiate social enhancement projects, including putting up a knowledge centre, refurbishing existing basic educational institutions and health facilities, and providing potable water.
The projects are scheduled to commence in deprived communities within the APSD catchment area during the last quarter of the year.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, chairman of the Foundation, former President John Agyekum Kufuor stressed the importance of the private sector in supporting the efforts of government to improve the well-being of citizens.
“No one government can do it alone; the support of all of us is always necessary,” he said, and asked the private sector to be alert to their social responsibility.
Former President Kufuor praised APSD for its human-centered approach to business and urged other entities to emulate the good example of the renewable energy company.
In his remarks, Mr. Erling Sven Lorentzen, chairman of APSD praised Former President Kufuor for his foresight in setting up the Foundation to continue the vision he had as president of Ghana.
He expressed the delight of his company for the partnership through which the people of the West and East Sene districts will see the positive impact of his company’s presence in their midst.
Mr. Lorentzen was hopeful that the impact of his company´s work will soon reflect in improved living conditions of the people adding that Ghana is blessed with natural gifts and has the potential to become a great nation.
The MoU was signed on behalf of the Foundation by its chief executive officer Prof. Baffour Agyeman-Duah and his counterpart at APSD, Mr. Finn Sven Jacobsen. President Kufuor and Mr. Lorentzen signed the document as witnesses.
By: Kasapafmonline.com/Ghana