A significant milestone was achieved on 5th July 2026 as Akuraase through its partner organization Asaasiam Vision International (AVI) officially held a sod-cutting ceremony  for the Akuraase Women In Goat Ranch Project at Kwahu Aweregya in the Eastern Region of Ghana.

The project, funded by Akuraase, a not-for-profit organization based in Portland, Oregon, USA, and implemented by Asaasiam Vision International (AVI), a Ghana-based national not-for-profit organization, seeks to empower vulnerable women through sustainable livestock farming while contributing to girls education, community development and environmental sustainability.

The ceremony brought together community members, traditional leaders, prospective beneficiaries, school children, development stakeholders, and well-wishers to celebrate the commencement of a transformative initiative aimed at creating sustainable economic opportunities for women.

About the Project

The Akuraase Women in Goat Ranch Project is an innovative initiative designed to equip women with the resources, skills, and opportunities necessary to achieve financial independence through goat farming and agribusiness.

Beyond its economic impact, the project promotes responsible livestock farming, girls’ education, organic manure production, improved land use management, food security, and environmentally conscious livelihoods.

The initiative reflects a holistic approach to development, recognizing that sustainable economic empowerment and environmental stewardship must go hand in hand to create lasting change within communities.

Project Partners

The Akuraase Women In Goat Ranch Project is funded by Akuraase, a not-for-profit organization based in Portland, Oregon, USA, whose mission focuses on supporting vulnerable populations and underserved communities through sustainable development initiatives in Ghana and the world at large.

The project is being implemented by Asaasiam Vision International (AVI), a Ghanaian not-for-profit organization committed to promoting sustainable development, empowerment,  social inclusion and transformation.

Rationale for the Project

The Akuraase Women In Goat Ranch Project was initiated in response to the need for sustainable livelihood opportunities for vulnerable women, particularly those with limited access to reliable sources of income.

The project recognizes the critical role women play in supporting their families and contributing to local development.

By investing in women through sustainable agriculture and livestock farming, the initiative seeks to reduce economic vulnerability, improve household incomes, strengthen food security, and promote self-reliance. The project also supports environmentally responsible farming practices that contribute to the sustainable use of natural resources.

The initiative represents a strategic investment in women as catalysts for positive change, community resilience, and long-term development.

Beneficiaries

The primary beneficiaries of the project are vulnerable women and families of poor school girls within the target communities who will receive opportunities to engage in goat farming as a sustainable livelihood venture.

Through this initiative, beneficiaries will gain access to skills development, income-generating opportunities, and practical knowledge in livestock management and agribusiness.

The wider community is also expected to benefit from enhanced food security, local job creation, increased economic activity, and sustainable agricultural practices.

Objectives of the Project:

The Akuraase Women in Goat Ranch Project seeks to promote the economic empowerment of vulnerable women by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities through goat farming and agribusiness, and a sustainable education support for poor school girls.

The initiative is designed to equip beneficiaries with practical skills in livestock management, strengthen their capacity for entrepreneurship, and improve their financial independence and household incomes.

It also aims to enhance food security within the beneficiary communities while promoting environmentally sustainable agricultural practices through responsible livestock production, organic manure generation, and improved land use.

Furthermore, the project seeks to stimulate local economic growth, create employment opportunities, and build resilient communities by empowering women to become active contributors to social and economic development.

Ultimately, the initiative is intended to create a lasting legacy of sustainability, resilience, knowledge transfer, and intergenerational impact.

Key Remarks During the Ceremony

Addressing participants at the ceremony, Mr. Larry Byers a representatives of Akuraase emphasized that the Akuraase Women in Goat Ranch Project is more than a livestock farming initiative; it is a pathway to financial independence, skills development, food security, and renewed hope for women and their families.

He noted that empowering women economically contributes directly to stronger families, resilient communities, and sustainable development.

The project was described as a bold step towards creating opportunities for women to become self-reliant and active contributors to community growth.

Larry further highlighted that the project's impact extends beyond individual beneficiaries. For women, it creates opportunities for financial independence, skills development, and dignified livelihoods.

For communities, it enhances food security, stimulates local economic growth, and supports job creation through sustainable farming practices. For future generations, it establishes a lasting legacy of resilience, knowledge, empowerment, and community transformation.

The implementation team also expressed appreciation to Akuraase for its vision and commitment to supporting vulnerable women and underserved communities, while helping to raise a new generation of empowered women leaders who can drive positive change within their communities.

Beneficiary Testimony

During preliminary engagements with prospective beneficiaries, Madam  Marfoa Esther a participant shared her excitement about the opportunities the project presents, stating: “For years, I have dreamt of having a reliable source of income to support my family.

The Women in Goat Ranch Project gives me hope that I can build something of my own, create opportunities for my children, and contribute to my community with dignity and pride.”

 Her testimony reflected the hopes and aspirations of many women who stand to benefit from the initiative and underscored the transformative potential of the project.

Dignitaries and Stakeholders Present:

The ceremony was attended by Akuraase directors, traditional leaders, community leaders, representatives of Asaasiam Vision International, prospective beneficiaries, development partners, donors, and members of the community, all of whom reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the successful implementation of the project.