Dr Margaret Atuahene, Nkosohemaa of Akyem Apedwa, has observed that spending decisions by mothers, particularly those with children of under-five years, are prime indicators of child survival.
She said research indicates that mothers with some level of economic independence that have the ability to decide on how household incomes are spent, are more likely to have children with acceptable health parameters.
Dr Atuahene, a prospective rotarian, made the observation at the launch of an “Economic Lift-up Project” for women in the Akyem Apedwa area of the Eastern Region.
The project is to provide seed support in the form of financial incentives for mothers, to expand their small-scale local businesses.
It is also to assist in providing some economic base to enhance quality of life for vulnerable families who are into some economic activities.
Dr Atuahene who is also a public health expert at the University of Ghana, said the vulnerability of such communities encompasses lack of resources for parents, primary caretakers and close relatives, and that the overall responsibilities of care provision rests on mothers.
She noted that healthy children are more likely to do well in school and eventually be part of the national human resource base, which subsequently contributes to the economic progress of Ghana.
Dr. Atuahene said the project would be replicated to other women groups in the area, and hoped the gesture would go a long way to improve small businesses, and the quality of life of the beneficiary women.
Madam Rose Obenako, a beneficiary, thanked Dr. Atuahene for the kind gesture, and urged other individuals and groups, to support her in this all-important endeavour.
Present at the launch were Nana Pobee Asomaning, an educationist, and the Ankobeahene of Nkroso, and Mrs. Mavis Asante, a business advocate, who offered pieces of advice on the principles of business to the mothers.
Source: GhanaWeb
