More than 69 women from Tindomoligo and Tindosobligo, many of whom are widows, lined up to receive cash disbursements from a local civic group called “Friends of Prosper.” The short ceremony, part fundraising, part community outreach, offered more than money: it restored dignity and provided a renewed sense of possibility to women whose livelihoods have often been precarious.
“It’s not just about the cash,” said Adubila Joyce. “For some of us, it’s the first time in months we can plan for the next three months without worrying about where the capital will come from.” She described how a small injection of capital could keep her market stall open through the lean season.
Small grants, immediate impact
Organizers explained that Friends of Prosper — a collective of residents in the Bolga Constituency who support the political ambitions of local figure Prosper Awuni — pooled resources to distribute funds across the two neighboring communities. Over 60 women received grants ranging between GH¢1,000 and GH¢2,000, aimed at strengthening micro-enterprises such as petty trading, food vending, tailoring, soap-making, and small poultry ventures. In total, GH¢60,000 was distributed in Tindomoligo and GH¢20,000 in Tindosobligo.
“We aimed to give seed capital that women could turn over in one business cycle,” said Lambert Akunzebe, spokesperson for Friends of Prosper. “This is about enabling trade and helping families get through tough months.”
For many beneficiaries, the difference was immediate. Margaret Akologo, a food vendor, said the grant allowed her to restock staples and hire a young helper during busy mornings, turning a one-person operation into a small, sustainable micro-business. Ayine Naomi, a seamstress, said the cash enabled her to buy higher-quality cloth, commanding better prices at market.
Leader of the widows’ group, Akoubila Agnes, recounted how the group first connected with Friends of Prosper, noting that Prosper had previously supported them with 10 bags of maize.
“Prosper is my son. He came home and I told him about this widows’ group, and we struggle to get financial support from banks. Initially he gave us 10 bags of maize to share among ourselves and promised to support our business financially. He took records of our names and the businesses we do. Today if Friends of Prosper are here to fulfill his promise, we are grateful to him and pray that God continues to bless him,” she said.
Political overtones and civic philanthropy
Friends of Prosper openly support Prosper Awuni’s parliamentary ambitions in Bolga Central, prompting scrutiny from some residents. Organizers, however, maintain that the initiative is both humanitarian and civic-minded.
“We are residents of this municipality — we invest in our neighbors because they matter,” said Lambert Akunzebe. He emphasized that while members may have political affiliations, the distribution was driven by social concern and the urgent needs visible in Tindomoligo and Tindosobligo.
Beyond cash: training and sustainability
Several beneficiaries expressed interest in complementary training in bookkeeping, savings, or market skills to ensure the funds have long-term impact. Experts note that small cash injections work best when paired with business training or entry into Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs).
Friends of Prosper plan to hold follow-up sessions for recipients to learn simple business record-keeping and join local savings groups. “We want this to be the beginning, not a one-off,” Akunzebe said.
Lives changed, but challenges remain
For the widows who received funds, the event was both a practical lifeline and an emotional lift. “I used to go to bed thinking about tomorrow’s food,” one woman said. “Now I can sleep a bit easier.” Yet structural problems — limited access to larger capital, fluctuating market prices, and poor infrastructure — remain.
Local assembly members noted that programs like this fill urgent gaps and can catalyze economic resilience when scaled and connected to broader support systems, including savings groups, agricultural value chains, and municipal small-business services. For now, Friends of Prosper have provided tangible proof that small, community-driven interventions can produce immediate wins for vulnerable groups.
As dusk settled over Bolga Municipality, women counted receipts and planned how to stretch the grants into income for the coming weeks. For many, the real benefit will be measured not in a single transaction, but in whether the cash helps restart trades, retain apprentices, or build a savings network that sustains momentum.
Source: A1 Radio | 101.1Mhz | Samuel Adagom | Bolgatanga
