DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE ORGANIZED A FREE HEALTH SCREENING AND FOOD BAZAAR

The Department of Community Development is a decentralized department under the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD). The Department operates under the broad umbrella of the Local Government Service (LGS) with the mandate of delivering effective administration and management of local government services across the country.
As part of its annual end-of-year celebration, the Department of Community Development, in collaboration with Food Crate Ghana, organized an End-of-Year Retreat for staff and members of the Koforidua Srodae Community.

Food Crate Ghana is a non-profit organization committed to advancing sustainable food systems, enhancing community livelihoods, and promoting equitable access to nutritious and affordable food. Operating under the Community Seeds and Seedlings Bank Project, the organization collaborated with farmers, food vendors, youth groups, government agencies, and development partners to strengthen the agricultural value chain, reduce food wastage, and improve food security across multiple districts. The organization exists to promote a resilient and sustainable food system in which all communities in Ghana have equitable access to nutritious and affordable food.

The retreat was characterized by health screenings, sensitization activities, and the delivery of essential public services to participants. It is borne out of the Department’s desire to give back to the Srodae Community, which serves as the seat of the Regional Office of the Department.
Over the past few years, the retreat has achieved tremendous success through the incorporation of various activities that addressed the social needs of the community, made possible by the benevolence of private partners. Participants with chronic eye conditions, high blood pressure, and other health-related concerns were screened and offered medical advice free of charge.
During the year under review, the Department expanded the scope of the retreat by increasing the expected number of participants and broadening the range of health screenings conducted. In partnership with Food Crate Ghana, the retreat included a food fair, a free boutique, comprehensive health screenings, and a blood donation exercise.
It was acknowledged that organizing such retreat services required significant capital, human, and financial resources. Consequently, deliberate and strategic resource mobilization was undertaken to support the initiative. The successful execution of the retreat underscored the importance of collaboration between public and private sector actors in achieving community-focused development goals.

The Regional Office remained confident that the activities carried out during the retreat provided a safe and supportive environment for beneficiaries and consolidated the gains made in previous years. The retreat was held on December 22nd, 2025, at the Srodae Office, popularly known as the “Social Welfare,” and recorded the screening of approximately Five Hundred (500) community members. The initiative reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to community welfare, partnership-driven development, and the promotion of inclusive social services.