In a symbolic ceremony at the Accra Rehabilitation Center, Rosabeth Avio, President of the 2023/24 National Service Personnel at the Ghana Grid Company Ltd. (GRIDCo), led the official handover of a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project aimed at enhancing facilities for the center’s beneficiaries.
The ceremony marked the conclusion of an initiative by GRIDCo's National Service batch, in collaboration with the management and staff, to renovate key sections of the center, including the washroom, office, and tailoring center.
Addressing attendees, Ms. Avio expressed gratitude to GRIDCo management, her dedicated colleagues, and the Accra Rehabilitation Center for their collective support and commitment.
"Together, we have transformed these essential facilities, providing a safe and supportive environment for those who rely on them," she stated.
She emphasized that this collaboration underscores the core values of community impact and partnership that drive GRIDCo’s CSR initiatives.
Acknowledging GRIDCo’s unwavering support, Ms. Avio highlighted the company's dedication to social responsibility and its positive impact on the community.
She also extended appreciation to Mr. Seth and the management of the Accra Rehabilitation Center for their steadfast dedication, which she described as a constant source of motivation for the team.
Beyond the renovations, the project included the provision of new tailoring equipment to aid skill development for the center's beneficiaries.
"Let us remember that this handover represents just the beginning," Avio remarked, stressing the importance of continued support and hope for the future.
She encouraged sustained collaboration to uplift the community and make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals at the center.
“We are proud to be part of such a compassionate and dedicated team,” she said, echoing the commitment of GRIDCo’s National Service Personnel to create a lasting positive impact.
On her part, Manager of Corporate Communication at GRIDCo, Dzifa Bampoe, expressed the company's pride in the NSPs' dedication to giving back to society, despite limited resources.
Madam Bampoe highlighted that the project embodies GRIDCo's commitment to building an inclusive and supportive society.
"Without work, everything crumbles, regardless of one's abilities. This project not only provides resources but also restores dignity to all who use these facilities," she stated.
GRIDCo, as Ghana’s national bulk electricity transmission company, has consistently upheld its role as a responsible corporate citizen, with CSR projects spanning regions from Kpone to Techiman.
According to her, this latest initiative reflects GRIDCo’s Core Values—Responsiveness, Integrity, Safety, Excellence, and Care—values which were championed by NSP President Ms. Rosabeth Avio and her team throughout the project.
The completed CSR project includes: A newly equipped Fashion Center with industrial and manual sewing machines to support skills development in tailoring.
Renovated washroom facilities to ensure safe, accessible, and hygienic conditions for all users.
An upgraded administrative office for the center’s staff, providing a more conducive workspace for effective service delivery.
The fashion center, Madam Bampoe explained, will be a "platform for self-expression and empowerment, enabling beneficiaries to acquire valuable vocational skills in tailoring and design."
GRIDCo aims for the center to help individuals with disabilities gain the skills and confidence to pursue meaningful careers, building self-reliance and reducing dependency.
The renovation of the washrooms was another priority, with Madam Bampoe noting that “safe sanitation facilities are a fundamental health need.”
With GRIDCo’s focus on safety, the upgraded restrooms meet accessibility standards, supporting a respectful and inclusive environment for staff, students, and visitors alike.
The improved administrative office, she added, was designed to support the center’s hardworking staff who coordinate essential programs for those in need.
She recognized the daily challenges they face, expressing hope that the upgraded facilities will enhance their productivity and overall impact.
She encouraged the center's beneficiaries to maximize the resources available, emphasizing that this handover represents "the beginning of a brighter chapter" for the Accra Rehabilitation Center.
“We’re building a future where every person, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to thrive. GRIDCo remains committed to supporting initiatives that uplift communities and create an empowered, inclusive society for all,”
Speaking on behalf of the Accra Rehabilitation Centre, Center Manager Seth Dzidzornu expressed deep gratitude for the transformative project, emphasizing the impact of the renovations on the lives of both residents and staff.
"It has not been easy, especially that washroom," Mr. Dzidzornu shared.
"When I first arrived here as a young engineer, I questioned my role, not realizing I was here to use my skills to change lives. Engineers aren't just here to solve mechanical issues; we're here to bring dignity and hope to the vulnerable," he said, recalling how the inadequate washroom facilities inspired him to advocate for change.
The project, completed with GRIDCo’s support, included a renovated washroom, an upgraded administrative office, and a newly equipped tailoring center.
These improvements are set to enhance the center's vocational training programs and overall operational efficiency. "We now have a washroom that any minister would be proud to use," Mr. Dzidzornu noted, underscoring the quality of the renovations.
Mr. Dzidzornu also commended the dedication of Ms. Rosabeth Avio and her team, recalling the moment when GRIDCo’s NSP team arrived with a pickup truck filled with equipment and supplies.
“It was nearing year-end, and hope was low as many organizations would say their budgets were exhausted,” he said. "But the team arrived, ready to make a difference. I am so grateful to them, to GRIDCo’s management, and to all who contributed."
For Mr. Dzidzornu and his staff, the project is a source of pride and motivation, transforming the center into a space of comfort and opportunity.
"Today, I can confidently show visitors around our center," he remarked. “The washroom and facilities are of a standard we haven’t seen here before, and I am committed to maintaining them for years to come.”
He encouraged the NSPs to carry forward the spirit of service and dedication wherever their careers may lead.
"Wherever you go, use your knowledge to improve the world around you. Your kindness and hard work have brought hope to this center, and for that, we are eternally grateful."
Among the center’s many voices, was Bro Moses, a long-time beneficiary, who expressed heartfelt appreciation for the remarkable transformation of the space he calls home.
“I would say, God bless you,” Bro Moses said, moved by the changes.
“Looking at the way this place used to be and seeing it now, I feel an overwhelming sense of pride. Not only do we have a renovated space, but also new machines that will help us in so many ways.”
For Bro Moses and other beneficiaries, the improvements go beyond fresh paint and repairs.
The upgraded facilities include specialized industrial sewing machines and ten manual sewing machines—tools critical for their vocational training.
"We now have machines that can do more than we ever imagined. We can sew everything from football jerseys to everyday clothing," he said, showcasing the new industrial straight machine and its capabilities.
“These machines will allow us to work better, learn more, and contribute meaningfully,” Bro Moses shared.
“Before, we didn’t have even one hand-sewing machine. Now, we have ten. It’s never happened before. We feel valued and seen.”
As he spoke, Bro Moses extended his gratitude not only to the GRIDCo NSP team but to all who supported the project.
“On behalf of our center and all who benefit from it, I pray that God blesses you abundantly. Wherever this support came from, may it come back to you a hundredfold.”
With these upgrades, the Accra Rehabilitation Center is now better equipped to serve its mission, and for Bro Moses and others, it represents a place of growth, opportunity, and dignity.
Ruth Abanga, CSR Officer for GRIDCo, described the project as an example of leadership and community responsibility in action, adding that “each year, GRIDCo supports our NSPs as they dedicate part of their allowances to a chosen project.
This year, they wanted to make an impact through inclusivity, and they selected the Accra Rehabilitation Center as their beneficiary institution.”
The NSPs conducted a needs assessment at the center and identified several critical areas requiring renovation, including a four-unit washroom block that had been shut down due to disrepair.
They refurbished everything, from the floors to the fixtures, ensuring the washrooms would now meet the needs of the center’s residents.
In addition, the team renovated the center's fashion department, which was previously lacking equipment and in poor condition.
They upgraded the space, installed new industrial sewing machines, and replaced the flooring, empowering beneficiaries with a more suitable environment for skill development.
The initiative, which has been part of GRIDCo’s Corporate Social Responsibility for seven years, paused briefly due to COVID-19 but resumed last year with full force.
"This program not only provides essential improvements to communities but fosters a sense of responsibility in our young service personnel," Madam Abanga explained.
“We hope that as these young people grow, they will carry forward the values of giving back to society.”
To maintain the longevity of this year’s renovation, GRIDCo will continue monitoring the project, with local area managers tasked with overseeing the facilities.
The Accra Rehabilitation Center’s management has committed to preserving this investment, a sentiment she echoed with optimism.
“We trust that this commitment will inspire other organizations to invest in similar initiatives.”
Madam Abanga also called upon other institutions to encourage similar projects among young leaders.
“These young people are our future, and though they may have limited resources, learning to give even a little can make a big impact. This investment goes beyond infrastructure; it’s about creating a culture of community service and empathy.”
With the success of this year’s project, GRIDCo’s NSPs have demonstrated how inclusive efforts can transform institutions and lives, showcasing the meaningful impact that collaboration and compassion can bring to the less privileged.
The initiative, chosen and led entirely by this year’s cohort of GRIDCo National Service Personnel, involved extensive renovations to key facilities and was valued at over GHc120,000.
Also present at the handing over ceremony were Madam Helina Asante, Principal Communications Officer, GRIDCo and Ing. Benjamin Kwame Ahunu, Manager, Accra Area Southern Network Department.
Citations were presented to some deserving individuals.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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