PROJECT-SUPPORT GHANA

Association Up Development, Zurich, Switzerland

Country / Location

Ghana, Busua

Ghana is located in West Africa and borders the Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Togo, and the Atlantic Ocean. It has around 33 million inhabitants and an area of approximately 238,500 square kilometres. The capital is Accra, which is located on the Atlantic coast. Ghana is known for its stable democracy, its wealth of natural resources, such as gold and cocoa, and its cultural diversity with over 70 ethnic groups.  

Busua is a small fishing village on the west coast of Ghana, about 30 kilometres west of Takoradi, the largest city in the region. It is located directly on the Atlantic Ocean and is known for its wide sandy beach, which is considered one of the best surfing destinations in Ghana. Busua has only a few thousand inhabitants and is a popular destination for tourists. There are some challenges for the local population, such as limited infrastructure in the education and healthcare system.  

General information

Up Development was founded as an association in Zurich in 2018 and pursues a holistic approach aimed at promoting a regenerative lifestyle. The focus is on a wide range of training programmes, from basic to vocational and adult education. The focus is on regenerative agriculture and food systems, renewable energy, sanitation, waste management, naturopathy, and social entrepreneurship.

With a small and dynamic team, Up Development works to promote climate-neutral lifestyles and to pass on knowledge to future leaders. Its own competence centres serve as platforms for sustainable living, in which national and international players can exchange and further develop transdisciplinary knowledge. In close cooperation with the main local partner and other strategic partners, Up Development implements its projects effectively and purposefully, always with the aim of serving as a role model for a sustainable and regenerative future.

Beneficiaries

Since 2018, the Up Development association has been working with its local partner OPC (Obrobibini Peace Complex) in Busua to set up a centre of excellence for regenerative social enterprises and the circular economy. This centre is primarily aimed at the local population, especially young people and young adults, who benefit from practical training.

The centre includes a certified organic farm, a mill for sustainable palm oil, a soap factory, and a sustainable guest house with a restaurant as well as living and training rooms. It serves as a think and learn factory that creates space for cultural exchange and offers tailor-made individual development programmes.

Project-support

Project: Construction and operation of a school and library

The Up Development association is currently in the transition phase from building to commissioning its centre of excellence. The school infrastructure has been completed, and the first training projects have been launched to promote digital competences and reading skills in over 100 children.  

The curriculum comprises three levels: Basic skills (9-15 years): Promotion of music, art and sports, as well as projects to improve digital and language skills. Technical skills (15-18 years): Practical training in catering, carpentry, recycling, and IT to open up career prospects for young people. Entrepreneurial education (18+): Teaching social entrepreneurship through a local business partner, e.g. the University of Ghana.

Evening, weekend and holiday courses are offered for the population to close specific knowledge gaps. From 2025, an IT and STEM laboratory, and the first international library, will be built in Busua. Through active community involvement and long-term planning, the organisation strengthens local capacities and enables sustainable education and development.