The epicentre concept is a strategy that unites between 5,000 to 15,000 people in a cluster of villages, to create a dynamic central point, where communities are mobilized for action to meet their basic needs.

Kyempo's weaning off brings to 12 the number of epicentres that have been declared self-reliant by the THP-G out its 45 epicentres across the country.

Established in 2002, the Kyempo Epicentre, serves eight communities and it has facilities such as a food bank, a community bank, a clinic, a library and a conference room.

It had to attain a score of 87.66 per cent during a terminal evaluation exercise by the THP-G, to obtain a self-reliant status.

A self-reliance ceremony to officially mark the exit of THP-G from the epicentre held at Kyempo, Mr. John S. Amoakohene, Director of Programmes of THP-G congratulated all the key actor of the epicentre.

He praised the communities for their relentless efforts towards achieving the enviable milestone.

The Director of Programmes said the epicentre strategy was entirely based on developing and empowering local leadership to spearhead development at the community level.

That was done by building the capacities of the people and motivating them to develop their communities according to their self-identified needs and resources.

"The Hunger Project has adopted an integrated approach to end hunger and poverty on a sustainable basis.

We have found that the issues that faced rural – poverty, health, education and food security can only be resolved, if they are tackled through an integrated approach", he emphasized.

Mr. Amoakohene said the Kyempo Epicenter had exhibited virtually all the self-reliance indicators, which among other things included effective, gender-balance and fully-trained leadership with democratic processes and transparency.

He indicated that there was going to be a post self-reliance evaluation after three years and charged them not to disappoint in performance after the exit of THP-G.

"As we wean the Kyempo Epicenter off today, you are going to be the authors and drivers of your future development. You should therefore be the primary actors in the elimination of hunger and poverty in your communities", he told the excited gathering.

Mr. Alexander Frimpong, the Municipal Chief Executive praised the THP-G for the huge impact it had made in the beneficiary communities in the areas of health, women empowerment and food security.

He said the Assembly appreciated their efforts since most of their interventions were the Assembly's responsibilities and pledged commitment to sustain the gains.

The MCE announced that the Assembly would liaise with the leadership of the epicenter to roll out maintenance and sustainability plan to keep the facility running for the benefit of the people.

Mr. Peter Adobao, Chairman of the Epicentre Committee thanked THP-G for transforming the lives of the people who had benefitted from their interventions over the years.

He said through the epicentre, the people of Kyempo and surrounding communities had access to healthcare while several people, including women had also benefitted from training in various income generating vocations.