Axim, the capital of the Nzema East Municipal District in Ghana’s Western Region, is a vibrant coastal town of roughly 27,000 to 30,000 people. Known for its rich cultural heritage, striking beaches, and historical significance dating back to the 1500s, it is both a living piece of Ghana’s history and a community with vast untapped potential. Once a prominent trading hub for gold and timber, Axim remains a centre for fishing and agriculture, yet its economy and infrastructure face challenges that limit opportunities for its residents.
The majority of Axim’s economically active population works in agriculture, fishing, and small-scale manufacturing, with 90 percent of the workforce in the informal sector. Fishing seasons dictate the economic rhythm of the town, bringing prosperity during peak months and economic slowdowns during the off-season. While the area produces abundant natural resources, much of its fishing and farming is done using traditional methods, limiting output and incomes. This seasonal dependency contributes to high underemployment and poverty rates, particularly among women and youth.
The Haven Place Foundation has emerged as a critical force for change in Axim, tackling barriers to education and creating opportunities for community upliftment. Initiatives such as the After-School Programme, provision of sanitary materials to combat period poverty, school feeding through local women caterers, and infrastructure development for schools directly address the link between education and long-term community development. These interventions not only improve student outcomes but also inject economic activity into the community by engaging local entrepreneurs and service providers.
The need for donors and investors is clear. Donor funding can scale the Foundation’s work by expanding after-school programmes, improving school infrastructure, providing vocational training, and supporting women-led SMEs that process and add value to local produce. These investments will strengthen Axim’s economic base, reduce seasonal vulnerabilities, and equip the next generation with the education and skills needed to break the cycle of poverty.
For impact investors, Axim offers fertile ground for socially responsible ventures in agribusiness, eco-tourism, artisanal fisheries, and small-scale manufacturing. Strategic investment here can yield both measurable social benefits and sustainable financial returns.
Supporting the Haven Place Foundation is a direct way to catalyse this transformation. Every contribution fuels programmes that keep students in school, empower women, and build the economic resilience of the entire community. With Axim’s rich history, cultural vibrancy, and resource potential, targeted donor and investor engagement can help the town reclaim its position as a thriving hub, this time driven by inclusive growth and sustainable development.