Does the word Durbar bring to mind a delicious brand of Dutch chocolate or maybe a new chain of coffee shops? In Ghana, Durbar is the name of a special town meeting.

The topic for discussion at a Durbar is usually a pressing issue that affects everyone in the town or village. The Durbar held in July in the village of Otinibi turned out to be more of a celebration than a meeting to work through a crisis or a set of problems facing the community. The chief and elders of the village called this particular Durbar to announce TPRF’s intention to establish a Food for People center in Otinibi. Ghana government officials, as well as TPRF officials, attended the event. The Otinibi villagers responded to the announcement with joy, relief, and gratitude.

To gain insight on the enormous impact that the model Food for People program can have on the quality of life in this region, watch the inspiring and revealing twelve-minute video, Flame of Hope.

The Durbar began with an opening prayer followed by a warm welcome from the Otinibi School Headmistress, Ms. Grace Ninsa. She expressed hope that the new facility would bring hunger relief to the pupils. Chief Nii Kweidza Mansa III then expressed his gratitude to the TPRF officials in attendance. He pledged full cooperation from everyone in the village to ensure the success of the project.

Next, Mr. Emmanuel Adjei introduced several key project members. Emmanuel and his business partner, Sam Dsane, own a small construction company and have offered to provide construction services and materials to build the Food for People center at cost (no profit). In addition, Emmanuel and Sam are helping to coordinate all aspects of the project. Emmanuel spoke to the gathering about the humanitarian activities of TPRF’s founder, Prem Rawat, and his tours around the world addressing audiences large and small about the possibility of peace.

Before the closing ceremony, a group of young Otinibi students recited a poem they had written for the occasion.