Advocates for Community Alternatives

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  • Expanding Impact: FCAP Heads to West Mamprusi

    We’re excited about the steady progress in expanding our community-driven development model, FCAP, to the West Mamprusi Municipality in Ghana’s North-East Region.

    Earlier this week, a seven-member delegation from West Mamprusi visited Abuakwa South Municipality to gain firsthand insight into how FCAP works. This follows a prior engagement where ACA, Spark Microgrants, and Water and Sanitation for Urban Populations visited West Mamprusi.

    Led by ACA’s Project Manager Godfred Osei Nimako, Senior Trainer Francis Manu, and Community Trainer Joseph Obeng, the team toured Kyebi Akwadum, Owuratwum, Addo Nkwanta, and Ahinkwa Sisi. They engaged with community members, observed ongoing projects, and met with officials of the Abuakwa South Municipal Assembly.

    The momentum is clear – FCAP is set to extend its life-changing impact to many more communities nationwide.

    West Mamprusi Delegation:
    * Sebiyam Ali – Senior Technician Engineer
    * Elijah Adam – Assistant Development Planning Officer
    * Mustapha Umar – Assistant Director I/ Head, Central Administration Unit
    * Suale Sulemana – Head, Physical Planning Department
    * Alhaji Wahab Ibrahim – Head, Social Welfare & Community Development
    * Beni – Physical Planning Officer
    * Abdul Nafiwu Mahama – Assistant Development Planning Officer

  • Strengthening “Oman Yie Die”: CDD Sharpens Strategy for Nationwide Expansion

    Strengthening “Oman Yie Die”: CDD Sharpens Strategy for Nationwide Expansion

    ACA’s Community-Driven Development (CDD) Department continues to build its capacity to effectively implement its flagship Facilitated Collective Action Process (FCAP), widely known in Ghana as “Oman Yie Die.”

    At its team session in Osino in the Eastern Region, the team reviewed and refined the FCAP model to enhance its impact and future implementation.

    Project Manager Godfred Osei Nimako opened the session with a forward-looking update, announcing the expansion of FCAP to 200 additional communities, 100 in northern Ghana and 100 in the south.

    In the Eastern Region, Abuakwa South, Fanteakwa North, and Suhum Municipal have been selected for the next phase, alongside six communities in Nkoranza South.

    Senior Trainer Francis Manu led a practical session on the key steps in rolling out FCAP, while ACA Legal Officer Bridget Kartey provided guidance on land acquisition and its legal framework.

  • Celebrating Excellence & Impact in Our Communities!

    Celebrating Excellence & Impact in Our Communities!

    At today’s graduation ceremony of 22 communities held at Owuratwum near Kyebi in Abuakwa South, a truly inspiring moment unfolded.

    Five communities—Boateh, Owuratwum, Ntabea, Adukrom, and Atwemamena—came together to honor one of our exceptional Senior Trainers, George Nafiu Mpoah, with a special award. This recognition celebrates his unwavering dedication and commitment to the successful implementation of the Oman Yie Die projects across these communities.

    Your passion and hard work continue to transform lives and uplift communities.

    Congratulations, George, for making ACA proud!

  • 22 Communities Graduate as ACA Transforms Lives with Sustainable Projects in Eastern Region

    22 Communities Graduate as ACA Transforms Lives with Sustainable Projects in Eastern Region

    Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA), an Accra-based NGO, has held a colorful graduation ceremony at Owuratwum near Kyebi in the Abuakwa South Municipality, marking the completion of the Facilitated Collective Action Process (FCAP), locally known as Oman yie die, in 22 communities.

    In partnership with the Abuakwa South, Atiwa West, and Fanteakwa South district assemblies, ACA has delivered a range of sustainable projects over recent years. These include school blocks, teachers’ quarters, a CHPS compound, a doctor’s bungalow, mechanized boreholes, electrification project, a soap-making center, and a poultry farm – significantly improving local living conditions.

    A key highlight of the event was the inauguration of a newly constructed three-unit kindergarten block at Owuratwum under the program.

    Speaking at the ceremony, ACA’s Project Manager, Godfred Osei Nimako, traced the organization’s work in the Eastern Region to 2020, following earlier efforts in Nkoranza South in the Bono East Region.

    “After successful pilot projects in Sagyemase, Nsuapemso, and Juaso, ACA expanded in 2023 to reach more communities across the three districts. So far, ACA’s interventions have benefited 34 of 56 communities in Abuakwa South, 28 of 32 in Fanteakwa South, 20 in Atiwa West, and 24 in Nkoranza South”, he stated.

    Mr. Nimako urged beneficiary communities to maintain the projects and continue mobilizing local resources for further development.

    He emphasized that the Oman yie die initiative aims to revive communal cooperation and self-help traditions.

    He also announced plans to extend the program to 200 additional communities nationwide over the next two years.

    Local leaders, including the Assembly Member of Odumasi Electoral Area, Collins Akonnor and Ankobeahene of Owuratwum, Nana Oturoku Danquah III , expressed gratitude to ACA and community members for the achievements.

  • A Symbol of Togetherness: Boateh’s new durbar ground officially opened

    A Symbol of Togetherness: Boateh’s new durbar ground officially opened

    Boateh, a quiet farming community in the Abuakwa South Municipality, was filled with colour, music and celebration last Tuesday as residents gathered to witness the official inauguration and handover of a newly constructed Durbar Ground.

    The project, a collaboration between Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA), the Abuakwa South Municipal Assembly and the people of Boateh, marks another milestone in community-driven development within the municipality. It was implemented under ACA’s Oman yie die project, a community-driven development mechanism, that empowers local communities through planning, implementation and microgrants.

    What made the occasion particularly significant was not just the unveiling of a physical structure, but the story of unity and collective effort behind it.

    Speaking during the occasion, ACA’s Senior Trainer Francis Manu described the event as more than the commissioning of a project.

    “Today is not just the commissioning of a project,” he said. “Today is the commissioning of unity, vision, and self-belief.”

     

    He noted that through the FCAP process, the people of Boateh chose not to wait for development to come to them, but instead took the bold step to plan, decide and work together to bring their vision to life.

    “You didn’t wait to be developed; you chose to develop yourselves. You planned together. You decided together. You worked together. And today, you celebrate together,” he stated to loud applause.

    Drawing on Akan proverbs to underscore the spirit of togetherness, Mr. Manu quoted, “Nsa baako nkura adesoa” (One hand cannot lift a load), explaining that the Durbar Ground stands as proof that when hands come together, burdens become lighter and dreams become achievable.

    He added another proverb, “Baakofoɔ nsa ntɔ dua” (One person’s hand cannot fell a tree), emphasizing that the strength of the community lies in its unity. According to him, Boateh’s achievement demonstrates that development is not imported but built from within.

    Mr. Manu urged the community to see the Durbar Ground as only the beginning. As an income-generating project, he encouraged residents to remain accountable to one another, mobilize funds, revisit their community development vision board, and collectively pursue their next project.

    “If you could achieve this together, then you can achieve more,” he charged. “Tell the world that you did it together, and you can do it again and again.”

    Representing the Municipal Chief Executive, the Abuakwa South Municipal Planning Officer, Aaron Addo Yirenkyi, reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to its partnership with ACA and revealed that the collaboration has so far resulted in the implementation of 33 community-driven projects across the municipality.

    He commended the people of Boateh for their unity and determination in executing the Durbar Ground project, expressing admiration for their spirit of volunteerism.

    “The Assembly values and treasures its partnership with ACA,” he said, adding that Boateh’s example reflects what communities can accomplish when they take ownership of development initiatives.

    On behalf of the community, the Chief of Boateh, Dade Mantse Tetteh Kwabena, expressed profound gratitude to ACA and the Municipal Assembly for their support. He appealed for continued collaboration and more development projects to improve the area.

    As drums echoed across the new grounds and residents mingled in celebration, one message resonated clearly: the Durbar Ground is more than a gathering space. It is a symbol of togetherness, courage and community power, a testament that when Boateh walks together, it moves forward together.

  • Confidence Dominic Bedzina: Blending Academic Excellence with Practical Development Leadership

    Confidence Dominic Bedzina: Blending Academic Excellence with Practical Development Leadership

    The two-week in-person training for our three Fellows finally ended last Friday. Even as our Fellows zoom into the next phase of their training, which will mostly be through online, we want to know more about one of them – Confidence Dominic Bedzina.

    Confidence is a purpose-driven development professional with a strong blend of academic excellence, project leadership, and community service.

    Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Development Management at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Confidence brings a solid foundation in Banking and Finance from the University of Professional Studies, Accra, complemented by years of hands-on experience in development-oriented projects.

    His career reflects a deep commitment to social impact, particularly in child, youth, and community development initiatives supported by both local and international partners.

    With proven expertise in project management, financial oversight, and community development, Confidence has successfully served leadership roles across multiple non-profit and volunteer organizations.

    As Director of Projects at the Amankwakrom Pentecost Child & Youth Development Centre, he oversees impactful, Compassion International–assisted programs, ensuring accountability, sustainability, and measurable outcomes.

    His professional journey also highlights strong competencies in monitoring and evaluation, global health project management, and leadership—skills further strengthened through certifications from the University of Washington and GIMPA.

    Known for his proactive mindset, teamwork, and excellent communication skills, Confidence Dominic Bedzina is a disciplined, results-oriented professional eager to contribute meaningfully to reputable institutions and development-focused organizations.

  • Juliet Nyarko Adansi: Advancing Gender Equality and Youth Empowerment Through Transformative Development Leadership

    Juliet Nyarko Adansi: Advancing Gender Equality and Youth Empowerment Through Transformative Development Leadership

    Today, we put the spotlight on Juliet Nyarko Adansi, one of our three Fellows. Juliet is a Ghanaian development practitioner passionate about advancing gender equality, youth empowerment, and inclusive education across Africa. She is committed to creating safe and supportive environments where girls and young people can thrive, learn, and lead.

    She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in International Gender Equality Studies from the University of Iceland and a Postgraduate Diploma in Monitoring & Evaluation from GIMPA. Juliet earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where she developed a strong grounding in social systems, community development, and gender analysis.

    Juliet currently serves as the Ghana Programs Manager for Seeds of Fortune Inc., where she oversees national program implementation supporting African girls in leadership development, financial literacy, and scholarship access.

    She is also the Founder and Executive Director of the JOYA Foundation and the visionary behind the Keep Her in School Project, which she has led since 2021 to address menstrual health education and gender-based barriers affecting girls’ academic participation.

    Her work has recorded notable successes, including reaching over ten communities with menstrual health education, strengthening school-based gender awareness, and supporting girls and young women to access leadership and learning opportunities. Juliet has held several leadership and representation roles, including serving as Ghana’s Regional Leader for the UN Foundation’s Girl Up initiative, a National Coordinator for the African Union’s Centre of Excellence for Girls’ and Women’s Education in Africa (AU CIEFFA), a member of the She Africa Movement, and a Youth Delegate to the Council of Europe, where she contributed to youth policy dialogue and international advocacy.

    In 2025, Juliet worked as a consultant on the develoPPP Ventures Ghana program with TKC Africa and GIZ/GreenTec, supporting startup selection, due diligence, and ecosystem convening. Across her journey, she has worked with organizations including The Pearl Safe Haven and Obaapa Development Foundation.

    Looking ahead, Juliet plans to deepen community-led development practice, scale the Keep Her in School Instructor Training Program nationally, and strengthen JOYA Foundation as a platform for sustainable youth and women-focused interventions across Ghana.

    We at ACA are delighted to have you on board this year’s Sora Kaufman Fellowship. Congrats!

  • Richmond Amada-Smith: A results-oriented development practitioner driving social impact in Ghana

    Richmond Amada-Smith: A results-oriented development practitioner driving social impact in Ghana

    In a time when effective leadership, accountability, and innovation are critical to sustainable development, Richmond Amada-Smith steadily distinguished himself as a committed development practitioner and project management professional with a strong passion for social transformation.

    Richmond, who is one of the three Sora Kaufman Fellows currently undergoing a two-week training, has over a decade of experience spanning project management, public administration, entrepreneurship development, and community sensitization and has contributed meaningfully to development initiatives across education, agribusiness, health, sanitation, and youth empowerment sectors in Ghana and beyond.

    Currently serving as the Project Director at Heritage Charity Foundation (HCF) in Sunyani, Richmond plays a leading role in designing, coordinating, and implementing development projects aimed at improving livelihoods and strengthening community resilience. His work focuses on stakeholder engagement, resource management, monitoring and evaluation, and impact reporting, ensuring that development interventions are both effective and sustainable.

    “Development must be inclusive, data-driven, and people-centered,” Richmond often emphasizes in his project engagements.

    Driving Change

    Since assuming his role at Heritage Charity Foundation in 2014, Richmond has spearheaded numerous sensitization and awareness programs in agribusiness, education, health, sanitation, and natural resource management. His responsibilities include preparing detailed development plans and project proposals, conducting baseline surveys, and leading monitoring and evaluation exercises.

    Under his leadership, HCF has strengthened its project accountability frameworks and improved community participation through structured stakeholder consultations. His ability to translate community needs into actionable project designs has earned him respect among development partners and local leaders.

    Richmond’s professional strength lies not only in execution but also in documentation and reporting, ensuring transparency and donor confidence through comprehensive project reports.

    Public Service

    Beyond the NGO space, Richmond demonstrated exceptional administrative competence during his voluntary service as Acting District Director at the National Service Scheme in Sunyani from 2015 to 2019. In this role, he was responsible for supervising service personnel, preparing monitoring and evaluation plans, processing payment vouchers, and producing quarterly and annual reports for the district.

    He also coordinated workshops for national service personnel, enhancing their professional orientation and effectiveness. His attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage complex administrative processes contributed significantly to the smooth operation of the district office.

    Entrepreneurship and youth empowerment

    Richmond’s passion for youth development and entrepreneurship found expression during his tenure as Country Manager for the Global Entrepreneurship Bootcamp (GEB) from 2018 to 2019. Based in Accra, he led national efforts to promote entrepreneurship education, mobilize Ghanaian participation, and create a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.

    He successfully formed and led national delegations to international bootcamps and organized national-level entrepreneurship programs aimed at nurturing innovation, business leadership, and startup growth among young entrepreneurs.

    His work with GEB positioned Ghana more prominently on the global entrepreneurship map while empowering local innovators with exposure, mentorship, and global networks.

    Academic and professional training

    Richmond’s professional journey is backed by a solid academic foundation. He holds a Master of Business Management in Project Management from the National Institute of Business Management in Chennai, India. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Management Studies from the University for Development Studies in Wa, alongside a Diploma in Social Work from the School of Social Work in Accra.

    This multidisciplinary educational background equips him with a balanced understanding of management, social development, and human-centered approaches to policy and project implementation.

    Global exposure

    Richmond’s impact extends beyond Ghana. He has participated in several prestigious international development and leadership programs, including internships and conferences in Germany, Brazil, Russia, South Africa, and Hong Kong. Notable among these are the Westerwelle Foundation programs in Berlin, the Apprenticeship for Good by The DO School in Rio de Janeiro, and the World Festival of Youth and Students in Sochi.

    These global experiences have broadened his perspective on sustainable development, innovation, and cross-cultural collaboration.

    Sustainable development

    Highly self-motivated, adaptable, and results-oriented, Richmond Amada-Smith continues to pursue excellence through professionalism, integrity, and lifelong learning. With strong competencies in project management, reporting, stakeholder engagement, and team leadership, he remains committed to making a lasting positive impact wherever he serves.

    As Ghana and the global community navigate complex development challenges, professionals like Richmond stand out as drivers of practical solutions, inclusive growth, and sustainable change.

     

  • Cohort 2 of the Sora Kaufman Fellowship Kicks Off Intensive Training in Asiakwa

    Cohort 2 of the Sora Kaufman Fellowship Kicks Off Intensive Training in Asiakwa

    Three individuals selected for the second cohort of the prestigious Sora Kaufman Fellowship, have arrived safely at Asiakwa in the Abuakwa South Municipality of Ghana’s Eastern Region to on a two-week intensive training program. They are Amada-Smith Richmond, Bedzina Confidence Dominic, and Juliet Nyarko Adansi.

    The fellowship, widely recognized as ACA’s flagship initiative, is dedicated to cultivating a vibrant network of African leaders committed to advancing community-driven development (CDD) and grassroots advocacy across the continent.

    The program is designed for practitioners working directly with communities and local institutions to address systemic challenges that limit citizens’ participation in governance and decision-making.

    Through hands-on learning, collective exchanges, and strategic networking, the fellowship strengthens expertise in collective action, human rights, advocacy, and local governance systems.

    This year’s cohort follows the successful completion of a month-long immersive training by the inaugural group, whose impact continues to ripple across their respective communities.

    Opening session

    The opening ceremony will bring together distinguished leaders and facilitators who embody the vision of the fellowship. ACA’s Executive Director, Jonathan Kaufman; the Municipal Chief Executive of the Abuakwa South Municipal Assembly, Nana Adu Sarpong Addo-Aikins; and ACA’s Director of Community-Driven Development, Nana Ama Nketia-Quaidoo, will welcome the fellows. Members of Cohort 1 will also participate to share insights, inspire the new fellows, and foster cross-cohort learning.

    Following the welcome session, fellows will explore their expectations, fears, and ground rules, creating a transparent environment that promotes trust and collaboration. An official ACA/Fellowship Agreement Signing will formalize their commitment to the program’s values and objectives.

    The core of the training will introduce fellows to the essential pillars of CDD. Sessions will cover the introduction to community driven development, theories and concepts of collective action and rudiments, stages, advantages, and challenges of collective action

    These modules will guide fellows in understanding how collective mobilization influences sustainable development outcomes and community resilience.

    Daily evaluations and reflections will ensure continuous learning and adaptation, strengthening fellows’ ability to critically assess their roles as development practitioners.

    Field-Based Learning: FCAP in Practice

    A major highlight of the first week will be a field visit to observe a Facilitated Collective Action Plan (FCAP) meeting. Here, fellows will witness how different segments of a community contribute to local decision-making processes, an eye-opening opportunity to see collective action unfold in real time.

    After the field experience, fellows will return for a detailed debrief, unpacking their observations and articulating how these lessons can be applied in diverse development contexts.

    Community stay

    Midway through the program, fellows will pack up for a transformative community stay, departing to the Papaye Recreational Village. This immersion is designed to strengthen understanding of CDD principles by allowing fellows to live, engage, and work closely with community members.

    Upon return, a structured session will invite fellows to reflect on their experiences with community life, challenges encountered, personal and professional insights gained and what could be done differently in future CDD engagements

    These reflections are expected to deepen empathy, refine field skills, and broaden perspectives on people-centered development.

    Storytelling, Stakeholder Engagement, and Work-Life Balance

    As the training progresses, fellows will participate in a special webinar on effective communication and storytelling, equipping them with tools to document and share community impact stories compellingly.

    Another critical module will focus on stakeholder engagement with MMDAs, local authorities, chiefs, and community structures. Fellows will learn best practices for navigating local governance systems, a vital skill for any community development practitioner.

    Additional sessions will address monitoring and evaluation techniques, balancing family life, health ethics, and demanding development work, overview of post–on-site fellowship activities

    These sessions ensure that fellows not only develop technical competence but are also prepared for the personal and emotional demands of development practice.

    Looking Ahead

    With its blend of theory, practice, reflection, and community immersion, the Sora Kaufman Fellowship continues to establish itself as a leading program shaping Africa’s next generation of community development leaders.

    As Cohort 2 begins their journey in Asiakwa, they carry forward a growing legacy, one grounded in collaboration, empowerment, and a deep commitment to ensuring communities across Africa have a stronger voice in shaping their own development futures.

  • A Powerful Finale: Celebrating Excellence at the 2025 ACA–PILIWA Moot Court Competition

    A Powerful Finale: Celebrating Excellence at the 2025 ACA–PILIWA Moot Court Competition

    After two weeks of rigorous advocacy, sharp legal reasoning, and inspiring displays of young talent, the 2025 ACA–PILIWA Moot Court Competition has officially come to a close — leaving behind not just winners, but a renewed sense of purpose for public interest law across West Africa.

    From the virtual preliminary rounds to the grand in-person finale at the College of Law, Caleb University, the competition brought together some of the brightest law students from across South-West Nigeria to interrogate critical issues of human rights and environmental justice. Each round reflected the depth of preparation, resilience, and intellectual courage that defines the next generation of public interest lawyers.

    After an intense and highly competitive final round, the champions emerged:

    🥇 First Position: Lagos State University (LASU)

    🥈 Second Position: Caleb University

    🥉 Third Position: Olabisi Onabanjo University

    Special honours were also awarded to outstanding individual and team performances:

    🏆 Best Oralist: Baruwa Haliyah (Caleb University) — for her exceptional courtroom presence, clarity, and persuasive advocacy.

    📄 Best Memorial: University of Lagos — for the depth, structure, and legal brilliance of their written submissions.

    Beyond the rankings, this competition achieved something even more profound: it sharpened minds, built confidence, and strengthened commitment to justice. Participants explored the practical application of regional and international human rights instruments, tested their advocacy skills under pressure, and engaged meaningfully with the realities of public interest litigation in Africa.

    Through this initiative, Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA), the Public Interest Lawyering Initiative for West Africa (PILIWA), and Caleb University have once again reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to nurturing young advocates and promoting social justice, environmental protection, and human dignity across the continent.

    As the curtains fall on this historic inaugural edition, one truth stands clear:

    The future of public interest law in Africa is bold, brilliant, and already in motion.