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  • ACA Partners Kaeme Cosmetics and Bohten Eyewear to Mark World Sight Day in Akyem Juaso

    As part of this year’s World Sight Day celebrations, Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA), in partnership with Kaeme Cosmetics and Bohten Eyewear, organized a comprehensive skincare and eye health outreach program on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.

    The event, held at Juaso in the Fanteakwa South District of Ghana’s Eastern Region, brought together residents of ACA’s black soap-making communities—Juaso and Bosuso—as well as other members of the wider community for a day dedicated to wellness, education, and preventive healthcare.

    The outreach combined free eye screening services, skincare education, and health talks aimed at improving the overall well-being of local artisans, many of whom are women engaged in the traditional production of black soap—a culturally significant and economically vital product in Ghana and across the globe.

    Empowering Soap Makers Through Health

    ACA, a non-governmental organization that empowers West African communities to take control of their development, recognized that sustaining traditional livelihoods like black soap production must go together with ensuring artisans’ health and wellness.

    “Black soap production requires precision, attention to detail, and the handling of natural materials—often over open fires or in sunlit conditions. Good eyesight is essential,” said Nana Ama Nketia-Quaidoo, ACA’s Director of Community-Driven Development (CDD), during the event.

    “We want our community members to thrive not only economically but physically. This initiative is about supporting the full health and productivity of the people who sustain this cultural craft.”

    Hundreds of community members participated in the free eye screenings, conducted by licensed optometrists. Attendees were examined for common eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and vision impairments, with some receiving referrals for further treatment or corrective lenses.

    Bohten Eyewear, a company known for its eco-conscious and stylish frames, also donated eyewear and provided information about eye care and protection.

    A Holistic Approach to Wellness

    Kaeme Cosmetics, a premium Ghanaian company specialising in personal care products such as shea soufflé, liquid black soap, soy candles and African-print toiletry bags, offered skin care education and product samples to attendees. Their team emphasized the importance of skin protection for artisans regularly exposed to heat, smoke, and harsh environmental conditions during soap production.

    “We believe that beauty and health are interconnected,” said a representative from Kaeme. “Many of the ingredients used in traditional soap making—like shea butter and palm kernel oil—have amazing properties. It’s important for the producers to understand how to protect and nourish their own skin while crafting products that nourish others.”

    The event was interactive and engaging, featuring live demonstrations, Q&A sessions with health professionals, and educational talks on both eye and skin health. Community members also shared personal stories about how vision and skin issues have affected their work, underscoring the importance of regular health screenings and access to information.

    Looking Ahead

    As World Sight Day draws attention globally to the importance of eye health, ACA’s localized celebration in Juaso highlights how targeted, community-driven initiatives can make a tangible impact. The collaboration between ACA, Kaeme Cosmetics, and Bohten Eyewear shows a powerful model of public-private partnership focused on sustainable development and human-centered care.

  • ACA builds climate resilience capacity in Nkoranza South

    As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen community adaptation to climate change, Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA) continues to empower local networks to lead sustainable development initiatives across its partner communities.

    In the Nkoranza South Municipality of the Bono East Region, the Citizens Committee Network (CiCoNet), an advocacy arm of ACA, has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling the impacts of climate change through a capacity-building workshop on climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods.

    The workshop, organized by ACA for CiCoNet, brought together 90 participants from 20 communities within the municipality. Its goal was to deepen community understanding of climate change, promote the adoption of climate-resilient technologies, and explore alternative livelihood strategies to help households thrive amid growing environmental challenges.

    Facilitated by Dr. Kwabina Ibrahim, ACA’s Science Lead, the sessions offered participants practical insights into climate adaptation measures, sustainable agricultural practices, and community-led strategies for mitigating climate risks.

    Dr. Ibrahim underscored the importance of integrating climate awareness into daily activities, emphasizing that: “communities must become climate-oriented to ensure that their livelihoods remain sustainable and thriving despite changing weather conditions.”

    During discussions, Mr. Daniel Akake, a CiCoNet representative from Kyekyewere, called for access to localized rainfall data to better prepare for drought conditions, highlighting the vital role of climate information in community-based planning and resilience building.

    Mrs. So Abapa Boateng, ACA’s Community Trainer in Nkoranza South, reiterated ACA’s commitment to supporting communities through knowledge sharing and innovation and encouraged CiCoNet members to share the knowledge gained with their respective communities and to document best practices for possible replication elsewhere.

    She emphasized that CiCoNet must continue to serve as the active voice of communities at the municipal level, ensuring that community-driven development benefits everyone.

  • Ten communities graduate from FCAP after successful project implementation

    In a colourful and inspiring graduation ceremony at Amanfrom, ten communities in the Abuakwa South Municipality of Ghana’s Eastern Region have been celebrated for the successful completion of their community-driven development projects under the Facilitated Collective Action Process (FCAP). Also called “Oman yie die”, the initiative, led by the Accra-based NGO Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA), is empowering rural communities to identify their own development priorities, mobilize resources, and implement solutions for long-term impact.

    Each of the graduating communities has implemented a unique project tailored to its most pressing needs, achieving tangible results aligned with key success indicators. The ceremony served not only as a recognition of their achievements, but also as a testament to the power of grassroots participation in sustainable development.

    Livelihoods and Economic Empowerment

    To combat unemployment and boost local income, the Apapam community has completed a Pig Farm Venture aimed at reducing unemployment by 5% by 2025. The initiative also targets a 20% income increase for pig traders and a 15% growth in their savings.

    Similarly, Obopekonya has built a Palm Oil Processing Centre that is projected to increase employment among local palm oil producers by 20% and boost the income and savings of palm oil traders by another 20% within a year.

    In Obopeko, residents are already benefiting from a newly constructed Corn Mill Processing Centre, which will allow between 20% to 50% more community members to process their corn and gari locally. The project is expected to raise farmers’ incomes by 20% and drastically reduce the distance they previously had to travel—more than 5km—to process their crops.

    Amanfrom has successfully launched a mini-market project designed to tackle rural unemployment. Projections show the project will reduce unemployment by 15% by 2026, increase market traders’ income by 40%, and raise their savings by 20%.

    Water and Sanitation Improvements

    Access to potable water—a long-standing challenge in many rural communities—was tackled head-on by three of the graduating communities. Asiakwa, Addo Nkwanta, and Adadientem have each completed mechanized borehole projects, significantly improving water access and public health. These projects aim to reduce the average distance to safe water from over 5km to under 1km, cut waterborne diseases from 50% to 10% in the first year, and boost access to clean water by 25% within 18 months.

    Infrastructure for Safety and Trade

    Communities like Bomponso and Lartemu tackled mobility and safety challenges with the construction of Foot Bridges. These critical infrastructures are expected to reduce accidents and fatalities by 15%, improve access to nearby communities by 50%, and boost local trade by 20% within the first year.

    Powering Progress

    The Adortoa community celebrated the successful implementation of an Electricity Extension Project. This game-changing initiative is forecast to increase economic activities by 30%, improve academic outcomes among students by 25%, and enhance security in the community by 40% over the next 12 months.

    A Model for Community-Led Development

    Speaking at the graduation ceremony, representatives from ACA commended the communities for their dedication, unity, and vision. “These projects show that when communities are empowered to take charge of their own development, the results are remarkable. FCAP is not just a process; it’s a movement towards sustainable, people-driven transformation,” ACA’s Senior Trainer, Francis Manu noted.

    Traditional leaders, government representatives, and community members all praised the FCAP initiative, with many calling for its expansion across more districts in the Eastern Region and beyond.

    The Abuakwa South Municipal Chief Executive, Nana Adu Sarpong Addo Aikins, who graced the occasion with his presence, inaugurated the Amanfrom market.

    He assured the gathering of his unwavering commitment towards the completion of the remaining projects being implemented in partnership with ACA.

    As these ten communities move forward, their projects are set to serve as models of success and inspiration for other rural areas seeking to shape their own development paths. The graduation marks a milestone—but for these communities, it is only the beginning of a brighter, self-driven future.

  • From classroom to community: Delta State University scientists and students take science into the field

    What happens when students leave their lecture halls and step into farms, boreholes, and villages? At Delta State University in Abraka, Nigeria, they found out. A community science training workshop, led by Dr. Ibrahim, the main resource person, moved science beyond theory—teaching lecturers, researchers, and students how to practice science with communities, not just for them. The aim was to build a pipeline of local expertise that listens first, tests carefully, and turns results into action.

    Supported by Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA), the sessions blended short lectures with hands-on practicums. Dr. Ibrahim guided participants through the fundamentals of community science, using manuals specially prepared for the training. These manuals covered practical steps—from sampling protocols to interpreting results—and became take-home references for participants, ensuring the learning wouldn’t end with the workshop.

    Student teams worked alongside faculty to design simple, rigorous protocols: how to plan a sampling route, label and store samples, document field conditions, and present results in plain language. For many, it was the first time method met real-world urgency.

    Paul Adjekota, an ACA Science Fellow, mentored mixed groups of students and staff, emphasizing how data should drive decisions. “It’s not just the number,” he reminded them. “It’s what the number makes you do next.”

    Professor Oghenero Ohwoghere-Asuma deepened the water-quality module, showing students how to evaluate borehole placement and interpret coliform results without jargon. In field drills, students practiced pumping and purging, sterile collection, and chain-of-custody steps—then presented what those results would mean to a village committee.

    Dr. (Mrs.) Abushe led the organic manure exercise, turning a patch of ground into a living lab. Students laid out small plots, applied manure at different rates, and logged changes in soil structure and crop vigor. Back in the lab, they compared soil pH, organic matter, and nutrient readings, linking them directly to what they had seen in the field.

    Students’ voices shaped the week. A final-year student admitted: “I used to think statistics ended at the spreadsheet. Now I see how a clear chart can change how a farmer spends money.” A master’s candidate added: “Designing a protocol with the community made me tighten my methods—and my explanations.”

    By the end, the cohort co-authored mini briefs pairing data with action points: move boreholes away from septic systems; lime acidic soils using affordable local materials; combine organic manure with targeted fertilizer only where tests show a gap. Lecturers committed to embedding these modules in their teaching, and students proposed capstones that would return to partner communities to track outcomes in the next farming season.

    The impact is already visible. Equipped with manuals and new skills, small mixed teams of students and staff are ready to support water testing in Igbogidi, soil clinics in DSC and Orhuwhorun, and follow-up trials on organic amendments.

    Delta State University’s lesson is clear: when scientists and students learn to listen, test, and explain, knowledge flows in both ways. Community gains practical tools; the university gains relevance; and a new generation leaves campus ready to turn evidence into healthier water, stronger soils, and better harvests.

  • Can Organic Manure Feed Us? Lessons from a Pilot in DSC

    Across Nigeria, farmers face a hard choice. Chemical fertilizers boost yields quickly, but they are expensive and damage the soil over time. Organic manure is cheaper, safer, and eco-friendly—but many farmers doubt whether it can produce enough food. At the Delta Steel Company (DSC) estate, located at Ovwian-Aladja in the Western Niger Delta, a group of farmers set out to find answers for themselves.

    With support from Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA), they designed a simple experiment. Crops were grown with different amounts of organic manure—5, 10, and 15 tons per hectare—and compared with crops grown using chemical fertilizers alone. For the farmers, it was a chance not just to be taught, but to see and measure the difference with their own eyes.

    The results were clear. Crops treated with well-prepared organic manure produced stronger yields than those grown with chemicals alone. The soil also showed signs of recovery: better structure, improved fertility, and more resilience against erosion. For farmers used to watching their land grow weaker year after year, the change was encouraging.

    Still, the experiment revealed an important lesson—balance matters. Too much manure could cause odor or waterlogging, while too little would not make a difference. The key was to know the right type, the right amount, and the right timing. As one participant put it: “Before, I thought only the fertilizer in the white bag could make crops grow. Now I see that what comes from our animals can feed the soil too.”

    For the DSC farmers, this small pilot was more than a test of manure. It was a glimpse of a future where farming is affordable, sustainable, and healthier for the land. By embracing organic methods, they can reduce dependence on costly chemicals, protect their environment, and still feed their families.

    The lesson is simple but powerful: what we once saw as waste can become a resource. And when farmers themselves lead the way, the solutions are not only practical—they are lasting.

  • Reviving the Soil: Farmers in DSC take science into their own hands

    On the farmlands of the Delta Steel Company (DSC) estate, harvests were shrinking year after year. Farmers tried everything they knew—chemical fertilizers, poultry droppings, even crop rotation—but the land seemed exhausted. Fertilizer costs rose while yields fell, and frustration grew.

    In late 2024, a group of farmers decided to confront the problem differently. With support from Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA), they were introduced to community science—an approach that puts scientific tools directly in the hands of local people. They learned that soil could be tested just like water, and that understanding its “health” could explain why crops were failing.

    The training was practical. Farmers were shown how to clear a patch, dig to 30 cm, collect soil from corners and the base, mix it, dry it in the shade, sieve it, and package it for testing. For many, it was the first time they realized the soil itself could speak—if only someone asked it the right questions.

    When the results came back, the findings made sense of their struggles. The soil was acidic, organic matter was very low, and nutrients like phosphorus and potassium were severely deficient. No wonder crops were yellowing, stunted, or yielding poorly—fertilizers were being applied blindly, sometimes making the situation worse.

    But the story didn’t end with problems. Together, the farmers explored solutions: liming with affordable local materials such as wood ash, periwinkle shells, or ground eggshells; adding fermented cow dung to boost organic matter; and applying fertilizers only when and where the soil demanded it. One farmer reflected: “Before, I thought if harvest was poor, I should just add more fertilizer. Now I know the soil must be tested first.”

    The experience transformed how the community thought about farming. They learned that soil testing not only improves yields but also saves money, prevents waste, and protects health. Instead of relying on guesswork, they now have the knowledge to farm smarter and restore the land.

    The message from DSC is powerful: even “tired” soil can be revived when farmers are empowered with science. And when communities can diagnose their land for themselves, they no longer wait helplessly; they act, protect their livelihoods, and secure their future.

  • Roots of hope: CiCoNet communities in Nkoranza and Osino plant for the future

    In Nkoranza and Osino, members of the Citizens’ Committee Network (CiCoNet) came together to do more than plant trees—they planted resilience. Faced with hotter days, declining soil fertility, and shrinking green cover, these communities, supported by Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA), joined hands to restore their environment one seedling at a time.

    The exercise blended action with education. CiCoNet members, alongside schoolchildren, farmers, and youth groups, discussed why trees matter: they safeguard water sources, enrich soils, provide shade, and buffer the effects of climate change. The seedlings—chosen carefully for the local environment—included both fast-growing species for soil protection and indigenous trees to restore biodiversity.

    In Nkoranza, the local office of the Forestry Commission supported the exercise by donating and supplying seedlings. Schoolchildren proudly carried these young trees to their planting spots, eager to nurture them into the future. One student declared: “This is my tree. I will water it and watch it grow.”

    In Osino, farmers reflected on the past. An elder recalled: “When I was young, our farms had shade and streams. Today the sun is harsher, and the soil is tired. These trees will bring life back.”

    The training emphasized sustainability as much as planting. CiCoNet members and local committees learned how to care for seedlings, protect them from livestock, and monitor their growth. Follow-up visits were planned to ensure the trees would survive and flourish.

    By the end of the day, hundreds of seedlings had taken root—but something deeper had also been planted: a renewed sense of ownership and hope. For Nkoranza and Osino, tree planting through CiCoNet was not just symbolic. It was a living commitment to climate resilience, stronger communities, and healthier futures for generations to come.

  • 20 community members complete legal training on land and property rights

    Twenty representatives from some communities in the Eastern Region, where Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA) operates, have successfully completed a three-day legal training program focused on land and property rights, as well as Ghana’s mining laws.

    The training, organized and facilitated by ACA, sought to strengthen participants’ understanding of the legal framework governing land acquisition, ownership, and registration, while equipping them with the tools to educate their communities on sustainable and lawful practices.

    This program formed part of ACA’s ongoing capacity-building initiative and served as a follow-up to an initial session conducted in April 2025. The series was informed by a needs assessment undertaken by ACA’s Legal Department, which highlighted significant challenges faced by local communities, including disputes over land acquisition and the adverse impacts of mining activities.

    ACA’s legal team led interactive sessions covering Ghana’s legal and regulatory frameworks on land and mining.

    Key legislation

    Participants were introduced to key legislation such as the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703) and its Amendment Act 900 (2015), the Minerals Development Fund Act, 2016 (Act 912), Minerals and Mining (Compensation and Resettlement) Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2175) and the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036).

    The facilitators emphasized that individuals or entities seeking to explore, prospect, or mine minerals must first secure a mineral right through the Minerals Commission, with approval from the sector minister.

    They also highlighted the legal requirement for chiefs, allodial landowners, and District Assemblies to be formally notified of such activities, ensuring transparency and accountability in land use.

    Land ownership

    On land ownership, the Land Act, 2020 (Act 1036) was highlighted as the central law governing acquisition, registration, and ownership. The facilitators underscored the importance of land registration as a safeguard against disputes and a means of securing legal ownership rights. Participants were also briefed on the roles of key institutions such as the Lands Commission, the Office of the Administrator of Stool Lands, and Traditional Authorities in ensuring effective land governance.

    Participants expressed their appreciation for the workshop, noting that the knowledge gained would not only help them protect their rights but also empower them to educate others within their communities.

    Confident

    “Before this training, many of us did not fully understand the laws governing land in Ghana. Now I feel more confident that I can protect my family’s land and help others in my community avoid mistakes. This knowledge is very empowering,” said Asabea Sarah, a representative from the Odumase community in the Eastern Region.

    They also called for similar training programs to be extended to other districts and regions facing similar challenges.

    Through such initiatives, ACA continues to promote community empowerment, legal awareness, and sustainable approaches to land and natural resource governance in Ghana.

    ACA helps West African communities that are threatened by the destructive impacts of extractives-led development to take control of their own futures. ACA works directly with communities to design their own sustainable development plans and advocate to achieve those plans, and it builds and supports networks of lawyers and other professionals that will serve communities in need.

  • ACA-PILIWA Moot Court Competition 2025 Kicks off

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    Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA), in partnership with the Public Interest Lawyering Initiative West Africa (PILIWA), is pleased to announce the inaugural edition of the ACA-PILIWA Moot Court Competition—open exclusively to law students from universities in South-West Nigeria.

    The competition will take place in a hybrid format from 17th to 28th November 2025. The preliminary and the quarter-final rounds will be held virtually while the semi-finals and the final rounds will take place in-person at the College of Law, Caleb University, Magodo City Campus, Lagos State, Nigeria.

    This landmark event aims to inspire the next generation of public interest lawyers by engaging undergraduate law students in critical issues surrounding human rights and environmental justice in Africa.

    Participants will explore the application of regional and international human rights instruments, strengthen their legal research and oral advocacy skills, and deepen their understanding of public interest litigation in contemporary legal and social contexts.

    Interested qualified applicants are to reach out to the organizers via this e-mail address for further information: piliwamoot@advocatesforalternatives.org

    About the Organizers

    Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA)

    Founded in 2016 and incorporated in both the United States and Ghana, ACA is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting West African communities threatened by harmful external development projects. ACA helps communities define and pursue their own vision for sustainable development and actively engages in grassroots activism. The organization also offers legal, technical, and moral support to public interest lawyers advocating human rights, environmental justice, and community land rights.

    Public Interest Lawyering Initiative West Africa (PILIWA)

    The Public Interest Lawyering Initiative for West Africa (PILIWA) is a regional movement of lawyers driven by social justice to serve threatened communities. ACA is the coordinating body for PILIWA, which aims to inspire and train a movement of lawyers that serve communities and assist them to fight for their own vision of the future in the face of pressure from powerful political and economic actors. PILIWA members include individuals and organizations on the front lines of the fight for justice and sustainable development in eight West African countries.

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  • Igbogidi community takes action to protect their water

    When Paul Adjekota, a Science Fellow with Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA), first visited Igbogidi in southern Nigeria, he noticed something alarming: boreholes drilled just a few feet from septic systems.

    Concerned about possible contamination, Paul shared his observation with local leaders. The community agreed — something had to be done.

    The Power of Participation

    Over a dozen community members — including farmers, traders, youth, and elderly people, stepped up to be part of the solution. Under the guidance of Professor Oghenero Asuma, a hydrogeologist from Delta State University, they began learning how to collect and test water samples themselves.

    “I don’t have much schooling,” one mother said during their first meeting, “but I know this is important for our children.”

    What the tests revealed

    Water samples from six sources — four boreholes and two wells — revealed some serious concerns:

    • pH levels ranged from 3.8 to 5.3, meaning the water was acidic and unsafe to drink.
    • Coliform bacteria (1–7 cfu/ml) were present in all samples, indicating contamination likely from nearby septic systems.
    • No heavy metals were found, offering some reassurance that there was no dangerous presence of lead, chromium, or nickel.

    From information to action

    Instead of creating fear, the test results sparked a wave of positive change:

    • Families have begun boiling their water or using chlorine drops to make it safer for drinking.
    • Some households have also started experimenting with periwinkle shells, a local resource, to help reduce acidity in their water.
    • The community made a firm decision to enforce safe distances and proper depth when siting in new boreholes.

    One youth leader shared, “If someone wants to drill a borehole tomorrow, I now know the right depth and distance to insist on.” Another added, “Before, I just fetched water. Now, I understand what makes water safe or dangerous.”

    Planning for the future

    Igbogidi isn’t stopping here. The community has committed to:

    • Repeat water testing every three years
    • Share their knowledge with neighboring villages
    • Monitor future water projects closely

    Already, nearby communities are starting to ask questions about their own water sources — a ripple effect of awareness and empowerment.

    A Model for West Africa

    Igbogidi’s experience is a powerful example of what can happen when science meets community action. In many parts of West Africa, poor borehole placement still threatens public health. But by combining expert guidance with local involvement, communities can take control — ensuring clean, safe water for generations to come.