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  • Hope on the rise: Grassroots communities in Ghana build big dreams with small grants

    In the heart of Ghana’s Bono East and Eastern Regions, something extraordinary is happening — not from the top down, but from the ground up.

    Jonathan Kaufman, Executive Director of Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA), recently toured five rural communities where residents are rolling up their sleeves and transforming their lives through a bold initiative known as the Facilitated Collective Action Process (FCAP), locally dubbed “Oman yie die.”

    With support from ACA and $8,000 in seed funding per community, places like Asuano, Johnkrom, and Nkwabeng in Nkoranza South, along with Ntabea and Abesim Yeboah in Abuakwa South, are turning microgrants into major milestones.

    In Asuano, construction is well underway on a new three-unit Junior High School block, complete with an ICT lab and teacher offices — a dream come true for students who previously studied under trees or in cramped conditions. In Johnkrom, women and youth are eagerly watching a new gari processing and milling center take shape — a move expected to boost local income and food security.

    But perhaps the most ambitious vision comes from Nkwabeng. Originally aiming for an outpatient department, the community is now rallying additional funds to build a 24-room health facility. Their goal is to upgrade their modest clinic into a fully functional polyclinic — a leap forward in rural healthcare.

    “These communities are not waiting for change — they’re building it,” said Mr. Kaufman. “And what’s even more inspiring is how openly and honestly, they’re doing it. I attended two accountability sessions where community leaders detailed every cedi spent. This kind of transparency sets a gold standard.”

    The ACA team, including Director of Community-Driven Development, Nana Ama Nketia-Quaidoo, also met with local government officials who are not just observing, but actively participating. Nkoranza South’s MCE, Godfred Dapaah, was praised for helping secure vital permits, including clearing hurdles with the Forestry Commission to allow timber harvesting for roofing.

    In Atiwa West, the spirit of partnership was equally strong. District Chief Executive, Amo Johnson Anom, personally donated building materials to a community project and even mediated a local conflict, urging unity for the greater good.

    “These leaders are not just sitting in offices — they’re getting their hands dirty for their people,” Mr. Kaufman added.

    Nana Ama noted that despite setbacks like seasonal storms and occasional leadership disputes, progress has been swift and spirited.

    “In just two months, most projects already have their roofs on. The communities have gone above and beyond — raising funds locally, contributing to labor, and staying resilient. That’s real ownership,” she said.

    From new classrooms to life-saving health facilities and income-generating centers, these projects are a testament to what happens when communities lead their own development — with a little support and a lot of heart.

  • Marginalized Affected Property Owners (MAPO) enjoins Koidu Ltd, Octea group of Companies

    The Sierra Leonean Court of Appeal today extended an interim injunction brought against the Koidu Limited Mining Company, a major mining company operating in Koidu City Tankoro Chiefdom, Kono District to next Monday July 28th, 2025. The injunction application, brought before the court by the Marginalized Affected Property Owners (MAPO) was first upheld last Thursday in Freetown.

    The court’s order prohibits the company (Koidu/Octéa mining company limited) from selling, disposing of or in any way alienating any of its properties.

    On Thursday 17th, July 2025, the court granted an interim injunction against Koidu Limited Mining Company, a major mining company operating in Koidu City Tankoro Chiefdom, Kono District.

    This legal action was initiated following a request made by the lawyering firm C&J Partners, working with the Network Movement for Justice and Development (NMJD), with support from the Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA).

    The injunction is a temporary measure, pending further legal proceedings. The court has scheduled a hearing for Monday 21st, July 2025, where both the complainants and the defendants will present oral or electronic arguments, each side allocated 20 minutes to state their case.

    This case is expected to have broader implications for corporate accountability and community rights in Sierra Leone’s mining communities.

    At today’s hearing, the motion was converted to inter partes. Counsel for the company pleaded that due to the other injunctions pending against the company, he would like the court and the applicants to be served with those papers in the form of an affidavit in opposition.

    Counsel for the applicants are expected to file an affidavit in reply.

    Brief background

    Koidu Limited is a diamond mining company that operates in Sierra Leone and is privately owned by BSG Resources Limited (BSGR) through its subsidiary, Octéa Limited. The company is accused of degrading the living conditions of people living near its mining operations and failing to properly relocate them or compensate them for their losses.

    Residents who have not been relocated find it increasingly difficult to farm because waste rock and rubble from Koidu Ltd.’s operations have covered much of their farmland. “Koidu Limited has destroyed our lives,” said Mr. Prince Boima, Chairman of the Marginalized Affected Property Owners Association. “We used to farm and live in peace, but now our lands and water sources are poisoned and covered in rubble. Our homes are shaken by explosives every day.”

    Residents also report that their health has suffered. Dust from the mining operations often cover the community and causes headaches, difficulty breathing, and a burning sensation in the residents’ eyes. The operations have also contaminated the water, and many residents develop skin rashes and digestive problems they did not previously experience. High stress from living with frequent blasting further causes headaches, high blood pressure, heart palpitations, and respiratory problems in the community.

    Despite promising to properly relocate affected community members in advance of expanding its mining operations, Koidu Ltd. has left the people to suffer.  Many community members have neither been relocated, nor compensated for the damage to their properties, health, and livelihoods.  Others have been relocated to a new area, but the conditions of relocation have been incommensurate with what they lost.

    In all these, Koidu Limited had closed the mine, laid off all its workers, and was stripping valuable machinery from the site. The mine site is currently stripped of everything of value except for the power plant and is abandoned except for a token detachment of police officers who are keeping guard. This prompted the plaintiffs to freeze the company’s assets to ensure that there would be enough left to satisfy an eventual judgment in favor of their favour.

    The community is supported in its fight for justice by Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA), a Ghana-based human rights organization, and Network Movement for Justice and Development (NMJD), a Sierra Leonean civil society organization that organizes communities for a more just society in the face of natural resource extraction.

  • Eric Anorrey named the Most Outstanding Sora Kaufman Fellow for 2025

    In the heart of Ghana’s Bono Region, a quiet revolution is taking place. It’s not led by politicians or corporations, but by a determined young change-maker named Eric Anorrey who has been named as the Most Outstanding Sora Kaufman Fellow 2025. His recognition is not merely a personal accolade—it is a resounding endorsement of a vision that centers communities as architects of their own development.

    The Sora Kaufman Fellowship is an Advocates for Community Alternatives’ flagship program to establish a network of African leaders and practitioners in the field of community-driven development and advocacy. This exchange program targets practitioners who collaborate with relevant stakeholders to tackle community and systemic challenges that hinder the accessibility and involvement of citizens in decision-making.

    For emerging as the Most Outstanding Sora Kaufman Fellow 2025, Mr. Anorrey is receiving a $10,000 grant from the Fellowship to embark on a community-driven initiative designed to improve the economic wellbeing of 20 vulnerable women in the Sunyani Municipality, including teenage mothers and unemployed women below 45 years in the informal sector in Sunyani Zongo. Ultimately, this project aims to improve the socioeconomic status of these 20 women in the informal sector by providing them with guidance and mentorship as they pursue various economic ventures of their choices to achieve sustainable livelihoods and financial independence.

    Success indicators

    By July 2026, Mr. Anorrey hopes to ensure that the economic wellbeing of some 20 unemployed teenage mothers and single mothers under 45 years in Sunyani Zongo are improved and are financially independent through this intervention. Mr. Anorrey’s project further hopes to develop a strategic partnership between the 20 unemployed women and the Sunyani Municipal Assembly to ensure that the assembly incorporates marginalized women’s needs into its medium to long-term plans by July 2026.

    About GYIC

    Mr. Anorrey is the Executive Director of the Global Youth Innovation Center (GYIC) LBG, which was founded in May 2019. GYIC is legally registered in Ghana as a non-profit organization. The organisation envisages a world free of discrimination and inequalities in which all people are treated fairly and not discriminated against because of their race, gender, mental or physical disability.

    Gratitude

    Mr. Anorrey’s selection as the Most Outstanding Fellow is not just a mark of distinction, it reflects how he has embodied the values of the Fellowship. His gratitude message captured it best: “Being named the Most Outstanding Fellow is both humbling and inspiring. I see it as a responsibility to do more, give more, and lead with integrity and empathy. My selection is a celebration of the collective effort of everyone who believes in grassroots-led change. Together, we are shaping a future where communities are not just beneficiaries, but architects of their own development”, he said.

  • IFC Plays Pontius Pilate, Dodges Accountability for Harmful Rubber Project in Liberia after Six Years

    In 2019, 22 communities in Liberia filed a complaint with the World Bank Group’s Compliance Advisor Ombudsman (CAO), accusing the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of fueling abuse and environmental destruction through a loan to the Salala Rubber Corporation (SRC). That loan helped SRC expand its rubber plantations—with devastating consequences.

    Nearly six years on, in March 2025, the CAO published its damning findings: the IFC failed to follow its own safeguards, enabling widespread harm to land rights, community health, and cultural heritage. Women suffered, with disturbing reports of sexual exploitation by SRC contractors who demanded sex in exchange for jobs or wages.

    But rather than take full responsibility, IFC Management responded with a weak action plan that – aside from a livelihoods fund that should provide some welcome livelihoods support to the impoverished populations of plantation-adjacent communities – leans on voluntary reforms by SRC’s former owner, Socfin, and its new buyer, Jeety.  Civil society groups say this move amounts to passing the buck.

    “The CAO has validated the long-standing concerns expressed by local communities: that the International Finance Corporation (IFC) not only overlooked critical issues but also allowed its client to illegally seize land, contaminate vital water sources, and perpetuate various forms of violence and abuse,” stated Alfred Lahai Gabbai Brownell Sr., a lawyer representing the 22 affected communities and the winner of the 2019 Goldman Prize for Africa. “Now, the IFC is playing Pontius Pilate, washing its hands, asserting that it is powerless to take any corrective measures merely because the loan has been repaid. This is not a demonstration of accountability; rather, it constitutes a profound abandonment of responsibility towards those impacted.”

    The communities’ complaint details how SRC’s expansion left entire villages landless, razed crops without compensation, and disregarded ancestral land claims. Toxic chemicals leached into waterways. Women faced systemic sexual violence. And throughout, IFC continued to finance the project, despite knowing SRC lacked the capacity—or will—to protect people or the environment.

    The CAO agreed with almost all of the communities’ claims and urged IFC to commit to real remediation. But because the CAO can only make recommendations, it’s up to IFC Management to act—and so far, its response falls short.

    Key concerns with IFC’s response include:

    No accountability for land rights violations: IFC refuses to examine whether the plantation was built on land the government had no right to give away.

    No proper analysis of Indigenous identity: IFC sidestepped the question of whether the affected Kpelle communities are Indigenous, citing generalizations rather than facts on the ground despite an abundance of expert testimonies and very strong recommendations from the CAO.

    A shameful and diluted compensation plan: IFC proposes to create a livelihood fund that is spread across all surrounding communities—not just the 22 complainant villages—potentially weakening the communities’ support network and failing to address specific harms.

    Shrugging off responsibility: IFC claims it has no leverage since the loan was repaid and the plantation was sold. But the CAO clearly states IFC could have, and still might, use legal remedies to demand accountability from SRC.

    Delaying action: Claiming that the security situation in the communities is too unpredictable, IFC management has declared that the implementation of its assistance plan will be delayed until an undetermined date in the future.

    While we welcome the CAO’s clear and courageous findings—and hope the livelihoods fund offers some relief—we reject IFC’s decision to wash its hands, and walk away from the communities it helped harm. The burden of fixing this mess should not rest on the goodwill of private plantation owners. IFC must step up, accept responsibility, and ensure the communities finally get justice.

    The Affected Indigenous Communities are shocked and overwhelmed by their frustration and condemnation of the IFC and those voices are captured in this press statement as follows:

    Ma. Mattia Gbar, Chairlady, Martin Village: “We depend on our land and forest for everything, fishing, making farm, medicine for treatment when we are sick, and other activities, but since SRC took our land, everything is hard for us. So, why will they say we are not traditional people? Let them pay for everything they did to us.”

    Yeagbamah National Congress for Human Rights, a victim of SGBV, name withheld for her protection: “I and other women were asked for sex just to get or keep a job with the company. This is not just unfair—it is violence. It can hurt women and keep them afraid and silent. The IFC’s action plan talks about protecting people and fixing harm, but what about the women who suffered this violence and abuse? We want to see real action, not just promises. The IFC and the company must make sure this never happens again and that we women get justice. Respect for women must be part of the solution, said, SGBV victim from SRC.”

    Mr. James Gorgbor, Elder, Gorgbor Town: “Look, I have always said that IFC supported SRC to kill us on our own land. I worked for SRC for so many years until I fell sick, and the management left me on sick bed and paid me off without any benefit.  They took 95% of my land and destroyed all of the rubber I planned for my children. Their Management Action Plan is beating around the bush. What I can say is, let them pay for our crops according to the COA Compliance Report, because we don’t know who will implement the Management Action Plan.”

    David Shiffa, Elder, Shiffa Molley Villiage: Let IFC pay for all the harms. One thing I can say is we are traditional people and if IFC do not believe that, I think they should bring someone to check on the way we are living. We have lived here for so long practicing our culture, and we believe in our tradition.”

    Ma. Quetta George, Chairlady, Doakai Town: “The thing SRC did to us with this IFC money is not good. The company took the money and came on our land and cut our rubber down and planned their rubber. Today some of our rubber is among their rubbers and they’re tapping it. They did not pay for our rubbers, and they also destroyed our town. The CAO report says they must pay for it, they made a plan for the report, and who will work with the plan, because SRC is going, and Jeety says he bought the plantation.” So, let IFC pay for all our things the company spoiled and give our land back.”

    Pastor. Melton Gweh, Elder, Gleebah Town: “IFC told us that, since 2020 they have no contract with SRC, and the COA report says that IFC should work with SRC to address our complaint. IFC has come up with a Management Action Plan, who will implement the plan since SRC is going? We are calling on the IFC to be the ones to implement the plan in line with CAO recommendations.t”

    Equally disturbed and deeply betrayed by the IFC’s inadequate actions are also the leadership of the supporting organizations that tried to work with the IFC to resolve the violent abuses perpetrated by the IFC client. Those voices are also captured below:

    Francis Colee, Head of Program and Acting Director at Green Advocates International “While we can thank the IFC management for some of the actions they have taken to assist the victims in the Management Action Plan (MAP), it is disappointing that the IFC greatly undermined the victims’ ability to receive real benefits for the harm they suffered because of the IFC’s failure to effectively apply its own definition of Indigenous peoples, as clearly and succinctly provided in the IFC Performance Standards. This makes the IFC complicit in the harm these people suffered.”, Francis Colee, Head of Program and Acting Director at Green Advocates International

    Paul Larry George, Chairman, of Alliance for Rural Democracy (ARD): “I welcome the recommendations and findings of the CAO report and believe that the recommendations and findings are evidence of the voices and struggles of affected communities, who have long demanded justice for the harm caused by the IFC’s financing of SRC’s operations. I am deeply troubled that, despite overwhelming evidence of abuse, SRC has chosen to neglect responsibility for the damages caused by allegedly divesting the company to an Indian businessman Jetty, whom we believe will not uphold or take full accountability for implementing the IFC so-called MAP”.

    Windor B.K. Smith, Head of Secretariat, Alliance for Rural Democracy (ARD), “I believe that, IFC is hiding under the escape tactic of SRC to neglect its responsibility to the affected communities. I am calling on the IFC and its client, SRC, to take full responsibility for the harm caused to the lives of Indigenous communities and fully respond to the concrete recommendations and findings in the CAO report. True accountability requires more than a repaid loan that IFC speaks of. It requires compensation, recognition of Indigenous rights, and a clear plan for remediation. The ARD is very disappointed with the IFC MAP and is calling on the IFC to honor the CAO’s recommendations, work directly with the impacted communities, and ensure that justice is not delayed or denied.”

    Abraham N. Kamara, Chairman, Yeabamah National Congress for Human Rights (YNCHR): “I am calling on the IFC to take full responsibility of the harm done to us as Indigenous Communities. The Management Action Plan released by the IFC, does not address the complete recommendations proposed by the CAO, and we think this is unfair to us, because I have advocated for so long that I am now disabled from the blindness I suffered when the state and SRC security forces arrested me and sprayed a tear gas canister directly into my eyes.”

    Veronica B. Gray, Acting Head of Secretariat, Natural Resources Women Platform (NRWP), “The CAO report confirms what women in affected communities have been saying for years—we have lost land, our environment is damaged, and women have faced threats, harassment, and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) without protection or justice. These are not isolated incidents; they are the result of intentional, willful, reckless, and systemic negligence. The IFC cannot hide behind SRC’s divestment. Real accountability means compensation, recognition of rights, and direct action to repair harms. Anything less is injustice. We believe that justice that is delayed or diluted is, in effect, justice denied. The lives, dignity, and lands of Liberian communities must not be collateral damage for profit”,

     

    Contact information for Media Inquiries

    Jonathan Kaufman (Advocates for Community Alternatives): +1 617 645 4069, jonathan@advocatesforalternatives.org

    Francis Colee (Green Advocates International): +231-777-770-206, francis.colee@greenadvocates.org

    Paul Larry George (Alliance for Rural Democracy): +231-777-216-981, chairman.ard@gmail.com

    Windor B Smith (Alliance for Rural Democracy): +231-886-726-037, ard.headsecretariat@gmail.com

    Veronica Gray (Natural Resources Women’s Platform): +231-888-312-250, nrwomenplatform@gmail.com

    Abraham Kamara (Yeabamah National Congress for Human Rights: +231-775-071-272

    Ma. Quetta George (Doakai Town): +231-881-758-466

    Pastor. Melton Gweh (Gleebah Town): +231-886-933-720

    Mr. James Gorgbor (Gorgbor Town): +231-886-111-928

  • Bonsu community improves access to water through Oman yie die

    Access to clean water is no longer a distant dream but a growing reality at Bonsu, a farming community in the Nkoranza South Municipality of the Bono East region, thanks to a community-led initiative through the Facilitated Collective Action Process (FCAP).

    For years, residents of Bonsu, especially those living in the newly developed areas, have had to commute long distances in search of water from either a nearby stream or from a few individuals with mechanized boreholes in their homes daily. These residents, especially women and children would typically load a bicycle with jerrycans, push them for long distances, thereby negatively impacting their health.

    To address this challenge, the people of Bonsu began working collectively to extend pipe-borne water directly to various homes in October 2024.

    This bold step toward improving public health and daily living conditions was made possible with a GHS 120,000.00 microgrant from Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA).

    So far, the impact has been quite remarkable as 75 out of about 307 households have been connected to the water system while most of the remaining households are in the process of getting connected. The community envisages at least 87 households, representing 40% of the households would have access to pipe-borne water in one year’s time.

    This is expected to significantly reduce the burden of walking long distances for water and ensuring a safer, more convenient water supply.

    Sustainability

    Beyond improving access to water, the project is also strengthening the community’s financial sustainability.

    Any household that seeks to extend the water, contributes a token of GHS 200.00 to the Oman yie die Committee, creating a local fund that will be used to support other development priorities identified during the community’s visioning and goal-setting stage of the FCAP process.

    Sharing his enthusiasm about the project’s long-term impact, Mr. Ameyaw Franklin, Technical Advisor from the Nkoranza South Municipal Assembly, said: “I’m excited about the fact that water will not be wasted but rather stored and used efficiently to benefit residents. Even more importantly, the small contributions from households will help generate income that the community can reinvest in future development initiatives.”

    Ms. Juliet Fosuaa, the Community-Based Facilitator, also reflected on the journey with pride saying: “I’m really excited about the knowledge ACA equipped me with through the FCAP methodology. It gave me the skills to guide my community in developing a shared vision, and today, that vision is becoming a reality through this successful water extension project.”

    Community-led

    The Bonsu water extension project stands as a compelling example of community-led development in action, where local voices, local leadership, and shared responsibility come together to create lasting change.

    Advocates for Community Alternatives, an NGO operating in Ghana using the FCAP methodology, is extremely excited to watch communities own their development trajectory, hoping that government and other social actors will be interested in adopting this strategy towards community planning and development.

  • Nkwabeng community expands healthcare access

    Nkwabeng, a community near Nkoranza in the Bono East region, is taking bold steps to improve healthcare delivery by expanding its local Out-Patient Department (OPD), a project driven by the community’s vision for accessible, quality health services.

    Through Facilitated Collective Action Process (FCAP), community members collectively identified the need to expand the OPD section of their health center to ease congestion and improve health outcomes.

    The expansion work began in November 2024 and has since reached the lentil level, with roofing works set to begin soon.

    Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA), a non-governmental organization, is supporting this project with a Gh.c 120,000.00 microgrant. 

    The grant has empowered the community to lead and manage the project, ensuring that the intervention reflects local priorities and promotes long-term sustainability. 

    Mr. Herthson Kumah, FCAP Chairman for Nkwabeng, expressed his enthusiasm for the project.

    “We are very excited about this initiative. I am especially glad that ACA, through the Municipal Assembly of Nkoranza South, chose our community as a beneficiary of the Oman yie die project. This OPD extension will go a long way to improve healthcare access for everyone in Nkwabeng and nearby communities.”

    Mr. Osei Nimako, Program Manager, also shared his thoughts about the project’s impact when completed and praised ACA’s model of community empowerment.

    “I am very hopeful this project will serve the community well. I commend ACA for its consistent efforts in promoting community-driven development and facilitating spaces where communities like Nkwabeng can lead their development initiatives.”

    Once completed, the expanded OPD is expected to significantly reduce waiting time, improve service delivery, and create a healthier environment for both patients and healthcare workers. 

    This project highlights the power of community-led development and the importance of supporting local voices and leadership in driving lasting change.

    Nkwabeng’s progress stands as a strong testament to what is possible when communities are equipped with the requisite knowledge to lead their development initiatives.

  • ACA trains 40 communities on Mining and Land Rights

    Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA) continues to equip West African communities with the legal knowledge they need to protect their land and natural resources. In a recent initiative, ACA hosted a three-day legal training for representatives from 40 communities across Ghana, strengthening their understanding of mining and land governance.

    The training followed a needs assessment survey by ACA’s Legal Department, which revealed widespread legal threats facing community members – particularly around land acquisition and mining activities. In response, ACA brought together 50 Community-Based Facilitators (CBFs), Facilitated Collective Active Process (FCAP) executives, and other community representatives to participate in a hands-on learning session.

    The ACA Legal Team, which facilitated sessions on Ghana’s mining and land regulatory frameworks, explained key legislations, including the Minerals and Mining Act, 2006 (Act 703), its amendment Act 900 (2015), and other relevant laws such as the Minerals Development Fund Act, 2016 (Act 912), the Minerals Income Investment Fund Act, 2018 (Act 978), and the Kimberley Process Certification Act, 2003 (Act 652).

    The team further emphasized that any individual intending to search for, prospect, or mine minerals must first obtain a mineral right through the Minerals Commission, with approval from the sector minister. The law requires notification to relevant chiefs, allodial owners, and District Assemblies, including clear communication of the affected land area.

    On land ownership, the Land Act 2020 (Act 1036) was highlighted as the key legislation addressing ownership, acquisition, and registration and underscored the importance of land registration in preventing disputes and protecting legal rights.

    The ACA Legal Team also cited the Lands Commission, Office of the Administrator of Stool Lands, and Traditional Authorities as the primary institutions involved in land governance.

    Participants expressed appreciation for the training and requested similar workshops in their communities.

    “This training was insightful. I wish my whole community could have been here to benefit,” one participant shared.

  • A transformative journey of learning, connection, and impact

    A Sora Kaufman Fellow, Margaret Afia Konadu, maintains that her experience with the program remains a cornerstone of her personal and professional journey as it has reinforced her belief in the power of collaboration, adaptability and empathy to drive meaningful change. 

    According to her, the one-month in-house training and community engagement experience as part of the Fellowship was a unique blend of personal growth, professional development, and meaningful connections. It offered a holistic approach to building leadership and entrepreneurial skills while fostering a deeper understanding of community-driven development.

    Sharing her experiences with the SK Fellowship, she applauded the training session organized for the six pioneering members of the Fellowship, noting that it covered a wide range of topics that were not only educational but also deeply practical.

    “Sessions on financial management provided valuable insights into resource allocation and sustainability, which I plan to incorporate into the operations of Margees Craft and Training Center. Discussions on self-discipline emphasized the importance of personal accountability, an attribute that is vital in both professional and personal spheres”, she said.

    Interactive moments

    “We had the privilege of interacting with notable leaders like Captain Prince Kofi Amoabeng, whose experiences and wisdom underscored the importance of ethical leadership and resilience in the face of challenges.”

    Touching on the session on “balancing family and work”, Madam Afia Konadu said it was a crucial topic for anyone striving to excel professionally without neglecting personal responsibilities, adding that: “These discussions were complemented by practical topics such as monitoring and evaluation, which emphasized the importance of tracking progress and ensuring impact in all projects, and local governance and advocacy, which illuminated the role of community stakeholders in driving sustainable change.”

    Community engagement

    “Beyond the classroom, the community engagement at Bepoase was a transformative experience. The warm reception by Ma Selina and the local leaders was a reminder of the strength and resilience of grassroots communities. Observing ongoing development projects like the mechanized borehole and witnessing the role of community leaders reinforced the value of collaboration and stakeholder ownership in achieving meaningful change.”

    “Equally significant were the bonds formed during this journey. Whether it was through shared meals, heartfelt conversations, or participating in local activities, every interaction strengthened the sense of camaraderie among participants. These relationships have not only enriched my network but have also inspired a deeper commitment to fostering collaboration in my professional endeavors.”

    Challenges

    Madam Afia Konadu also made some observations regarding some challenges she encountered during the program.

    She mentioned some of them as “logistical difficulties and limited interaction time due to community activities.”

    “These obstacles became opportunities to practice adaptability and problem-solving, skills that are essential in leadership roles.”

    Knowledge gained

    It is instructive to note that the knowledge and insights she gained during this experience have already begun to shape her vision for Margees Craft and Training Center.

    She said the emphasis on community engagement and sustainable solutions will drive her efforts to expand weaving and skill development programs while the lessons on monitoring and evaluation will enhance our ability to measure impact effectively, ensuring that our initiatives truly address the needs of our beneficiaries.

    “As I move forward, this. The lessons learned, bonds formed, and memories created will continue to inspire me to lead with purpose and resilience in every endeavor.”

  • Enduring multiple hazards due to railway construction: The sad story of the Sekosuria Community

    The Sekosuria community, located in the Forécariah Prefecture within Guinea’s Kindia Region, continues to suffer the consequences of an ongoing railway and port construction project near the Morebayah estuary, just a few kilometers away. What was once a quiet rural area is now plagued by environmental disruptions that threaten livelihoods, safety, and health.

    Tunnel construction causing alarm

    A tunnel currently being excavated as part of the Simandou iron ore railway project — around 11.8 kilometers from the Kuru Mountains, south of the Fouta Djallon Highlands — is a major source of concern. Residents report persistent blast noise and ground vibrations from the railway work, which they say are damaging their homes.

    Cracks in buildings and a collapsing Health Post

    Community members shared that the constant blasting has caused cracks in both old and newly built structures, weakening them significantly and turning them into potential death traps. During a recent visit, residents pointed out multiple affected buildings, including one that reportedly collapsed due to vibrations.

    Even a newly constructed health post — a critical resource donated to the community — has developed widespread cracks, raising serious safety concerns.

    Noise and water pollution add to woes

    Beyond the structural damage, noise pollution is a daily challenge. The community also reported pollution of their main river, allegedly due to sewage discharge from the construction camp. This issue is particularly noticeable during the rainy season, when runoff becomes more intense.

    Dust pollution is another pressing concern. Construction-related vehicles, often moving in convoys, generate thick clouds of dust on the access roads. According to residents, “You must park off the road for them to pass.” They also noted that mud from bridge construction sites is washing into fertile farmland, threatening the stream that supports their vegetable cultivation.

    About the project

    The construction work is part of the Simandou iron ore project, one of the world’s largest undeveloped iron ore reserves. The project, spearheaded by the Winning Consortium Simandou (WCS), involves building a 650-kilometer railway from the Simandou mountain range to a new port near the coast. While the project promises significant economic benefits to Guinea, its environmental and social costs are becoming evident in communities like Sekosuria.

    Despite repeated complaints, residents say their grievances have been ignored by both the project authorities and government officials. As of the time of reporting, attempts to obtain comments from the Winning Consortium Simandou and relevant government representatives have not been successful.

    What can be done?

    Community members are calling for urgent attention and action. Potential steps that stakeholders can take include:

    • Conducting independent environmental and structural impact assessments in affected communities.
    • Providing compensation to families whose homes or farmland have been damaged.
    • Establishing a formal grievance mechanism that allows community members to report issues and receive responses.
    • Implementing dust and wastewater control measures to mitigate environmental damage.
    • Improving communication and transparency between the community, construction teams, and government officials.

    As development projects like Simandou progress, the voices of local communities must not be drowned out by the noise of construction. Without mitigation and inclusion, infrastructure meant to drive national progress could leave some communities behind — or buried beneath it.

  • Eric Anorrey extols SK Fellowship’s positive influence on him

    “The Sora Kaufman Fellowship has set a solid foundation for my leadership in the civil society space, enhancing my adaptability and teamwork, and strategic thinking in leading Global Youth Innovation Center (GYIC) for community impact”, Eric Anorrey, a proud member of the Sora Kaufman Fellowship.

    The 37-year-old Project Manager for the Livelihood and Environment Ghana (LEG) describes his experience with the SK Fellowship as “immersive, focusing on key areas vital for driving social impact.” 

    Mr. Anorrey, who currently leads the STAR Ghana Volunteerism Project in Atebubu in the Bono East Region has been throwing some light about his encounter with SK Fellowship as captured below.

    My name is Eric Anorrey, a Ghanaian with a Bachelor of Arts in Development Education from the University for Development Studies in 2014. I work towards a just society where resources and opportunities are distributed fairly while the populace are recognized as the key actors in their own development rather than passive recipients of commodities and services. My community work has been guided by empathy and compassion, accountability, integrity and transparency, respect for diversity and inclusion, cultural sensitivity and self-reflection and continuous learning. I have a particular interest in youth development that fosters skilled youth population and empowers vulnerable women for decent employment and improved livelihoods that protects their human rights and dignity, as well as rural development and environmental management and sustainability.

    My one-month intensive training with the Sora Kaufman Fellowship provided an invaluable experience in shaping my leadership and professional development skills, as well as a period of transformation and enrichment for me and my community work.

    I have enjoyed the knowledge from renowned experts in leadership, governance and other topics like networking, advocacy, and grant writing which have provided me with tools and insights to lead more effectively, develop collaborative relationships, and sustainably develop professionally and impact more communities through my work. I found the balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application to be very impactful.

    Furthermore, the peer networking established during my one-month stay has proven to be a valuable resource for future collaboration and growth. The opportunity to learn and share experiences with colleagues from different regions and organizations has proven to be very valuable, and fostered a collaborative learning atmosphere, giving me different perspectives to confront real-world challenges that create change in communities.

    My encounter with the residents of Addo Nkwanta during our two-day community stay was outstanding. This influenced my perspective on community-driven development efforts and valuable feedback from the residents.

    Fellows will always remember our field trips with the Advocates for Community

    Alternatives’ team, as well as the good times that came with them.  From reception to departure, we had amazing experiences together, creating an inclusive and diverse environment for all fellows.

    Our dinner night was a mix of happy and sorrowful moments as fellows said goodbye to one another and waved at their final residential night.

    The Sora Kaufman Fellowship has set a solid foundation for my leadership in the civil society space, enhancing my adaptability and teamwork, and strategic thinking in leading Global Youth Innovation Center (GYIC) for community impact. The sessions focused on adaptable leadership, and effectively managing diverse teams. Practical case studies reinforced my abilities for dealing with real-world organizational challenges.