Advocates Redesign

Category: CiCoNet

  • 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

    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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Enrolment significantly increases following renovation works on Saamang R/C school

    The Saamang local Roman Catholic Basic School in the Fanteakwa South District of the Eastern region of Ghana this year enrolled 85 new pupils, pushing its total enrolment figure from 150 to 235 and making it the second largest primary school in the area.

    This significant increase of 56.6% of student population follows the completion of renovation works on the school last year.

    Pupils and teachers of the kindergarten and the primary sections could not hide their joy when they were ushered into their newly renovated classroom block at the beginning of the academic year.

    The headmaster of the school, Mr. Samuel Abrokwa, said in an interview that the facelift given to the school has undoubtedly impacted positively on the academic fortunes of the school and commended the Fanteakwa South District Assembly and ACA for coming to their aid.

    “We are so happy to be learning under such a conducive environment and this would undoubtedly enhance teaching and learning in the school”, one of the pupils said after her first day in the renovated building.

    Renovation works on the school were carried out last year under the Facilitated Collective Action Process (FCAP), a partnership between the district assembly and Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA), a non-governmental organization, which helps West African communities that are threatened by the destructive impacts of extractive projects to take control of their futures.

    Following the completion of the project, the school is now providing convenient teaching and learning environment for the kindergarten and the primary sections of the school and ultimately contribute to the overall improvement in educational standards in the district.

    /By the end of this academic year, the dropout rate is to decline by 5%. It is also anticipated that the completion of this project will, in the long-term, reduce the cost of education for pupils in Saamang by 15%.

    In an interview, the Assembly member for the Saamang Electoral Area, Desmond Ofori Abrokwa, said the state of the school block prior to the start of the renovation works was deplorable and adversely affected enrolment as well as effective teaching and learning.

    “As I speak to you, our kids have a conducive environment to go about their studies. Also, teachers are happy to give their best. The looks on their faces tell it all”, he said.

  • Sagyemase wins Best CHPS Compound award in Abuakwa South

    In less than a year of operations, the Sagyemase CHPS Compound has been adjudged the Overall Best CHPS Compound in the Abuakwa South Municipality, beating about eight other primary health care facilities.

    “Through your exceptional services, you have set a benchmark for excellence in community health, inspiring others to follow in your footsteps. Your efforts have not only improved health outcomes but also fostered a sense of trust and partnership within the community you serve,” a citation presented to the Sagyemase CHPS Compound partly read.

    This was at the 2024 annual awards ceremony held at Kyebi and organized by the Abuakwa South Municipal Directorate of the Ghana Health Services.

    Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA), an Accra-based non-governmental organization, partnered with the Sagyemase community and funded the CHPS Compound with a $ 9,000 microgrant in line with its Facilitated Collective Action Process (FCAP).

    Ahead of the implementation of the project, the community identified many challenges confronting them but settled on a clinic with the aim of increasing people’s access to malaria treatment by at least 10% after one year of operations.

    Th good news is that over 300 patients accessed malaria treatment at the facility during the period. This figure represents a 12% increase in this regard as against the community’s earlier projection of 10% increase.

    It is also on record that out of the over 50 expectant mothers who attended antenatal services in the clinic last year, 48 successfully delivered without challenges and same number of babies survived all through to post-natal services, reducing the infant mortality rate by 15%. Also, access to health education went up by over 10% in the same period. This is because residents of Sagyemase and other surrounding communities are now able to walk freely to the CHPS Compound for health education purposes.

    This feat by the Sagyemase CHPS Compound exemplifies the pronounced impact of ACA in its partner communities in the Eastern and the Bono East Regions of Ghana.

  • Community-Based Facilitators undergo training on FCAP implementation process

    Community-Based Facilitators (CBFs) from 45 communities and selected local government staff in Abuakwa South, Fanteakwa South, Atiwa West, and Nkoranza South have rounded up a week-long training programme on the Facilitated Community Action Process (FCAP), a community-driven development tool.

    Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA), a non-governmental organization operating in Ghana and other African countries, organized the training to equip participants with the requisite skills in procurement methods, implementation action planning and budgeting, risk and mitigation strategies, and community engagement plans.

    These areas are crucial in ensuring transparency, efficiency, and sustainability in local development initiatives.

    Through interactive sessions and practical exercises, participants gained valuable insights into effective community engagements, project risk management, and accountable implementation strategies. The training also fostered collaboration between local government staff and community facilitators, strengthening participatory governance at the grassroots level.

    Following the planning process of the FCAP methodology, each community will receive $8,000 to support the implementation of their community-led development initiatives. This financial support will be complemented by community contributions, either in cash or in kind, ensuring shared ownership and sustainability of the projects.

    Communities will use these resources to develop action plans for projects such as CHPS compounds, teachers’ quarters, classroom blocks, boreholes, grinding mills, gari processing centers and bridges, among other community-driven projects.

    To enhance the success of these projects, communities will also benefit from technical advice from experienced professionals with expertise in their respective areas of development. This mentorship will help ensure the effective execution and long-term impact of their initiatives.

    Project execution and completion are expected within six months after community microgrant agreements are signed with the 45 participating communities. This timeline ensures that the development initiatives are implemented efficiently and that communities can quickly benefit from the improved infrastructure and services.

    Speaking at the training, Nana Ama Nketia-Quaidoo, ACA’s Director of Community-Driven Development (CDD) Department, emphasized the importance of inclusive planning and local leadership in ensuring development interventions aligning with community needs.

    “ACA remains dedicated to empowering local actors to champion development, accountability, and citizen participation. This initiative is expected to strengthen collaboration between communities and local government authorities, ultimately leading to more inclusive and impactful governance”, she also said.

    Participants expressed their commitment to applying the knowledge gained to drive meaningful changes in their respective districts.

    Credit: So Aba Boateng, Nkoranza