Advocates Redesign

Tag: Advocates for Community Alternatives

  • 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.”

  • 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.

  • SK Fellowship is a transformative experience – Benedicta Naa Odarkor Lamptey

    The Sora Kaufman Fellowship is undoubtedly making positive impacts on the lives of the first six beneficiaries as it continues to establish a network of Africa leaders and practitioners in the field of community-driven development and advocacy.

    The Fellowship is a flagship program of Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA), an Accra-based NGO operating in Ghana and other African countries.

    “It’s been enriching and a transformative experience” Benedicta Naa Odarkor Lamptey, one of the fellows noted as she was reflecting on her journey with the Sora Kaufman Fellowship.

    “What started as a professional development opportunity quickly became a journey of personal growth, fostering valuable lessons, forging deep bonds, and laying the foundation for a future built on impactful leadership”, she added.

    Please find Benedicta’s personal accounts of her stings with the SK Fellowship program below:

    One of the most profound lessons I learnt during this fellowship was the importance of empowering communities to champion their own development – a model of development that encapsulates what endogenous development theories advocate for. Prior to this training, I had always understood the concept of development in a top-down manner approach, where decisions are often made by experts at the top, without necessarily considering the input or the needs of the community at the bottom/down. However, through this fellowship, I was introduced to the power of effectively involving communities at the grassroots level in identifying and solving their challenges, through participatory engagement approach (PEA), thereby making the communities to own the solutions to their challenges/problems and confronting them.

    The learning sessions and the field activities like the community visits to Dadetsunya and Ahinkwa Sisi where ACA’s projects are underway and the two-day community stay at Addo Nkwanta showcased how communities, when empowered with the right knowledge and tools, can drive sustainable solutions that are rooted in their cultural aspirations, culture, needs, and available resources. This shifted my perspective on development and showed me how essential it is to build solutions that are not only effective but also community centered.

    One of the most impactful aspects of the fellowship was the opportunity to develop leadership skills. The various leadership training sessions, both in the classroom and our time with Captain (Rtd) Prince Kofi Amoabeng, forced me to examine my approach to leadership. I discovered the value of active listening, empathy, and collaboration. I also learnt that leadership is not just about directing or instructing others but about inspiring and empowering them. During the training session with Captain Amoabeng, I learnt that leadership requires self-discipline. By working alongside passionate peers who brought their unique perspectives, I was constantly challenged to grow in my thinking, and in turn, this experience allowed me to reflect on my own values and how I can lead with integrity, humility, and purpose. 

    The fellowship also provided me with the unique opportunity to forge strong bonds with fellow participants. I was ushered into a cohort of other fellows like Solomon, Comfort, Margaret, Martin and Eric. We came from diverse backgrounds, yet we shared a collective vision of making a positive impact on our respective communities, culminating in the formation of an unspoken connection built on mutual respect and shared aspirations. We supported one another and celebrated each other’s successes, (reflecting on Martin’s success story). These relationships will continue to be a source of strength and inspiration as I navigate the path ahead. The fellowship created a community within itself—one that encouraged openness, growth, and collaboration.

    In terms of impact, the knowledge and skills I have acquired since I joined this fellowship continue to influence my work in significant ways. For instance, in my current role as a Project Lead for Community and Family Aid Foundation, I am now equipped with tools that allow me to engage communities more effectively, ensuring that the people we serve have a voice in shaping solutions that directly affect them. Whether it’s designing programs, drafting policies, or executing projects, I now have the confidence and understanding to approach challenges in a more inclusive and sustainable manner. The emphasis on community-driven development will guide my efforts in fostering collaboration between stakeholders, ensuring that the solutions we create are both relevant and lasting.

    Looking toward future roles, the lessons I have learnt will shape my approach to leadership. As I progress in my career, I plan to implement a more participatory style of leadership, where I encourage the people, I work to contribute ideas and solutions rather than simply executing directives. I will also advocate for community-driven models in any new projects, understanding that true sustainable development can only occur when the community is at the heart of the process.

    The Sora Kaufman Fellowship has not only equipped me with invaluable skills but has inspired me to lead with greater empathy, foresight, and integrity.

  • Bosuso soap making factory poised for economic turn-around

    Residents of Bosuso in the Fanteakwa South District are on course to realizing their dream of providing employment opportunities for themselves, ⁠increase individual daily savings and ⁠improve daily square meals among households by at least 10% in one year.

    This follows the successful completion of their black soap production factory constructed in partnership with the Fanteakwa South District Assembly in the Eastern Region 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.

    By way of creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for themselves the Bosuso community took advantage of a $9,000 microgrant by ACA under its Facilitated Collective Action Process (FCAP) implemented in partnership with the district assembly. 

    To fully operate the factory and improve their living standards, some community members have undergone training on black soap production to quip them with the requisite skills to kick-start production as early as possible.

    KAEME, a premium Ghanaian company specializing in personal care products such as shea soufflé, liquid black soap, among others, facilitated the training program for the participants at the newly built soap factory.

    Freda Obeng-Ampofo, the Founder and Chief Mixer of Kaeme introduced the participants to the various aspects of black soap production.

    From all indications, the Bosuso community is mor than ready for the smooth take off of the project as the people have acquired required items and the basic ingredients for black soap production. 

    “This is very dear to our hearts and we’re extremely excited to venture into such a monumental project which has the potential to turn our socio-economic fortunes around in future and so we’re leaving no stone unturned to make things work for our own good”, said Mr. Maxwell Owusu Bannerman, a Community Member.