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  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Sora Kaufman Fellowship has inspired me a lot – Rasheed Musah

    Martin Rasheed Musah, a pioneering member of the Sora Kaufman Fellowship Program, has been sharing his experiences since he joined the program in October 2024.

    Rasheed Musah, who is based in Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region of Ghana and works with CommunityAID Integrated Ghana, says his association with SK Fellowship has provided a unique opportunity for him as an aspiring development practitioners based on the broad composition of activities designed to enhance his understanding and capacity for utilizing the CDD approaches to community development.

    Below is Rasheed Musah’s personal account of how he has been impacted by the SK Fellowship Program.

    I will categorize my experiences in two forms – personal and professional growth.

    The SK fellowship training was a platform that enhanced my know-how in the CDD approach based on its similarity to Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) with additional knowledge from the training. Carefully studying its implementation approach revealed that it ensures mutual partnership (formal and informal) between the community and ACA before the implementation of a community project, this establishes a contract among parties. In this regard, it enhances participation, accountability, transparency, and project ownership by community beneficiaries.

    Presentations on various professional topics related to community development had an impact on my capacity ensuring I learned more about the current trends in global development work. The presentations were more interactive and professional, allowing for rapid bonding among colleagues, staff of ACA, and facilitators.

    The two-day community stay activity during our in-house training session was a very impactful experience. It was an opportunity to have firsthand experience of projects implemented using the CDD methodology. The intrinsic observation was the power of communication among stakeholders; thus, stakeholder engagements were collaborative and mutual thereby the adverse effect being a smooth project implementation. The community enhances its community leadership system by using the CDD approach this was observed.

    Nonetheless, part of my experience was a wake-up call to more work yet to be done, a careful observation coupled with interactions with community members revealed challenges requiring collective action to mitigate them including low enrolment of young girls in the community in schools. Interestingly and not surprising is the high rate of teen mothers, hence, teenage pregnancies in the Addo-Nkwanta community. Additionally, there is a need to increase opportunities for women’s participation in the developmental affairs of the community despite the subtle involvement observed during our stay.

    It is important to highlight the moments with our host families such are unforgettable and indelible in my life. The food, care, and concern from both host family members, and community members’ reception is one of the unique experiences compared to the numerous others. I established a bond within 48 hours of my stay in Addo-Nkwanta admittedly the beautiful people we encounter in the line of work have been my motivation for being in development work.

    Cumulatively, my experiences have affected my knowledge base with a positive impact. First, I will consider the CDD methodology a vital tool in my line of practice or work. To ensure this workout, intensive community stakeholder engagements play a significant role in project implementation. Establishing a mutual formal partnership by way of a contract with the community will ensure effective and efficient project implementation as well as leverage available resources within and externally.

    In a nutshell, I can’t conclude without acknowledging the network I have established throughout the in-house stay. In a twinkle of a while I got to build a network (may I say “community”) of practitioners with healthy bonds personally and professionally. I am humbly honored to be part of this great opportunity to be a fellow, especially among the first cohort and look forward to being a continued part of this program.

    Thank you

    Martin Rasheed Musah

     

     

  • 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.

  • Freetown hosts conference on African-focused climate, environmental and natural resources rights and protection

    Members of the Public Interest Lawyering Initiative for West Africa (PILIWA), a regional movement of lawyers driven by social justice to serve threatened communities, have rounded up their conference in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

    It was a collaborative conference for PILIWA, Environmental Rights Africa (ERA), Africa Climate Platform (ACP) and Mano River Union Civil Society Platform (MRUCP) to share updates on their activities and explore further ways of supporting each other.

    Exchange of contextual experiences, legal advocacy, strategic planning and enhancing regional collaboration and collective advocacy for environmental justice were some of the key issues that took center stage during the conference.

    Among others, the conference called for strengthening regional networks and collaboration by formalizing and expanding the collaborative networks.

    The conference emphasized the strengthening of PILIWA as a regional hub for public interest lawyers to coordinate on environmental cases while the Mano River Union Civil Society Platform on Natural Resources should be enhanced to step up cross-border advocacy.

    It further called for the establishment of regular communication channels through focal persons (monthly calls, online forums) and annual meet-ups to sustain the momentum in view of the fact that through the sharing of information and tactics in real time, activists could respond faster and more effectively to emerging environmental threats.

    The conference provided PILIWA an opportunity to share its experiences in the West African sub-region about some successes and challenges over the years, especially on access to information and enforcement of judicial decisions.

    These experiences were well received as participants considered them very relevant to their respective organisations and therefore had further deliberations regarding them.

    Participants also focused their attention on protecting environmental defenders and resolved to develop and implement measures to protect them and other activists who face risks due to their work.

    The conference therefore recommended that African governments, in partnership with civil society, should establish protocols or focal points for defender protection – such as emergency contact networks or rapid response units to investigate and address threats or abuses against activists.

    The conference also called for the establishment of solidarity networks, where defenders in different regions support each other’s safety through visibility and advocacy, should be nurtured.

    Touching on capacity building, the conference emphasized the need to invest in continuous capacity building for those working on environmental rights. This includes training more community paralegals and public Interest lawyers at the grassroots to empower local communities with legal knowledge. Workshops and exchange programs for lawyers and NGO staff should be organized, covering topics like environmental law litigation techniques, scientific evidence collection, and negotiation skills.

    Participants further recommended the creation of mentorship programs where seasoned public interest attorneys can guide younger lawyers in developing strategic cases.

    Another area of concern to the participants was community engagement and public awareness. Here, they stressed the need to enhance efforts in community engagement and raising public awareness on environmental rights.

    They emphasized the need to amplify environmental education at the community level— through local workshops that explain rights in local languages and through school programs that teach youth about conservation and climate change.

    The participants called on NGOs and community groups to employ creative media (community radio, theater, storytelling) to make complex issues understandable and relatable.

    On the promotion of corporate accountability mechanisms, participants encouraged the adoption of robust corporate accountability mechanisms and proposed to African states to tighten environmental regulations—for instance, by requiring companies to post reclamation bonds for mining (so funds are available for cleanup), and by increasing fines or penalties for violations to truly deter harmful practices.

    The conference encouraged civil society to advocate for governments to sign on to international initiatives for openness in oil, gas, and mining revenues, and to support the development of a binding international treaty on business and human rights.

    A further recommendation by the conference is the setting up of independent monitoring bodies, possibly with civil society participation, that can conduct audits of corporate environmental performance. Meanwhile, NGOs can make use of existing tools like the OECD complaint procedure or bring cases to international platforms when local remedies fail; building expertise in these processes is advised. Naming and shaming through public campaigns remains a powerful tool—creating “scorecards” or reports ranking companies on environmental criteria can pressure them to improve.

    Some of the key outcomes of the conference centered on Natural Resource Governance as participants underscored the critical need for transparent, accountable management of natural resources and advocated robust legal frameworks that guarantee community participation and equitable benefit sharing.

    On legal advocacy and litigation, the conference agreed to develop and disseminate legal toolkits for public interest litigation as a way of empowering communities to hold both state and corporate actors accountable for environmental degradation and human rights abuses.

    Participants further resolved to form a coalition to monitor and report environmental abuse by multinational corporations, ensuring that companies are held to internationally recognized standards and face appropriate legal consequences to ensure corporate accountability.

    They also reiterated that climate justice is not merely a legal issue but a moral imperative and endorsed the formulation of a comprehensive policy package, which includes lobbying for increased climate finance, enhancing adaptation strategies, and ensuring that the principles of equity and justice guide all climate-related policymaking.

    The Legal Clinic team of the Caleb University, as part of the conference, presented a gift to ACA for its immense support in setting up the clinic. ACA’s Executive Director, Jonathan Kaufman, received the gift on behalf of the organization.

  • 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.