Category: Savanna News

UNHCR and Partners Launch €2.7 Million Project to Improve Living Conditions of Refugees in Northern Ghana

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and UNICEF, has launched a €2.7 million project aimed at enhancing the living conditions of forcibly displaced persons in Northern Ghana. The initiative, known as “Supporting the Resilience of Forcibly Displaced People and Host Communities in Northern Ghana (UNITE),” seeks to strengthen resilience and improve access to basic services for refugees and host communities, with a particular focus on women and children.

Addressing Challenges Faced by Refugees and Host Communities

This two-year project is being implemented in the Sissala West District of the Upper West Region (Zini) and the Tarikom area in the Upper East Region. The project aims to promote inclusion and access to essential services for both displaced persons and host communities. During the launch, EU Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Irchad Razaaly, explained that the project is part of a regional initiative funded by the EU, with a total investment of €12 million. It is also being implemented in northern Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and Togo.

Mr. Razaaly highlighted that the arrival of refugees has significantly impacted host communities, putting pressure on resources, services, and infrastructure. The project aims to address these challenges and uphold the rights of refugees under both EU and international law.

Shared Responsibility and Dignity for Displaced Persons

UNICEF Ghana Representative, Mr. Osama Makkawi Khoghali, noted that Ghana had received around 17,000 displaced individuals from Burkina Faso, many of whom are women and children. He emphasised the shared responsibility of all stakeholders to ensure that displaced persons are met with dignity, compassion, and the necessary support to rebuild their lives.

As part of the project, UNICEF will focus on enhancing essential services, including health, education, water, and sanitation, to ensure that both displaced persons and their host communities can thrive together.

Improving Shelter and Education for Refugees

Mr. Samuel Dzikunu, Head of the UNHCR Field Office in Ghana, expressed satisfaction that the project would provide better shelter for refugees, as many currently live in inadequate tent shelters, especially during extreme weather conditions. He also noted that the project would help integrate refugee children into the Ghana education system, providing complementary basic education services.

Government and Community Support

The Upper West Regional Minister, Mr. Charles Lwanga Puozuing, expressed gratitude to the EU and its partners for their commitment to improving lives and advancing the country’s development priorities. He urged both refugees and host communities to work together to ensure safety and security, encouraging them to report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

Kuoro Abu Diaka Sukabe Ninia V, the Paramount Chief of the Zini Traditional Area, highlighted the community’s sacrifices, including providing 200 acres of fertile land for refugee farming activities. However, he also raised concerns about the region’s fragile security situation, which needs urgent attention to ensure the safety of both refugees and host communities.

Key UNITE Project Interventions

The UNITE project aims to construct 1,000 decent shelter units for refugee families in Zini and Tarikom, improve access to electricity in Zini, and renovate the Zini basic school. These interventions will help improve the overall living conditions of refugees while fostering greater integration with host communities.

This initiative demonstrates a collaborative approach to addressing the challenges faced by refugees and host communities, providing vital support to those in need and contributing to long-term resilience and development.

AFRI Youth Advocates for Strengthening Local Weaving Industry to Empower Women and Girls

The Executive Director of Africa Youth Centre for Development (AFRI Youth), Mr. Mohammed Gadafi Mandeya, has called for urgent measures to revitalise and strengthen the local weaving industry in northern Ghana. His appeal, made during a multi-stakeholder engagement forum in Tamale, aims to reduce the economic vulnerabilities faced by women and girls in the region.

Empowering Women Through Weaving

The forum, organised by AFRI Youth in collaboration with the Savannah Women Integrated Development Agency (SWIDA-Ghana) and supported by the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), aimed to empower 500 young girls in the Northern Region. The initiative, titled “Empowering Women on Weaving for Economic Growth,” provides training, capacity building, mentorship, digital marketing, and business development support to young girls engaged in weaving.

Mr. Mandeya emphasised the potential of the weaving industry as a promising source of livelihood for many young girls in the region. He highlighted how weaving has helped reduce rural-urban migration. However, he acknowledged that many women still face significant barriers that prevent them from fully benefiting from the industry.

Challenges Faced by Women in Weaving

Mr. Mandeya pointed out that while weaving was traditionally a male-dominated industry, a recent survey found that nearly 20,000 women were involved in weaving in the Tamale and Sagnarigu Municipalities alone. However, these women lack the support and resources necessary to maximise the potential of this craft. He urged government agencies, civil society organisations, NGOs, and philanthropists to prioritise investments in the weaving sector as a means of promoting women’s economic empowerment.

Gender-Sensitive Policies and Technological Investments

Hajia Alima Sagito-Saeed, Executive Director of SWIDA-Ghana, stressed the importance of gender-sensitive policies that address the specific challenges women face in accessing economic opportunities. She explained that a well-supported and thriving weaving industry could significantly reduce rural-urban migration by offering viable livelihoods within rural communities.

Alhaji Salifu Yussif, President of the Smock Weavers and Sellers Association, echoed the need for increased technological investment to modernise operations in the weaving sector. He also emphasised the importance of providing training opportunities for women and girls, along with sustained support to help them establish and maintain their businesses. “Without the means to start on their own, many women return to urban centres,” he said.

Creating Sustainable Economic Opportunities

The forum served as a platform for exploring strategies to promote the weaving industry, create sustainable markets for weavers, and provide support for suppliers and designers of weaving materials. Participants expressed optimism that with the right policies and financial backing, the weaving industry could become a key driver of inclusive and sustainable development in northern Ghana.

AFRI Youth’s broader mission to create sustainable economic opportunities through entrepreneurship and capacity development was evident in the discussions. The forum highlighted the potential of the weaving industry to empower women and contribute to the region’s economic growth, ensuring a better future for young girls and women across northern Ghana.

MTN Ghana Supports Education with Donation of School Uniforms to Katinguli R/C and Baale Primary Schools

As part of its annual 21 Days of Y’ello Care programme, MTN Ghana has donated school uniforms to pupils of Katinguli R/C and Baale L/A Primary Schools in the Yendi Municipality, Northern Region. This initiative is part of MTN’s broader commitment to social responsibility, addressing the educational needs of underserved communities across Africa and the Middle East.

Giving Back to Underserved Communities

The donation, which was part of the annual 21 Days of Y’ello Care event, reflects MTN’s dedication to making a meaningful impact beyond its core telecommunications services. Every year, MTN employees volunteer their time and resources to improve the lives of individuals in need. For many of the pupils in Katinguli and Baale, receiving their first school uniforms was a touching and memorable moment.

The gesture not only brought smiles to the children’s faces but also provided a lasting boost to their academic journey. It was especially significant for students who previously had no school uniforms, as it marked a step towards inclusivity and support in their education.

Empowering Communities with Education

The 2025 Y’ello Care theme, “Connecting at the Root: Connecting Communities Through the Use of Digital Tools,” emphasises the power of genuine connections beyond just technology. MTN Ghana believes in creating lasting, meaningful connections by empowering individuals and communities, regardless of their background or location.

Appeals for Improved Infrastructure

The donation also brought attention to critical infrastructural needs at the two schools. Mr. Mohammed Bawa Ziblim, Headteacher of Katinguli R/C Primary School, expressed gratitude on behalf of the school while making a heartfelt appeal for a six-unit classroom block to accommodate students who are currently studying under trees. Mr. Dauda Shani, Headteacher of Baale L/A Primary School, echoed the appeal, requesting a new classroom to replace their makeshift structure.

On behalf of both schools, Mr. Uboi Baabe thanked MTN Ghana for its generous donation and reiterated the urgent need for improved infrastructure to enhance the quality of education in the community.

This donation serves as a reminder of MTN Ghana’s commitment to supporting education and community development in underserved areas, fostering growth and empowerment for future generations.

Upper East Region Strengthens Campaign to End Child Marriage

The Upper East Regional Department of Gender, in collaboration with the Regional Coordinating Council, has ramped up efforts to combat child marriage in the region. This initiative targets families, community leaders, men, boys, women, and girls as part of a broader campaign to end child marriage, which continues to hinder the development and growth of young people, particularly adolescent girls.

Collaborative Efforts with UN Support

Funded by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the campaign is a key component of the UNFPA-UNICEF Global Joint Programme to End Child Marriage. The programme is designed to work with various countries and stakeholders to help achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5.3, which aims to eliminate all harmful practices, including child marriage, by 2030. The programme uses the Child Marriage Advocacy Toolkit to raise awareness about the detrimental impacts of child marriage and promote community-driven solutions to protect girls’ rights and future opportunities.

Sensitisation and Community Engagement

The sensitisation sessions reached 240 participants across six districts—Bawku West, Kassena-Nankana West, Builsa South, Bongo, Nabdam, and Talensi. The sessions featured a variety of interactive methods, including group dialogues, role-playing exercises, and sharing community experiences. These activities aimed to encourage open discussions about child marriage, shifting harmful gender norms, and reinforcing community strategies to prevent early marriages. The ultimate goal is to create an environment where girls’ rights are respected and they can fully realise their potential.

Empowering Communities to End Child Marriage

Mr. James Twene, Acting Upper East Regional Director of the Department of Gender, emphasised the importance of eradicating child marriage to empower girls. He called on all stakeholders to join the movement for a better future. “Child marriage continues to deny many of our girls their right to education and a future of their choosing,” he stated. Mr. Twene encouraged families and communities to engage in these sensitisation sessions to break the silence around child marriage and drive societal change.

Community Support and Commitment

The initiative has received positive feedback from participants, many of whom shared insights from the sessions and pledged to raise awareness in their communities. Mr. Vincent Abe-ena, a leader of the Men and Boys Club in Mirigu, expressed his gratitude, saying, “I never knew child marriage had such severe consequences on girls’ health and education. I’m grateful for this opportunity to learn and make a difference.” Similarly, Mr. Alfred Kurug Akpamah, the Assembly Member for Piitanga, reaffirmed his commitment to the cause: “These sensitisation sessions will help us understand the issue better and take collective action to prevent it.”

Community Leaders Join the Fight

Naba Anaba Kolog, Chief of the Piitanga Community in Nabdam, stressed the importance of raising awareness about the dangers of child marriage, stating, “I’ve seen firsthand the devastating effects of child marriage. I’m excited to work with your department to raise awareness and promote girls’ education.” The involvement of community leaders is crucial in ensuring the campaign’s sustainability and ensuring that the message reaches all segments of society.

Through these efforts, the Upper East Region is making significant strides towards ending child marriage and empowering young girls to pursue education and other opportunities that will help them thrive. The collective commitment from local communities, leaders, and stakeholders will be crucial in shaping a brighter future for girls in the region.

YEFL-Ghana Hosts Savannah Climate Conference to Address Climate Change in Northern Ghana

The Savannah Climate Conference, organised by YEFL-Ghana in collaboration with the Faculty of Sustainable Development at the University for Development Studies (UDS), recently took place in Tamale. The event, supported by Oxfam in Ghana, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to discuss climate change and its impact on Northern Ghana’s vulnerable savannah ecological zone.

Bridging Research and Community Action

The conference, themed “Savannah Solutions: Local Actions with Inclusion, Innovation and Impact”, aimed to bridge the gap between academic research and community-driven climate action. Madam Vera Jawol Magan, Executive Director of YEFL-Ghana, emphasised the need for collaborative, inclusive, and evidence-based solutions to address the growing climate crisis in the region. She pointed out the challenges of erratic rainfall, deforestation, land degradation, and declining agricultural productivity that are affecting the savannah zone.

Madam Magan also highlighted the conference’s core objective, which was to strengthen links between institutions of higher learning and the grassroots communities most affected by climate change. “Our partnership with UDS underscores the need to translate scientific research into practical community-level solutions that reflect the lived realities of rural populations,” she explained.

Transforming Climate Knowledge into Action

Despite the wealth of climate knowledge within academic institutions, its practical application at the community level has been limited. Through this partnership, YEFL-Ghana and UDS aim to make climate research findings more accessible and actionable, particularly for the youth and other vulnerable groups often excluded from climate conversations.

Survey Findings on Charcoal Production

A significant highlight of the conference was a presentation by the UDS Faculty of Sustainable Development, which shared the findings of a 60-page survey focused on the drivers of commercial charcoal production in the savannah zone. The study examined the environmental impacts of charcoal burning and concluded that while the practice cannot be eliminated, interventions such as carbon financing of improved cooking stoves and inter-agency coordination were essential. The survey also called for a lighter regulatory framework to monitor and manage activities within the charcoal sector.

Commitment to Climate Action

Mr. Dokurugu Wumbei, Regional Programme Coordinator for Youth Education and Gender Equality at Oxfam in Ghana, reiterated Oxfam’s commitment to climate action, environmental sustainability, and inclusive dialogue. He urged all stakeholders to take advantage of the conference to collaborate and tackle the pressing climate challenges in the region.

Deforestation Threats and Government Efforts

Dr. Emmanuel Abeere-Inga, Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Development Authority, spoke about the threats posed by deforestation and unsustainable land use to the savannah ecological zone. He emphasised that forests and land resources were crucial to the region’s sustainability. Dr. Abeere-Inga highlighted the government’s efforts, such as the Tree for Life programme, which focuses on restoring degraded lands through agroforestry and reforestation strategies. He stressed that forest conservation should be viewed not just as an environmental necessity but also as a means of promoting sustainable livelihoods.

Support for Policy Implementation

Mr. Ali Adolf John, the Northern Regional Minister, commended YEFL-Ghana and its partners for organising the conference. While his speech was delivered on his behalf, he expressed full support for translating the conference outcomes into practical policies and programs that would enhance the climate resilience of communities in the region.

The Savannah Climate Conference provided an essential platform for discussing innovative, inclusive, localised solutions to climate change, ensuring that both research and community efforts work hand in hand to mitigate the challenges faced by Northern Ghana’s savannah zone.

Ending Open Defecation: Asaloko Community Sets a Model for Sanitation

The story of Asaloko, a community in the Bongo District, is a powerful testament to how collective will and community action can eradicate open defecation and improve sanitation. For years, the community faced significant challenges with poor sanitation, which contributed to frequent health problems, including typhoid fever, as experienced by Madam Mary Assa’s daughter in 2015. This case of illness was linked to the unsanitary practice of open defecation, where human waste contaminated water and food sources, leading to widespread sickness.

A Turning Point: The Role of WaterAid Ghana

However, the situation in Asaloko began to change after the intervention of WaterAid Ghana, under the WASH for Public Health project funded by Global Affairs Canada. The project introduced the community to the dangers of open defecation, improper waste disposal, and the importance of household latrines. Through awareness programs, meetings, and training, the community shifted its mindset, laying the groundwork for lasting change.

In addition to improving sanitation, WaterAid Ghana installed a solar-powered mechanised water system that addressed the long-standing issue of water scarcity in the community. This intervention not only provided access to clean water but also paved the way for better hygiene and health practices.

Community Ownership and Commitment to Change

Unlike many communities that rely on external enforcement, Asaloko took full ownership of its sanitation efforts. The residents, including the youth, actively participated in constructing household latrines using local materials and their free labour. By 2016, every home in Asaloko had a functioning toilet facility, marking a significant achievement in the community’s sanitation journey. This effort culminated in 2019, when Asaloko was declared open defecation-free by the Bongo District Assembly, a status the community has maintained ever since.

The Importance of Youth Engagement and Community Bylaws

A key factor in the success of this initiative was the active involvement of the youth. The youth of Asaloko played a crucial role in educating residents about sanitation and enforcing community bylaws. These laws made it mandatory for every household to have a toilet facility and imposed fines on individuals who defecated in the open or littered the environment. The youth also organised monthly clean-up exercises, ensuring that everyone participated in maintaining the community’s cleanliness.

A Model for Other Communities

The positive changes in Asaloko have not gone unnoticed. The community has become a model for others, both within the district and beyond. Asaloko has even cleaned the district capital, and other communities are now learning from their example. The district’s Environmental Officer, Mr. Abdulai Mumuni, commended Asaloko for its resilience and efforts to ensure proper sanitation practices, describing it as a community worth emulating.

Challenges and Future Aspirations

Despite its success in sanitation, the community still faces challenges, particularly in accessing healthcare. The youth have been advocating for the construction of a healthcare facility to improve health services for the residents. However, their commitment to community development remains strong, as they continue to push for better living conditions and access to essential services.

A Powerful Reminder for the Future

The journey of Asaloko highlights an important lesson: ending open defecation is not only about building toilets, but about changing mindsets, fostering community ownership, and ensuring that local laws are respected. As Ghana strives to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6, which focuses on providing universal access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, the success of Asaloko stands as an inspiring example of what can be achieved through community-driven efforts.

As Mr. Mumuni aptly put it, Asaloko’s success is not just a local victory but a learning model that can spark similar transformations across other communities in Ghana and beyond.

CAPECS Ghana and UNDP Launch Solar-Powered Water System to Empower Women in Suke

In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing sustainable development and empowering women in Suke, the Capacity Enhancement and Community Support (CAPECS) Ghana, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has commissioned a solar-powered mechanised water system. This project, situated in the Lambussie District, aims to provide a reliable source of water and facilitate year-round farming, particularly vegetable production, which is crucial for the community’s economic resilience.

Boosting Women’s Economic Resilience

The solar-powered water system is part of CAPECS Ghana’s broader strategy to enhance women’s participation in decision-making processes, promote peace-building, and contribute to sustainable community development. The project is designed to help women in Suke overcome seasonal challenges in farming and to strengthen their role in ensuring peaceful coexistence within the community.

“CAPECS Ghana is committed to creating an enabling environment for vulnerable people, especially women, to thrive,” said Mr. Abu Dokuwie Alhassan, Executive Director of CAPECS Ghana. Through the initiative, CAPECS has also provided training to women on good agronomic practices and business development, thus improving their farming techniques and economic stability.

Empowering Women Through Education and Savings Initiatives

The project also includes the introduction of the Village Savings and Loans Association (VSLA), which helps women enhance their economic status and improve their overall well-being. This initiative not only boosts agricultural productivity but also promotes financial independence among women in the community, fostering long-term social and economic stability.

UNDP’s Commitment to Peace and Development

Ms Melody Azinim, a Peace and Governance Analyst with the UNDP, emphasised the importance of peace in achieving sustainable development. “Without peace, we cannot achieve the development we all desire for this district,” she stated. The project aims to build women’s capacity in conflict prevention, mediation, and management, enabling them to play a key role in ensuring peace within their communities.

Regional and Local Support for Women’s Empowerment

The Upper West Regional Minister, Mr. Charles Lwanga Puozuing, commended the initiative, noting that it aligns with the region’s broader goal of empowering women and building sustainable livelihoods. He emphasised the need for collective efforts to address gender inequality and conflicts, which often hinder progress, particularly for women and youth.

Gratitude and Community Impact

Kuoro Dakui Yiriminoh Zimi III, the Suke Divisional Chief, expressed his gratitude for the solar-powered water system, which he noted would significantly improve the livelihoods and social cohesion of the Suke community. He thanked CAPECS Ghana, UNDP, and the Governments of Denmark and Luxembourg for their support in implementing the project.

The beneficiary women echoed these sentiments, expressing their gratitude for the project, which they believe will enhance peace-building efforts and promote sustainable development in their community.

A Model for Future Development Projects

The initiative, implemented by CAPECS Ghana in partnership with UNDP and funded by the Governments of Denmark and Luxembourg, is being carried out in both the West Gonja District in the Savanna Region and the Lambussie District in the Upper West Region. It serves as a model for future development projects that aim to foster gender equality, peace, and sustainable development in Ghana’s northern regions.

NDA CEO Pushes for Better Development Coordination in Northern Ghana

Dr. Emmanuel Abeere-Inga, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Development Authority (NDA), is calling for a more effective and structured approach to development in Northern Ghana. He believes that a unified coordination system will help the five northern regions work together, ensuring that resources and funding are used efficiently to support the region’s growth.

A Unified Strategy for Lasting Progress

During a meeting with the Upper East Regional Minister, Mr. Donatus Atanga Akamugri, in Bolgatanga, Dr. Abeere-Inga stressed the need for a coordinated approach to development. He argued that such a framework would empower local stakeholders and streamline the delivery of resources directly where they’re needed. This system, he said, would tackle the development issues in Northern Ghana and improve the lives of its people.

Dr. Abeere-Inga also voiced frustration with bureaucratic delays in Accra that slow down project implementation in the north, despite the region’s potential for investment. He pointed out that these inefficiencies have led to little progress, with crucial resources rarely reaching the northern regions.

Challenges with Funds and Mismanagement

One of the key issues Dr. Abeere-Inga highlighted was the mismanagement of funds meant for Northern Ghana. “People often say there’s a lot of funding for the north, but the truth is, the money rarely makes it here. It’s taken by bureaucrats in Accra,” he explained. This diversion of funds has led to failed projects and disappointing results.

Dr. Abeere-Inga recalled the Ghana Commercial Agriculture Project, which was backed by a $60 million World Bank loan and a $50 million U.S. government grant. Despite the large sum, poor management and delays in Accra meant the project fell short, and the U.S. eventually withdrew its support.

Strengthening Local Institutions for Better Outcomes

Dr. Abeere-Inga is determined to ensure that future investments, whether from donors or the government, are managed by local institutions in the north. This will promote greater transparency and ensure resources are used more effectively, leading to better results for the region.

Regional Minister Backs the Vision

Mr. Akamugri, the Upper East Regional Minister, recognised the NDA’s past challenges but expressed confidence in Dr. Abeere-Inga’s vision for the future. He believes that the Acting CEO’s commitment to reforming the NDA and driving development will bring significant change to the region.

The Minister also suggested that the NDA work with the Northern Caucus in Parliament to build support for the proposed development framework. He emphasised the need for inclusivity to ensure the framework’s success and long-term sustainability.

A New Era for Northern Ghana

As Mr. Akamugri put it, “We need to change the narrative,” and this new approach could be the key to transforming Northern Ghana’s development. With strong leadership and local support, the unified coordination framework is set to bring real and lasting change to the region.

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