A cluster of auto mechanic shops at Amakom, a suburb of Kumasi, faced a sudden and devastating demolition at dawn on Tuesday, 23rd September. The shops, known as Odiifoɔ Asare Fitamu, have been in existence for nearly 60 years, serving customers and training countless young people aspiring to become mechanics.
For decades, the mechanics operated on several acres of land without legal documentation, sustaining their families and livelihoods from the proceeds of their work. However, without prior notice, a group of police officers accompanied by unidentified thugs stormed the area with bulldozers and other heavy machinery, razing structures and displacing both workers and residents who lived on the land.
One resident, recounting the incident, said:
“I was in my room when I heard loud noises of destruction. I rushed out to see police officers and thugs forcing people out of their homes. They didn’t even care about a neighbor of mine with a five-month-old baby who is already struggling to make ends meet. This is unfair. Why didn’t they give us prior notice so we could relocate?”
The expressions of those affected reflected deep bitterness and disappointment, with many left uncertain about where they would lay their heads.
“At dawn, one of my trainees called to inform me that police officers and thugs were destroying our setups. But we actually have an unfinished court case with a woman of God over this land dispute. I have many children to feed and educate, and this workshop is my only source of income. We received no prior notice—it just happened suddenly. I honestly don’t know how to start over.”
A mechanic specializing in car spraying, who was also a victim, shared his frustration:
Another mechanic, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, explained:
“Around 4am, police officers and thugs approached us, demanding we evacuate the land immediately. Some of our leaders were arrested and taken away to an unknown location. They told us Otumfuo had sold the land. Even if that were true, why didn’t they notify us beforehand? They showed us no legal documents but insisted they were acting on orders from above, threatening to beat us if we resisted. We complied because the system does not favor the voiceless.”
The demolition did not only destroy properties but also left children, residents, traders, and workers traumatized and in despair.
A trader who has operated in the area for over 20 years also voiced her distress:
“I have been selling here since sachet water wasn’t even on the market. Now I don’t know how to earn money to support my child in university. Should I resort to a promiscuous life just to survive? I knew the landowner might one day reclaim it, but I never expected it to be in such a harsh and ruthless manner.”
The sudden demolition of Odiifoɔ Asare Fitamu has not only wiped away decades of work but also shattered the hopes of many who relied on the land for survival.
President John Mahama has underscored the urgent need for stronger disease control measures across Africa, warning that declining external funding poses a major threat to the continent’s health sovereignty.
Addressing the Centre for Disease Control meeting in New York, President John Mahama said Africa must take charge of its health future. He noted that “external funding for health care and humanitarian assistance is declining rapidly,” pointing to the US Congress’ recent $8 billion cut to its international assistance budget and the termination of contracts worth $54 billion.
He stressed that similar cuts are being made in Europe, where NATO allies are diverting resources to meet defense spending targets. According to him, this trend threatens to leave African citizens “without medicines, without vaccines, and without hope.” He added that without proper disease control strategies, there could be a reversal in Africa’s health outcomes.
Ghana’s Commitment to Health Sovereignty
John Mahama highlighted steps Ghana is taking to strengthen health systems and reinforce disease control. The Ghana Medical Trust Fund Act, he noted, provides sustainable financing for citizens battling non-communicable diseases. He also announced the establishment of a National Vaccine Institute, seeded with 75 million Ghana cedis, to make Ghana a hub for vaccine research and manufacturing in West Africa.
Beyond that, he said Ghana will soon roll out a free primary health care program to ensure that “essential care is available to everyone, without cost, without barriers, and without delay.” He further disclosed that the government restored about $300 million to health funding by uncapping the National Health Insurance Levy.
Building Africa’s Collective Health Agenda
President John Mahama emphasized the importance of collective African leadership in global health governance. Referencing the African Health Sovereignty Summit in Accra, he said the launch of the Accra Compact and the Accra Reset Agenda are designed to transform global health structures, with disease control at the core of that transformation.
He asserted, “Africa must not only be invited to global health discussions. Africa must be a co-convener. We must be a co-designer and a co-owner of the solutions and outcomes of this global forum.”
Mahama urged African leaders to present a united front when engaging with global institutions such as GAVI, the Global Fund, and the Pandemic Fund.
Kwame Nkrumah, born Francis Kwame Nkrumah on 21 September 1909 in Nkroful in the Gold Coast (now Ghana), remains one of Africa’s most significant political figures. Nkrumah was not only a politician but also a political theorist, revolutionary, and a global symbol of Pan-Africanism.
Early Life and Education
Raised by his mother, Elizabeth Nyanibah, after his father’s death, Nkrumah enjoyed an upbringing marked by communal values and a strong sense of belonging. He excelled academically at a Catholic elementary school in Half Assini, later progressing to the Government Training College at Achimota in Accra.
In 1935, Nkrumah travelled to the United States to study at Lincoln University and the University of Pennsylvania. His time abroad broadened his worldview: he earned degrees in economics, sociology, philosophy, theology, and education. Beyond academics, he became immersed in African nationalist movements, social activism, and Pan-African ideas. Nkrumah envisioned a liberated, united Africa.
He later moved to London, where he participated in the Fifth Pan-African Congress in 1945. The congress, attended by African leaders such as Jomo Kenyatta and Hastings Banda, was pivotal in shaping strategies for Africa’s decolonization. Nkrumah’s political ideology was anchored in socialism, anti-imperialism, and Pan-Africanism.
Political Rise in the Gold Coast
In 1947, Nkrumah returned to the Gold Coast and became general secretary of the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC). Kwame Nkrumah’s populist appeal set him apart from the party’s more conservative leaders. He advocated “Self-Government Now,” galvanizing workers, farmers, students, and women. The 1948 Accra riots, which followed protests by ex-servicemen, highlighted the urgency of political change. Nkrumah, along with other leaders known as the “Big Six,” was arrested, further boosting his popularity.
By 1949, he broke away from the UGCC to form the Convention People’s Party (CPP). The CPP mobilized mass support through rallies, songs, and symbols like the red cockerel. In the 1951 elections—the first under universal franchise in colonial Africa—the CPP swept to victory even as Nkrumah campaigned from prison. Upon release, he was invited to form a government, becoming Leader of Government Business and later Prime Minister.
On 6 March 1957, the Gold Coast became Ghana, the first sub-Saharan African colony to gain independence. Nkrumah proclaimed, “At long last, the battle has ended! Ghana, your beloved country, is free forever.” As prime minister and later president (1960–1966), Nkrumah pursued ambitious policies. He championed education, industrialization, and infrastructure projects, including the construction of Tema Harbour and the Akosombo Dam.
He also established free and compulsory education, believing knowledge was central to nation-building. Internationally, Nkrumah was a vocal Pan-Africanist. He helped found the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, advocating for continental unity as a path to political and economic strength.
Kwame Nkrumah and the Cold War
At the height of the Cold War, a period of intense rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, many newly independent African nations were pressured to choose sides. Whichever side they aligned with often meant potential economic punishment from the other.
Within this context, Nkrumah boldly charted an alternative course. He was one of the founders of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), a coalition of nations that refused to be pawns in the East–West struggle. Instead, NAM countries sought to prioritize independence, sovereignty, and development.
To capture this vision, Nkrumah famously declared: “We face neither East nor West; we face forward.” A call to Africans to focus on their own destiny, building prosperity and dignity for their people without foreign domination.
However, this position came at a cost. While non-alignment opened doors to aid and opportunities, it also fueled suspicion and foreign-backed plots.
Decline and Overthrow
By the mid-1960s, Ghana faced growing difficulties. Declining cocoa prices weakened the economy, while Nkrumah’s large-scale projects created mounting debt. Kwame Nkrumah declared a one-party state in 1964 alienating sections of the population.
On 24 February 1966, while Nkrumah was abroad on a peace mission to Vietnam, Ghana’s military staged a coup that abruptly ended his nine-year presidency. Though initially justified as a move against corruption and mismanagement, the coup’s swift alignment with Western powers revealed its deeper geopolitical motivations. Evidence later showed that Western intelligence networks, including the CIA and British operatives, had prior knowledge and links to the coup plotters.
Reactions at home were mixed. Some urban populations welcomed the change, but many rural communities that had benefited from Nkrumah’s development policies lamented his removal.
Kwame Nkrumah, now exiled in Guinea, was made honorary co-president by Ahmed Sékou Touré. He continued to write, speak, and advocate for Pan-African unity until his death in Bucharest, Romania, on 27 April 1972.
Legacy
Kwame Nkrumah’s legacy is complex. He is remembered as the Osagyefo (Redeemer), who inspired Africa’s independence struggles and articulated a bold vision of unity and self-determination. His policies laid the foundations for modern Ghana.
Above all, his life underscores the unfinished struggle for African liberation. In a world where powerful nations still jostle for influence, Nkrumah’s call to “face forward” rings louder than ever. For Africa, the real task remains clear: bringing prosperity to its people and ensuring they live dignified lives.
In 1999, the BBC named him “African of the Millennium,” a testament to his lasting influence. Kwame Nkrumah’s life illustrates the power of vision and determination in shaping history. He remains a towering figure, embodying both the triumphs and challenges of Africa’s journey toward freedom and self-rule.
What happens when one has a need for blood and does not get it? Your guess is as good as mine. Blood donation saves lives. Blood is essential for life because it supplies cells and tissues with oxygen and nutrients, moves away waste products, fights infections through immune cells, forms clots to stop excessive bleeding, and helps regulate body temperature.
That’s why there’s a need for replenishment of our blood stock. The blood you give is a lifeline in an emergency and for people who need long-term treatments.
According to Mr. Christian Oppong of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH, blood bank), not less than 80 units of blood is required by patients in a day in most hospitals, and in a week, not less than 500 units of blood is required. From patients surviving surgeries, cancer treatment, and chronic illnesses to traumatic accident victims, people need blood on a daily basis. Which is why it is essential for generous donors like you to give blood.
But before you roll up your sleeve to make this life-saving gift, there are a few important steps to take to ensure both your safety and the safety of the person receiving your blood.
What to do before donating blood
Rest and eat well:
Before donating blood, it is advisable to avoid fatty foods such as fries and ice cream. Instead, increase your fluid intake, especially water, and refrain from strenuous activities like construction work, mechanical tasks, or vigorous manual labor to prevent complications. Eating a healthy, filling meal before the donation is also essential. Additionally, if you are on medication, you should consult your doctor or a healthcare professional in preparation for the blood donation.
Wear loose sleeves
Blood donors are encouraged to wear loose-fitting sleeves that can be easily rolled up to the elbow, allowing convenient access to the veins
What to do after donating blood
After donating blood, it is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Keep the bandage on for at least four hours, and eat healthy, iron-rich meals to help restore nutrients and energy.
After donating blood, avoid alcohol for the remainder of the day. If you feel faint, sit or lie down immediately and drink water; if the symptoms persist, seek medical attention or contact healthcare professionals for support.
Blood donation can be safely repeated every four months, up to three times a year, provided you are fit to donate.
How blood donors benefit
While donating blood can be celebrated for saving lives, medical experts emphasize that donors also gain remarkable health benefits. One key advantage is the free medical screening that comes with every donation; blood pressure is checked, weight is measured, and tests are run for conditions such as hepatitis B and C. Though these checks are designed to ensure eligibility for donation, they also provide donors with valuable insights into their own health.
Beyond screening, blood donation supports the body by acting as a mild cardiovascular workout, helping burn calories while also protecting donors with excess iron by reducing the risk of liver damage.
Blood donation is a safe, complication-free process. That’s why Orange FM, in collaboration with Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Saqs Pharmacy, and Osons Chemist, is organizing a blood donation exercise on September 20, 2025.
This simple act, rich with personal health benefits, extends far beyond the donor; every drop given can become a lifeline for someone in need. Join us on September 20, 2025 and be part of saving lives!
A TEWU strike is looming as the Teachers and Educational Workers Union accuses the the government of neglecting non-teaching staff. The union is demanding the immediate signing of conditions of service, inclusion in the professional development allowance, and resolution of outstanding promotion grievances.
General Secretary of TEWU, King James Azortibah, expressed deep frustration over years of delays. He said the conditions of service for non-teaching staff in public universities and technical universities expired in 2018, yet new agreements remain unsigned.
“It will interest you to know that the conditions of service is a document that contains the terms of work, the promotions and the progress, allowances, terminal benefits payments, and the rest,” Azortibah explained. He stressed that while most unions review agreements every two years, TEWU has been left waiting for far longer.
Azortibah recounted that TEWU went on strike in November 2024 but was called back by the Labour Commission, which set January 24, 2025, as the date for new negotiations. However, this date and subsequent dates in March, June, and August were also missed.
The union believes its members are being treated unfairly compared to others in the education sector. “When you come to the public and technical universities, they signed that of UTAG, they signed that of the senior staff, and for us in TEWU they are not signing. We feel this is very, very discriminatory,” Azortibah lamented.
TEWU has also warned that any attempt to intimidate its members will amount to unfair labor practice.
Labour Minister Rashid Pelpuo’s Response
Meanwhile, the Labour Minister Rashid Pelpuo confirmed that the government has taken notice of the union’s demands. He said the finance ministry is working on a comprehensive plan to address grievances from TEWU and other unions threatening strike action.
Pelpuo said, “I made arrangements and had a meeting with the finance minister. He proposed ways to tackle it.”
He emphasized that treating unions individually could create bigger challenges. “Rather than doing so, we thought that we have a comprehensive approach by the Ministry of Finance to their demands,” he explained.
Pelpuo added that he intends to meet TEWU leaders again to assure them of the the government’s commitment.
The TEWU strike could significantly disrupt Ghana’s education sector, where over 45,000 non-teaching staff provide essential services. While the the government insists dialogue is the solution, TEWU has made it clear it will not hesitate to act if its grievances remain unresolved.
Parts of the Madina Market in Accra were gutted by fire in the early hours of Friday, September 19, 2025, leaving several shops and wooden structures completely destroyed.
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) confirmed receiving a distress call at around 1 a.m. Despite the scale of destruction, firefighters managed to stop the blaze from spreading, and fortunately, no casualties were recorded.
Greater Accra Regional Commander, DCF0 II Rashid Kwame, commended firefighters for their swift intervention and stressed the need for increased safety measures in markets. He announced that patrols will be intensified both day and night, with fire safety messages broadcast in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings. Flyers will also be distributed, and fire officers will go shop to shop and house to house to ensure traders and residents have emergency contact numbers readily available.
afternoon, “We are going to intensify our market patrols both day and night. Our fire safety messages will be played in the morning, in the afternoon, and in the evening. I also encourage that we are going to bring in more flyers and insist that we go from shop to shop, house to house, door to door to ensure that everybody in these marketplaces has fire service contact numbers in their cell phones.”
He praised the dedication of the fire crews, emphasizing that while people often flee danger, firefighters are trained to run toward it to restore calm and protect lives. The commander expressed gratitude to the director of operations, deputy director, and regional and district officers, urging them to remain encouraged in their work.
The cause of the fire at Madina Market remains unknown, but investigations are underway. The GNFS reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, stressing the importance of swift responses and public cooperation during emergencies.
Galamsey areas in Ghana continue to raise serious concerns as environmental degradation deepens across affected communities. As of September 15, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama has not declared a state of emergency on the matter. However, with mounting environmental degradation and community risks, galamsey remains under close national and political scrutiny. Public attention remains firmly on the crisis, and with this menace threatening lives, farmlands, and water bodies, it is one of the most pressing issues facing the nation today.
Government Efforts and Ongoing Challenges
Illegal mining, widely known as galamsey, has long challenged authorities in Ghana. The government has relied on law enforcement, community engagement, and sustainable development initiatives to tackle the menace. Calls for granting additional powers to authorities continue to grow. This approach, however, also raises questions about civil liberties and local economic activities.
The issue goes beyond legality and touches on livelihoods. Illegal mining should therefore not be taken lightly because it’s destroying lives, homes, lands, water bodies, and the environment at large.
Fatalities and Property Loss
Several tragedies have occurred in galamsey areas across the country. While some date as far back as 2009, such as the Dompoase deadly mine collapse, many have also occurred recently. Even more widespread is this menace, such that in February 2025, a journalist was attacked while documenting the impact of these illegal mining activities in the Breman-Adomanya forest, Wassa Amenfi West District.
Though exact figures remain uncertain, a 2021 study recorded 622 deaths from mine collapses and related accidents between 2007 and July 2020. One of the most devastating incidents was the 2022 Bogoso explosion, which killed 13 people and injured 180 others.
Reports in 2024 revealed that galamsey had destroyed over 100,000 acres of farmland. This destruction has inadvertently affected cocoa farming, a vital sector of Ghana’s economy.
Environmental and Health Impact
The destruction caused in galamsey areas includes arable land, forests, and polluted water bodies. The contamination of rivers and streams with toxic chemicals also threatens agriculture and public health. These risks place communities at high risk of food insecurity and disease.
Galamsey also impacts Ghana’s long-term economic outlook. The loss of farmland and water resources undermines development and sustainability. Have we asked ourselves as a country if we are safe when it comes to illegal mining? Will stronger measures finally address the menace?
Calls for Emergency Powers
The question of declaring a state of emergency remains divisive. While others are saying a state of emergency is expedient (by virtue of the Emergency Powers Act 1994; Act 472), others are calling for more time in dealing with the menace.
Minister of State in charge of Government Communications and MP for Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has revealed a new government strategy that will ensure a permanent military deployment in all areas threatened by illegal mining. You would think this would help, but some Ghanaians have cautioned that the deployment of the military to combat illegal mining in some areas could cripple the entire local economy. So, what to do?
Despite disagreements, one fact is evident: Galamsey areas are worsening Ghana’s environmental and social crises. But on the sidelines, as Ghanaians, we can only but maintain cautious optimism that indeed, our hope as a nation is not lost.
The Attorney General’s remarks on the Chief Justices removal process have sparked intense debate. However, the Binduri Member of Parliament, Esq. Issifu Mahmoud has thrown his support behind Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine’s sharp criticism of the Ghana Bar Association over the Chief Justice’s removal process.
In an interview with Alfa on the Orange Sunrise, the MP described Dr. Ayine as “a well-principled, learned person” whose credibility is unquestionable. He argued that Ghanaians should appreciate leaders who are bold enough to challenge their own institutions.
“Ghanaians should be grateful that, courtesy His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, we have men of this stature,” he said. Mahmoud added that meaningful change can only come when members within the Bar speak out, not outsiders. “If you and I sit here to criticize the Ghana Bar, what impact will it make?” he asked.
The Attorney General’s remarks on the removal of chief justices in Ghana came during the 2025 Annual Bar Conference in Wa. Dr. Ayine accused the GBA of inconsistency in its advocacy, saying the association remained silent during the removal of previous chief justices.
He also noted that under former Chief Justice Georgina Wood, several judges were removed following investigations by journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, yet the Bar failed to comment. However, the association became vocal when petitions were filed against former Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo.
“Outside the courtroom, the advocacy of the Bar has lacked consistency,” Dr. Ayine stated. According to him, such selective silence undermines public trust and creates the perception that the Bar has become partisan.
Hon. Mahmoud on Legal Procedures
Mahmoud also addressed the constitutional process for the removal of chief justices, emphasizing that Article 146 of the 1992 Constitution provides both the substantive law and the detailed procedure for removing independent office holders. These include justices of the Superior Courts and heads of key institutions such as the Electoral Commission.
“It is only that procedure that should be followed to get to the outcome,” he explained. The MP warned that when state institutions deviate from this procedure, the courts have the authority to quash the process.
He dismissed claims that additional constitutional instruments are required, insisting that Article 146 already offers a clear framework. “Article 146 in itself has laid down the procedure,” he said. He further noted that Ghana has applied the article several times, reinforcing the Attorney General’s argument.
Critics argue that the Bar must demonstrate greater consistency if it is to maintain its independence and authority. For Hon. Mahmoud, the Attorney General’s bold intervention is proof of principled leadership. “Let us praise people who are strong enough in character and in principle and will be able to come out to criticize certain things that they feel are not going well,” he said.
Dr. Beatrice Wiafe-Addai, President of Breast Care International and Chief Executive Officer of Peace and Love Hospitals, has officially launched the highly anticipated BCI Walk for the Cure 2025, which is set to take place in Kumasi.
This annual event aims to raise awareness about breast cancer and encourage regular screenings across the country.
The capital of the Ashanti Region, Kumasi, is expected to be filled with hundreds of participants, including various groups and individuals from both local and international communities, who are eagerly looking forward to the event.
Dr. Wiafe-Addai has urged the public to participate, stressing the need for collective action to combat this deadly illness in the region and throughout the nation.
She also announced that the President pledged to participate in this year’s annual walk due to its ongoing impact on the fight against breast cancer in the country.
Speaking to journalists during an event to launch the Walk at the Peace and Love Hospital at Odoum in the Ashanti Region, Dr. Wiafe-Addai noted that, the President is committed to the cause, noting that he has previously participated in the walk on three occasions.
“His Excellency President John Mahama has walked with Breast Care International on three occasions, and this year he has promised to join us once more. He understands breast cancer and is someone we believe can help us change the narrative surrounding the disease,” she stated.
Dr. Wiafe-Addai further pointed out that civil society organizations play a crucial role in driving change within communities, and BCI is poised to collaborate with the government through the Mahama Cares initiative to address various cancers, including breast cancer.
Since its inception in 2002, BCI has earned a reputation for its rigorous efforts to combat breast cancer, significantly raising public awareness about the disease and contributing to the containment of this deadly illness.
With more than two decades of experience, the organization is calling for effective collaboration with the government to tackle this health challenge decisively.
“We cannot afford to lose more lives unnecessarily. We need to work together with the Mahama Cares program to save lives. We greatly appreciate this initiative, as it will address not only cancer but also non-communicable diseases in general. We want to see a lot of changes,” she added.
Professor Christian Agyare, Provost of the College of Health at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), noted that the BCI Ghana Walk for the Cure is essential for educating the public about breast cancer and promoting proper management of the disease.
He expressed hope that the initiative will dispel misconceptions about the disease being spiritual in nature, thus encouraging regular screenings and early detection.
The event launched on September 5, 2025, brought together experts, traditional leaders, students, and survivors to form a united front in anticipation of the walk.
Scheduled for Saturday, October 4, 2025 in Kumasi, this year’s walk is expected to attract over 30,000 participants from across Ghana and beyond.
Under the theme “A Cure Worth Fighting For,” the walk will begin at the Adum Post Office and culminate at the Manhyia Durbar Grounds, transforming the city into a vibrant scene of solidarity, hope, and purpose.
This year’s event also signifies a notable rebranding for BCI, following over 23 years of dedicated service to women’s health in Ghana, across Africa, and globally.
The new brand identity reflects BCI’s ongoing growth, ambitious vision, and renewed commitment to leading the fight against breast cancer.
With no foreign grants, no donor budgets, and powered only by passion, the Centre for Climate Change and Food Security (CCCFS) has spent the last decade educating and supporting farmers, women, youth, religious leaders, and journalists first in Ghana, and now across West Africa.
Founded in October 2015, CCCFS was born out of concern for how climate change, environmental degradation, and illegal mining were threatening food security, public health, and the survival of vulnerable communities.
From day one, the organisation has operated without a single donor cheque surviving instead on in-kind contributions from a handful of dedicated members.
“We may not have money, but we have knowledge, truth, and commitment,” says Executive Director Engr Mahmud Mohammed-Nurudeen.
*Advocacy born from evidence*
CCCFS began by running community education campaigns on climate change, sustainable agriculture, disaster preparedness, and sanitation.
They became the first NGO in Ghana to publicly call for a state of emergency on illegal mining locally known as galamsey warning of its devastating impact on rivers, farmlands, and public health.
“We conducted research and reviewed food testing in mining communities,” recalls Issifu Sulemana, CCCFS Director of Research.
“What we found was alarming, toxic levels of mercury in crops grown near polluted water sources. These are silent killers, and we cannot ignore them.”
This field-based advocacy, years before the issue became national news, helped draw attention to the hidden health risks of contaminated food.
*Practical training and grassroots action*
Beyond advocacy, CCCFS has run practical programmes, including:
Training religious leaders to interpret Ghana Meteorological Agency weather forecasts so they can guide their congregations on planting, disaster readiness, and climate adaptation.
Planting trees in cocoa-growing areas of Ashanti and beyond to restore degraded lands, protect biodiversity, and secure cocoa production.
Teaching farmers safe agrochemical disposal to prevent poisoning and environmental harm.
Running anti-food-waste campaigns in northern Ghana, explaining how waste fuels greenhouse gas emissions and threatens food supply.
Researching market women’s awareness of climate change and the dangers of indiscriminate tree cutting in Kumasi, while educating them on regulations and the benefits of urban greenery.
Since 2017, the organization has sensitized, educated, and trained thousands of students across Ghana on climate change, weather-related issues, and the importance of being guardians of the environment. Notable institutions include Anglican Senior High School, Al-Azhariya Islamic Senior High School, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology (KNUST), University of Development Studies (UDS), Christian Service University, and University College of Management Studies, among others.
Additionally, the organization has provided opportunities for students from various institutions, particularly KNUST and the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), to intern with the organization, during which some have collected relevant data.
“These projects matter not just to Ghana but to the world,” says Engr Mohammed-Nurudeen, “because they protect ecosystems, improve health, and support global climate action.”
*A Setback and a Pivot*
In 2025, CCCFS applied for its first international grant. They passed all stages except the last, where they were rejected for admitting they had never received foreign funding.
“That honesty cost us a lot,” says Engr Mohammed-Nurudeen. “We could have lied or claimed to work with bigger organisations but we chose to speak the truth. Our honesty has become our identity. If it means we’ll suffer for it, so be it.”
Instead of giving up, the team partnered with Nigeria’s The North Journal to create something bigger: a six-week online training for West African journalists on biodiversity and ecosystem reporting.
*Training journalists across West Africa*
The programme, themed “Biodiversity Matters: How Africa’s Stories Can Shape a Sustainable Future”, began on July 11 and runs until August 15, 2025. Over 100 journalists applied, with just over 30 selected on merit.
The course covers biodiversity basics, the link between climate change and biodiversity, data-driven storytelling, ethics, investigative tools, and solutions journalism. Trainers included Dr. Vibha Varshney and Rajit Sengupta from India’s Down To Earth magazine, alongside experts from Nigeria and Ghana. The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) in India provided its experts free of charge after many institutions declined support.
Each week, participants complete assignments, culminating in a publishable biodiversity story.
“This training opened my eyes to how biodiversity connects to everything from food to climate to our health. It’s exactly what we need,” says Nigerian journalist Zainab Adam.
For Hadiza Musah of Prime Time News, the experience was transformative:
“Although I’d heard the word biodiversity before, I’d never worked on it. This training taught me investigative techniques, mapping, and how to use my phone for storytelling. It has unlocked a part of me I didn’t know existed.”
Participants from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Benin, and other countries shared similar sentiments praising the practical skills, exposure to new ideas, and regional collaboration.
Sheku Desmond, a Mass Communication student journalist at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, said the six-week Biodiversity Training by GJESHA and the Nigerian North Journals was highly educational.
He gained practical tools for biodiversity reporting, learned valuable topics that will help his career, and promised to apply the knowledge. He thanked the organisers, participants, and speakers for the opportunity.
Sounouvo L. Bijou S., a science journalist from Benin, said the training deepened his understanding of biodiversity and survey techniques. Although French speakers struggled with the English delivery, he appreciated the knowledge gained, the networking opportunities, and recommended adding translations or PDF materials for mixed-language audiences in future editions.
*Launching WAJESHA*
On August 15, CCCFS will launch the West Africa Journalists for Environment, Science, Health & Agriculture (WAJESHA) network to unite journalists across the subregion in covering climate change, biodiversity, agriculture, and public health.
The keynote speaker will be Richard Mahapatra, Managing Editor of Down To Earth. Other speakers include APHRC West Africa’s Assane Diouf, Ghana’s Dr. Caleb Amankwah, Senegalese veteran journalist Famara Niassy, WASCAL’s Nii Commey, and Dr. Beatrice Wiafe-Addai of Breast Care International.
Discussions will focus on how cross-border journalism and partnerships can help shape Africa’s future.
*Integrity over comfort*
Through all this, CCCFS continues visiting remote farms, schools, mosques, churches, and radio stations — spreading climate knowledge without a single donor’s dollar.
“We are not giving up,” says Engr Mohammed-Nurudeen. “Funding or no funding, the work must go on.”
