Talensi DCE Assures Schools of Furniture Support, Says Distribution Will Be Driven by Need
The Talensi District Chief Executive, Hon. John Millim, has assured residents that schools struggling with inadequate furniture will receive support, but stressed that the distribution will be based on verified data rather than political considerations. Responding to concerns over schools such as the primary school at Sawalega, where a citizen reportedly highlighted a severe shortage of furniture, Hon. Millim said the Assembly was already taking steps to address the problem. He disclosed that newly procured dual desks were being assembled and would soon be distributed to schools identified by the District Education Directorate as having the most critical shortages. “We will not just get up, pick chairs and tables and go and distribute them to some community when we don’t have the data from the District Education Directorate.” The DCE said development planning must be evidence-based, explaining that the Assembly relies on the Education Directorate’s data to determine where educational infrastructure and furniture are most urgently required. “Development is a shared responsibility, and wherever we are building a school, we do not just decide to go and build a school for people because they are good to us. We do that in consultation with the Education Directorate.” He further revealed that the Assembly had already procured dual desks, with some undergoing assembly, and promised that distribution would commence shortly. “These dual desks that I have procured… in the next week, by God, we are going to distribute them.” Beyond the immediate furniture challenge, Hon. Millim called for stronger community ownership of public facilities, arguing that providing infrastructure without protecting it undermines development. “Whatever we get today, let’s try to protect it so we can ask for more new things.” He therefore urged teachers, parents and community members to help maintain school facilities, warning that authorities would struggle to justify further investment when existing infrastructure and equipment were allowed to deteriorate. “If we get something today and then we don’t take care of it, we cannot develop a community like that.” The DCE also appealed to stakeholders to present development concerns through constructive engagement rather than partisan confrontation. “Let’s share ideas. You can come to my office and say, ‘This is what I’ve observed at this corner.’ Development is not cut out that way.” He maintained that government alone could not meet every development need and called for collective responsibility among public institutions and communities. “Government cannot do everything. Communities must also play their part by protecting what they receive,” he said. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Nabdam DCE Charts Bold Path to Transform Education Infrastructure
In Nabdam District, Hon. Francis Tobig, the District Chief Executive (DCE), is spearheading an ambitious campaign to transform the face of education. An educationist by profession, Hon. Tobig’s passion is personal, after more than 20 years teaching at Kongo Senior High School, he knows firsthand the struggles of overcrowded classrooms, broken furniture, and the daily challenges teachers and students face. During an exclusive interview on SPEAKOUT UPPER EAST with Apexnewsgh’s Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen, Hon. Tobig painted a vivid picture of both the hurdles and the hope now shaping education in Nabdam. A Teacher’s Vision “I have lived it,” Hon. Tobig shared, reflecting on his years in the classroom. “That’s why I am committed to making a real difference.” His background gives him a unique perspective on what schools truly need, not just buildings, but environments where learning can thrive. Building for the Future Under his leadership, the Assembly is rolling out a series of major infrastructure projects: A new three-unit classroom block, complete with a Head Teacher’s office, storeroom, ICT laboratory, library, staff room, and an eight-seater KVIP toilet facility. A fresh Junior High School at Damolgo, bringing education closer to more children. At Nkuziesie, a two-unit KG block with office, store, five-seater KVIP, and gender-friendly urinals, plus a protective fence and shed. Rehabilitation of classroom blocks at Nangodi Cluster of Schools and demolition of old KG blocks at Pelungu to improve safety and learning environments. Upgrades to the ICT lab at Kongo, including burglar-proofing and painting. Water for Learning Recognizing that good infrastructure means little without the basics, the Assembly is tackling water shortages. The Nabdam Education Directorate is being connected to a mechanized water system, and five new mechanized boreholes with overhead tanks are scheduled for institutions like Sakote Teachers’ Quarters and Kongo KG. More Schools, More Access Procurement is underway for further projects, such as a primary school at St. John’s School in Sakote and an educational facility at Potin. Though a new ultra-modern chief’s palace has been completed at Nkuziesie, Hon. Tobig made clear this was separate from the education push. Furniture: Filling the Gap, Fostering Care Furniture shortages have long plagued Nabdam’s schools. “It’s not just about providing desks,” the DCE emphasized, “but taking care of what we have.” This year, 1,000 pieces of furniture, 600 dual desks and 400 single desks, are being procured, with another 1,000 planned for 2026. But Hon. Tobig is equally focused on maintenance. After visiting a classroom full of broken furniture, he vowed to work with the Education Directorate to establish a robust maintenance system, so resources last longer and serve more students. Raising the Bar: Academic Performance Despite these improvements, academic performance remains a concern. Hon. Tobig expressed disappointment that only one student reached an aggregate of 20 in the 2025 BECE, far from his ambitious target. “We must do better,” he said. He pledged continued engagement with schools and parents, challenging them to raise their expectations and outcomes. A District on the Move Hon. Tobig’s leadership is turning vision into concrete action. From new classrooms and water systems to furniture and maintenance, Nabdam’s schools are changing for the better. As the DCE and his team press forward, the hope is clear: every child in Nabdam deserves a school that inspires learning, and a future filled with possibility Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Leading with Impact: Hon. Francis Tobig’s Trailblazing Initiatives in Nabdam Health Sector
Since his appointment by President John Dramani Mahama, Hon. Francis Tobig, the District Chief Executive (DCE) of Nabdam, has been on a mission to transform the health sector in his district. In an exclusive interview on SPEAKOUT UPPER EAST with Apexnewsgh’s Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen, Hon. Tobig recounted a series of impactful interventions and ongoing projects, painting a vivid picture of progress and commitment. From the outset, Hon. Tobig made healthcare a top priority. Under his leadership, the Nabdam District Assembly channeled resources into improving both the infrastructure and accessibility of healthcare services. One of the first milestones was the expansion of the Nabdam District Health Directorate offices at Nangodi. The upgraded facility now boasts additional office spaces, providing health officials with a more comfortable environment, and a mini conference hall that enables the Health Directorate to organize meetings and programmes independently. To support daily operations, a mechanized borehole was also installed, ensuring a reliable water supply for staff and visitors alike. As Hon. Tobig walked through the district, he observed communities in need of essential healthcare services. At Soliga, a new Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound began to take shape. Today, the project is nearing completion, with finishing touches underway before it is handed over for public use. The story of progress continued at the Gundug CHPS Compound, where a new maternity block was completed and handed over. Already in use, this facility has played a critical role in supporting safe deliveries and facilitating community health screenings in partnership with local stakeholders and the Member of Parliament. Recognizing the challenges posed by the lack of electricity, Hon. Tobig’s administration connected the Tindongo and Nyogbare CHPS compounds to the national grid. Where once health workers struggled to provide care after dark, these facilities can now remain operational throughout the night, greatly enhancing service delivery. Clean water, too, became a central concern. Mechanized water systems were rolled out for health facilities, including projects at the Zogabre and Pitanga CHPS compounds. The Assembly also planned five mechanized boreholes for critical offices and health posts, ensuring clean water reaches the NHIS Office, GES Office, GIPEC Office, Zogabre CHPS, and Pitanga CHPS. Sanitation improvements were not left behind. The Assembly set plans to construct two 4-seater water closet toilet facilities and two 2-unit urinals at the Health Insurance and CNC facilities in Kongo, aiming to raise the standard of hygiene and support public health. But Hon. Tobig’s vision extended beyond buildings and equipment. He forged partnerships to deliver health screenings to the people of Nabdam. Collaborating with CENSUDI, the Assembly facilitated breast cancer screenings, while joint efforts with the Happy Child organization brought additional screening and treatment services for various conditions. Each intervention, Hon. Tobig explained, forms part of a larger, ongoing commitment to improving healthcare and ensuring that every resident of Nabdam District has access to vital health services. He remains determined to build on these achievements, promising continued progress and new initiatives to address the district’s healthcare needs. Key Interventions Under DCE Tobig’s Tenure: Expansion of the District Health Directorate offices at Nangodi, with extra office space, a mini conference hall, and improved water supply. Construction of a CHPS Compound at Soliga (nearing completion). Completion and handover of a Maternity Block at Gundug CHPS Compound. Connection of Tindongo and Nyogbare CHPS compounds to the national electricity grid. Mechanized water systems for Zogabre and Pitanga CHPS, plus five planned boreholes for key health and administrative offices. New sanitation facilities at Kongo’s Health Insurance and CNC offices. Health screening partnerships with CENSUDI and Happy Child. Hon. Francis Tobig’s story is one of visible progress and unwavering commitment, a testament to the positive change that determined leadership can bring to the health sector in Nabdam District. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
NACOC Declares Frank Danquah Wanted Amid Heightened Narcotics Scrutiny
The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has officially declared Frank Danquah, born September 11, 1978, a wanted man in connection with suspected narcotics-related offenses. The announcement, made public on September 22, 2026, comes as authorities intensify efforts to clamp down on drug trafficking across Ghana. In its public notice, NACOC appealed to citizens for help in locating Mr. Danquah, encouraging anyone with information about his whereabouts to reach out via the Commission’s toll-free hotline, 0800 307 307. While details about the specific offenses remain undisclosed, NACOC’s wanted-persons page notes that individuals on the list are typically sought under the Narcotics Control Commission Act, 2020 (Act 1019), a law covering importation, exportation, possession, and prohibited business involving narcotics. This latest development comes at a time when Ghana’s narcotics-control systems are under increased public scrutiny. Earlier this month, authorities began investigating the interception of approximately 3.9 tonnes of suspected cocaine shipped from Ghana to France. Six individuals have already been remanded in connection with the case, after prosecutors revealed that containers released from Tema Port for export had shown suspicious scan images. NACOC has not linked Frank Danquah to the France cocaine case in its notice. However, the timing of the wanted declaration underscores the broader efforts underway to strengthen enforcement and accountability within Ghana’s fight against illegal drugs. As the search for Frank Danquah intensifies, NACOC urges the public to assist in ensuring that those involved in narcotics offenses are brought to justice. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
GRA Launches VAT Compliance Drive, Targets 30% Gap by 2028
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has set an ambitious goal: to cut the country’s Value Added Tax (VAT) gap in half by the end of 2028. Currently, Ghana’s VAT gap, representing the difference between expected and actual VAT collections, stands at 60%. The GRA aims to reduce this to around 30% within the next four years. Dr. Martin Kolbil Yamborigya, Commissioner for the Domestic Tax Revenue Division, announced the new target during the launch of the GRA’s VAT Compliance Campaign. Speaking to journalists after visiting shops at the Accra Mall to assess adherence to VAT requirements, Dr. Yamborigya outlined the Authority’s VAT Strategic Plan. “According to our VAT strategic plan, we are hoping that between now and the end of 2028 we should be able to close this gap from the current 60% to about 30%,” he said. Achieving this, he explained, will require a significant increase in VAT collections and a commitment to broader compliance from both businesses and individuals. “That means that at least we should be able to collect 30% more in addition to what we are currently collecting,” he added. The GRA’s long-term objective, Dr. Yamborigya emphasized, is to foster a culture of consistent compliance, rather than relying solely on enforcement. “In the long run we expect every Ghanaian to comply so that the tax will be collected,” he stated. The Commissioner was quick to assure businesses that the ongoing VAT Compliance Campaign is focused on education, not intimidation. “This campaign is not meant to harass businesses and we don’t also intend to disadvantage any business,” he said. During compliance visits to the Accra Mall, officials discovered that some businesses were not consistently issuing VAT invoices. Rather than taking immediate punitive action, the GRA engaged with these businesses, encouraging them to improve their invoicing practices. “We realized that they were not religiously issuing VAT invoices and we only encourage them to make sure they do the right thing,” Dr. Yamborigya explained. “If we were not to show human face, we probably would have called for their arrest immediately,” he added, underscoring the Authority’s preference for education and engagement over punishment, unless non-compliance is shown to be deliberate. “We are going to be more engaging, we are going to be more educative. But where we find out that the non-compliance is deliberate, that’s what we apply.” Through this approach, Dr. Yamborigya said, the GRA is working to ensure that taxpayers understand their obligations and are given every opportunity to comply. “So we continue to show human face by ensuring that people know and understand their tax obligations and comply,” he concluded. With education at the forefront and enforcement as a last resort, the GRA hopes to boost compliance and close the VAT gap, strengthening Ghana’s revenue base for the future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
High Court Adjourns Bail Hearing of Salomey Baffoe in Ghana Jollof False Information Case
High Court in Accra has adjourned the bail application hearing of Salomey Baffoe, accused of abetting social media personality Ghana Jollof in the publication of false information. The hearing, originally scheduled for earlier this week, will now take place on September 24, following a request from the prosecution for more time to respond. During the proceedings, Assistant State Attorney Carl Afedzi Forson explained to the court that he was not the main attorney on the case and that the Attorney-General’s office had only received the bail application on Friday. With Monday being a public holiday, the application had not yet been assigned to a lawyer, prompting the prosecution to seek a short adjournment. However, Salomey Baffoe’s counsel, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, opposed the request, arguing that matters involving a person’s liberty should not be subjected to the same procedural delays as civil cases. He pointed out that there was proof of service and that the State had not indicated any issue with short service. He further stressed that bail applications could be heard over weekends, and that further delay could see Baffoe spending nearly two weeks in custody before her bail application was even heard. The court acknowledged the seriousness of the liberty at stake and cautioned the prosecution against taking the matter lightly. Ultimately, the case was adjourned to September 24, with the court directing the Republic to file and serve any processes it intended to rely on by 9:00 a.m. on the day of the hearing. The story continues to unfold as both sides prepare for the next appearance, with the issue of timely justice and due process at the forefront. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Ghana’s Public Transport Fares to Rise by 8% After Weeks of Negotiation
For weeks, passengers and drivers across Ghana anxiously awaited news on transport fares. The air was thick with speculation as fuel prices climbed, spare parts became more expensive, and vehicle maintenance costs soared. Behind the scenes, intense discussions were underway between the government and the nation’s leading transport unions. It all began when the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) tabled a bold proposal: a 30% increase in fares to keep up with rising costs. The unions argued that without such an adjustment, the viability of commercial transport was at risk. Their representatives, including GPRTU’s Deputy Public Relations Officer, Samuel Amoah, insisted the 30% increment was essential and negotiations were ongoing. On September 8, union leaders met with the Ministry of Transport. The government acknowledged the unions’ concerns and proposed a GH¢2 per litre intervention on diesel to help cushion operators. The two sides agreed to form a joint team, made up of the Ministry, GPRTU, and GRTCC—to carefully review the true cost of running commercial vehicles. As negotiations progressed, it became clear that compromise was needed. The unions stood firm on their request, but the government sought to balance the interests of operators and the traveling public. After much deliberation, all parties agreed on a more modest 8% increase in fares. Starting Saturday, September 26, 2026, commuters will feel the change as new fares take effect nationwide. The 8% adjustment will impact trotros, shared taxis, and other public transport services, following the fare structure hammered out by the government and transport unions. While smaller than initially requested, this new rate reflects a hard-fought compromise after weeks of debate, a story that echoes the daily negotiations of life on Ghana’s busy roads. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Alexis Ayamdor Joins NDC Upper East Regional Secretary Race
The race for the position of Regional Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Upper East Region is gathering momentum following the declaration of intent by Hon. Alexis Adugdaa Ayamdor to contest the position. In a statement addressed to the NDC family and media houses, Mr. Ayamdor said his decision was reached after what he described as “careful reflection and extensive consultations.” He said he was offering himself to serve the party at the regional level, with a focus on strengthening its organisational structures and preparing it for future political contests. His campaign agenda centres on unity, organisation, discipline, accountability, effective communication, innovation and grassroots mobilisation. Mr. Ayamdor brings to the contest more than two decades of experience in governance, education, international development, project management, administration and community mobilisation. His professional career includes serving as District Chief Executive of the Bongo District Assembly, Programme Management Specialist and Northern Sector Office Coordinator for USAID, Programme Officer with Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Programme Facilitator under the IBIS Public Participation in Local Governance project, and Community Empowerment Programme Officer with TRAX-Ghana. He also served as an ECOWAS Parliament and Commission Intern and previously worked as a pupil-teacher in Bongo. He is currently an Industrial Liaison Officer at Bolgatanga Technical University. Beyond his professional career, Mr. Ayamdor is drawing attention to his longstanding involvement in grassroots politics within the NDC. According to his declaration, his political experience includes serving as a Unit Committee Member, elected Assembly Member, Presiding Member, Branch Secretary and Constituency Campaign Team Member. He also served on the Bongo Constituency Fundraising Committee for the 2024 elections. Mr. Ayamdor is currently the Regional Team-Lead of the Former MMDCEs Forum and serves as Secretary to the Constituency Council of Elders in Bongo. If given the opportunity to serve as Regional Secretary, Mr. Ayamdor says he will prioritise strengthening party structures, improving internal communication and coordination, deepening grassroots mobilisation and promoting accountability within the party. He has also identified greater participation of women and young people in party activities, election preparedness and effective party administration as key areas of focus. Mr. Ayamdor describes himself as a team player, listener, organiser and servant-leader. He says he intends to work closely with regional and constituency executives, branch executives, elected representatives, former leaders, cadres, women, youth and the wider membership of the party. His declaration adds a new dimension to the emerging contest for the NDC Upper East Regional Secretary position, with party organisation, grassroots mobilisation, internal coordination and election preparedness expected to feature prominently in the discussions ahead of the internal election. Mr. Ayamdor is therefore appealing to members of the NDC in the Upper East Region to support his candidature as he seeks to bring his experience, organisational skills and proposed agenda into the party’s conversation about its future direction in the region. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
25 Boreholes, 15 Water Guards: Talensi DCE Reveals Major Water and Sanitation Interventions
The Talensi District Chief Executive (DCE), Hon. John Millim Nabwomya, has outlined a number of interventions undertaken by the Talensi District Assembly in the areas of water and sanitation since he assumed office. Hon. Nabwomya made the disclosure during an exclusive engagement with Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen of Apexnewsgh on the “SPEAKOUT UPPER EAST” programme. According to the DCE, the Assembly has consistently observed the National Sanitation Day since the initiative was introduced by the government in September last year, with no month skipped. He explained that at the beginning of each month, the Environmental Health Directorate, in collaboration with other relevant departments, identifies a community, market or other public area for the sanitation exercise. He said traditional leaders, including chiefs and Tindamas, assembly members, queen mothers and other opinion leaders are informed ahead of the exercise to ensure broad community participation. Hon. Nabwomya cited the Tindongo Market as one of the locations where the exercise has been successfully undertaken, noting that the Assembly had visited the market several times as part of efforts to maintain sanitation standards. He said the exercise would continue across different communities in the district. On access to potable water, the DCE disclosed that the Assembly has so far handed over 25 boreholes to communities. He explained that some of the boreholes have been fitted with hand pumps, while others have been mechanised to improve access to water. He also noted that some government facilities, including the police station, Assembly offices and senior staff bungalows, previously depended on community water systems, which were often unreliable. To address the challenge, the Assembly has mechanised boreholes to serve some of these facilities. The DCE added that an additional 15 boreholes have already been drilled and are currently undergoing construction and other finishing works before they are handed over to beneficiary communities. Hon. Nabwomya also commended Republic Bank for supporting water supply in Pwalugu. He explained that Pwalugu had experienced serious challenges with access to water, with drilling attempts initially failing at several locations. According to him, Republic Bank responded after the water challenge in the community was highlighted in the media as part of the bank’s corporate social responsibility initiatives. He said the bank drilled at about three different locations before finally striking water at a suitable site. The borehole was subsequently mechanised and handed over to the community. Hon. Nabwomya said the facility is expected to provide water to approximately 1,000 households in Pwalugu. The DCE further disclosed that he personally purchased a polytank to address an urgent water challenge in Pwale, in the eastern part of the district. He explained that the community’s existing polytank had burst, forcing women to walk long distances in search of water. After the assembly member appealed to him for assistance, Hon. Nabwomya said he decided to personally finance the purchase because following the Assembly’s procurement procedures would have taken time. He said he subsequently handed over the polytank to the assembly member and youth leaders of the community, who transported it to Pwale for use. According to him, the intervention has reduced the burden on women who previously spent considerable time searching for water and has helped them return to their economic activities. Hon. Nabwomya also disclosed that about 15 young men have been engaged and deployed as Blue Water Guards to help protect water resources in the district. He said the guards were handed over to the Assembly and are being deployed to monitor water bodies and help prevent pollution resulting from economic activities. He explained that protecting water sources is important to safeguarding the health of residents and ensuring the sustainability of water systems within the district. In the area of waste management, the DCE said the Assembly has secured a site for a dumpsite at Yameriga through the appropriate legal processes. He said the move is intended to improve waste management and support efforts to protect the environment and public health. To further strengthen the work of environmental health officers, Hon. Nabwomya disclosed that the Assembly has procured three brand-new motorbikes to facilitate their movement across communities. He said the motorbikes would enable sanitation officers to travel to different locations to monitor sanitation activities, enforce environmental health standards and respond to sanitation challenges more effectively. Hon. Nabwomya said the Assembly would continue to collaborate with traditional authorities, communities, development partners and other stakeholders to improve access to potable water and strengthen sanitation across the Talensi District. He maintained that sustained community participation and effective monitoring remain essential to ensuring that investments in water and sanitation translate into lasting improvements in the lives of residents. The engagement formed part of Apexnewsgh’s “SPEAKOUT UPPER EAST” programme, which provides a platform for district leaders to account to the public on development initiatives, achievements and challenges. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
SCRAS Project Records 51% Adoption of Sustainable Farming Practices Among 7,200 Farmers – NABOCADO
The Monitoring, Evaluation and Accountability Coordinator of NABOCADO, Dr. Michael Ayamga, has disclosed that 51 percent of the 7,200 farmers supported under the organisation’s SCRAS Project have comprehensively adopted sustainable agricultural practices. According to him, the farmers are spread across six districts and 16 rural communities where the project is being implemented. Dr. Ayamga made the disclosure during an exchange learning activity organised under the Strengthening of Smallholder Farmers’ Resilience towards a Changing Climate and Promotion of Environmentally Friendly Agriculture in the Diocese of Navrongo-Bolgatanga SCRAS Project. He explained that the project focuses on promoting sustainable agriculture, climate change adaptation and mitigation, as well as women’s enterprise development to help farming households diversify their sources of livelihood. Dr. Ayamga said 51 percent of the farmers have so far comprehensively adopted the sustainable agricultural practices being promoted by the project. He explained that “comprehensive adoption” refers to farmers who have consistently adopted compost application and at least two other sustainable farming practices on their fields over a number of years. He, however, noted that almost all the farmers supported by the project have adopted at least one or two of the sustainable practices. The target crops under the project include millet, sorghum, beans and groundnuts, with Dr. Ayamga indicating that assessments have recorded an average 13 percent increase in yields across the crops. He said although the project had set a target of a 15 percent increase, the results represented progressive improvement and farmers were being encouraged to continue adopting the practices to further improve or sustain their yields. According to him, the yields recorded by farmers using sustainable practices are not significantly different from those of farmers who rely heavily on external inputs such as synthetic fertilisers. Dr. Ayamga said the SCRAS Project also encourages farmers to develop and use local solutions to address challenges affecting agricultural production. He said the innovations cover areas including soil fertility, pest control and post-harvest storage. According to him, assessments conducted by the project indicate that the adoption of plant-based and other locally available solutions has contributed significantly to reducing post-harvest losses. He noted that food shortages are not caused only by low agricultural yields, but are also linked to poor storage practices, which can result in significant quantities of harvested produce being destroyed. He said the use of plant-based materials and shrubs to control pests in storage facilities has contributed to a 64 percent reduction in post-harvest losses among participating farmers. Dr. Ayamga further disclosed that local innovations promoted under the project have also contributed to reducing livestock losses, particularly among guinea fowl farmers. He explained that many smallholder farmers rear guinea fowls, chickens, goats and other livestock as an alternative source of income when they are unable to immediately sell their farm produce. However, guinea fowl mortality has been a major challenge. According to him, the adoption of locally developed interventions has resulted in a 44 percent reduction in guinea fowl mortality among participating farmers. He said farmers visited during the exchange learning activity had been able to raise guinea fowls beyond the stages where mortality is usually high. On climate change, Dr. Ayamga said the project works directly with communities to develop Community Climate Change Adaptation Action Plans. He explained that communities identify the climate-related hazards they face and, with support from the project, develop practical measures they can implement to reduce the impact of those hazards. He stressed that communities may not be able to prevent climate-related events from occurring, but they can strengthen their capacity to withstand their effects. According to him, 26 communities across the six districts have so far developed such climate change adaptation plans. He said the plans are guiding communities in implementing adaptation and mitigation activities. Tree planting and the integration of trees into farming systems, he added, are among the activities being implemented under the plans. Dr. Ayamga said the interventions are intended to strengthen the adaptive capacity of communities so that households can continue their livelihood activities and secure food even when climate-related hazards occur. The NABOCADO coordinator also highlighted the project’s focus on women’s economic empowerment. He further explained that the project recognises the vulnerability of women who depend heavily on agriculture for their livelihoods and therefore promotes alternative income-generating activities. According to him, women are supported with technical training, basic record-keeping and financial management skills to enable them to establish and manage sustainable businesses. He disclosed that approximately 2,580 women are currently engaged in various livelihood and income-generating activities across the project communities. He said the livelihood diversification programme is intended to reduce households’ overdependence on a single source of income, particularly agriculture, which can be severely affected by climate change. Dr. Ayamga emphasised that the SCRAS Project is not primarily an input-distribution programme but a knowledge-based intervention designed to encourage farmers and communities to adopt sustainable practices. He explained that the project engages communities over several years to allow farmers to understand, test and eventually adopt the practices. According to him, demonstration farms play an important role in the process, with early adopters serving as examples for other farmers. He said Bongo and Talensi have been part of the programme since 2011 and are expected to exit the project this year. Builsa South and West Mamprusi were subsequently brought into the programme in 2017 and are expected to exit next year. Dr. Ayamga said communities that have been engaged for several years are increasingly becoming learning centres for farmers from newer project areas because of their experience with sustainable agricultural practices. He explained that farmers from newer communities are taken to these established communities to observe and learn from farmers who have already adopted the practices and experienced their benefits over time. The Monitoring, Evaluation and Accountability Coordinator disclosed that the SCRAS Project is currently being implemented in Kassena-Nankana West, Builsa South, Bongo, West Mamprusi, Nabdam and Talensi. However, the farmers could barely contain their excitement as NABOCADO Team visited their various farms. Smiling and exchanging cheerful words, they