Community-Based Facilitators (CBFs) from 45 communities and selected local government staff in Abuakwa South, Fanteakwa South, Atiwa West, and Nkoranza South have rounded up a week-long training programme on the Facilitated Community Action Process (FCAP), a community-driven development tool.
Advocates for Community Alternatives (ACA), a non-governmental organization operating in Ghana and other African countries, organized the training to equip participants with the requisite skills in procurement methods, implementation action planning and budgeting, risk and mitigation strategies, and community engagement plans.
These areas are crucial in ensuring transparency, efficiency, and sustainability in local development initiatives.
Through interactive sessions and practical exercises, participants gained valuable insights into effective community engagements, project risk management, and accountable implementation strategies. The training also fostered collaboration between local government staff and community facilitators, strengthening participatory governance at the grassroots level.
Following the planning process of the FCAP methodology, each community will receive $8,000 to support the implementation of their community-led development initiatives. This financial support will be complemented by community contributions, either in cash or in kind, ensuring shared ownership and sustainability of the projects.
Communities will use these resources to develop action plans for projects such as CHPS compounds, teachers’ quarters, classroom blocks, boreholes, grinding mills, gari processing centers and bridges, among other community-driven projects.
To enhance the success of these projects, communities will also benefit from technical advice from experienced professionals with expertise in their respective areas of development. This mentorship will help ensure the effective execution and long-term impact of their initiatives.
Project execution and completion are expected within six months after community microgrant agreements are signed with the 45 participating communities. This timeline ensures that the development initiatives are implemented efficiently and that communities can quickly benefit from the improved infrastructure and services.
Speaking at the training, Nana Ama Nketia-Quaidoo, ACA’s Director of Community-Driven Development (CDD) Department, emphasized the importance of inclusive planning and local leadership in ensuring development interventions aligning with community needs.
“ACA remains dedicated to empowering local actors to champion development, accountability, and citizen participation. This initiative is expected to strengthen collaboration between communities and local government authorities, ultimately leading to more inclusive and impactful governance,” she said.
Participants expressed their commitment to applying the knowledge gained to drive meaningful changes in their respective districts.
