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Ghanaian partner honored with U.S. Secretary of State’s Award for Global Anti-Racism Champions

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Posted October 22, 2024 .
By Pariesa Brody .
3 min read.

The Executive Director of the non-profit Sustainable Aid through Voluntary Establishment (SAVE)-Ghana was honored with the prestigious U.S. Secretary of State’s Award for Global Anti-Racism Champions for his exceptional dedication to advancing the human rights of marginalized communities and combating systemic racism in Ghana.

Secretary Antony J. Blinken delivers remarks at the second annual ceremony for the Secretary of State’s Award for Global Anti-Racism Champions at the State Department of State in Washington, D.C., Oct. 21, 2024. From left, Dinti Tayiru Sule of Ghana, Tomasa Yarhui Jacomé of Bolivia, Elvis Shakjiri of North Macedonia, Blinken, Special Representative for Racial Equity and Justice Desirée Cormier Smith, Urmila Chaudhary of Nepal., John Leerdam of the Netherlands and Tanya Duarte of Mexico. Photo by: Chuck Kennedy for the U.S. Department of State

Dintie Tayiru Sule has been a relentless advocate for the Fulbe community in the Upper West Region of Ghana. The Fulbe, often subjected to harassment and systemic discrimination, have found a powerful ally in Sule. Through SAVE-Ghana, he has worked to demonstrate the important role the ethnic Fulbe play in the local economy and increase local and national level decision makers’ visibility on Fulbe discrimination and stigmatization.

During the Oct. 21 ceremony, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken congratulated Sule and other awardees for their work to support human rights.

“As we seek to realize that more just and equitable future, we have few greater partners than the civil society advocates like the courageous leaders that we honor today,” said Secretary Blinken in his remarks at the ceremony.

Acknowledging the global nature of systemic racism and its detrimental effects on societies and democracies worldwide, the Global Anti-Racism Champions Award underscores the importance of global solutions to combat these issues and celebrates the individuals leading these efforts.

The second annual Global Anti-Racism Champions Award ceremony was attended by ambassadors, U.S. government officials, partner organizations, Congress and invited guests.

“Our journey has not been without challenges, but today reaffirms the truth that persistence in the face of adversity leads to progress,” Sule said in a post on LinkedIn after the award ceremony. “To the Fulbe community and all vulnerable groups, this is proof that your struggles are being seen and heard globally. While our work is far from over, this recognition motivates us to keep pushing forward — advocating for equity, dignity, and lasting change.”

A partner of the USAID Office of Transition Initiatives Littorals Regional Initiative (LRI) in coastal West Africa, SAVE-Ghana works with rural and marginalized communities, focusing on promoting quality social services, including education, health, women empowerment, sustainable livelihoods, disability rights and safeguarding the rights of women and children.

Through the USAID/OTI Littoral Regional Initiative, SAVE-Ghana has worked to map Fulbe communities and mediate conflict in the region.

One of Sule’s notable achievements includes leading a project that resulted in significant local governance reforms, which contributed to reducing Fulbe marginalization and discrimination. These reforms included lowering cattle tax rates for the Fulbe, providing basic socio-economic amenities to Fulbe communities and establishing mixed mediation committees to foster peaceful resolution of conflicts and dialogue between Fulbe and non-Fulbe communities. His efforts have not only provided immediate relief but have also laid the groundwork for long-term structural changes.

Sule’s work has garnered recognition in his home country. The U.S. Ambassador to Ghana recently acknowledged Sule and SAVE-Ghana’s contributions during an Oct. 10 meeting in Tamale, Ghana, with a group of Littoral Regional Initiative grantees. The Ambassador highlighted Sule’s upcoming award, underscoring the global impact of his efforts.

After receiving his award, Sule said: “My motivation to advocate for minority groups stems from a combination of my personal experiences, a strong sense of justice, and a desire to create positive change. I deeply hope that my efforts continue to contribute to a future where no minority group endures stigma or is denied their basic rights.”

Sule’s recognition as a Global Anti-Racism Champion is a testament to his tireless work and the profound impact of his advocacy. His journey continues to inspire and drive meaningful change, not only in Ghana but across the globe.d celebrates the individuals leading these efforts.

Dintie Tayiru Sule’s recognition as a Global Anti-Racism Champion is a testament to his tireless work and the profound impact of his advocacy. His journey continues to inspire and drive meaningful change, not only in Ghana but across the globe.

Capturing growth: Our 10 favorite photos from the West Africa Trade & Investment Hub

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Posted October 21, 2024 .
By Pariesa Brody .
5 min read.

The five-year West Africa Trade & Investment Hub Activity, funded by USAID, was a catalyst for economic transformation across Nigeria, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and other West African countries. By attracting private investment, strengthening business networks and boosting agricultural and trade sectors, the Trade Hub significantly contributed to the region’s economic growth. Before closing in September 2024, the Trade Hub administered $65 million in co-investment funds to 93 co-investment partners, attracting $489 million in private-sector investment.

These images highlight the involvement of women and youth in factories and farms, who are the backbone of this economic revolution.  

From innovative farming practices to bustling production lines, these photos capture the essence of a region on the rise. Each snapshot tells a story of resilience, empowerment and progress, reflecting the Trade Hub’s commitment to enhancing food security, raising household incomes and fostering gender inclusion.

Esson Akolo tends to plants in a greenhouse at the Tomato Jos facilities. Tomato Jos, a woman-owned social enterprise agricultural company in Kaduna State, Nigeria, aims to create a middle class in rural areas by boosting the production and incomes of farmers growing tomatoes, maize and soy. With a $1.2 million co-investment grant from the Trade Hub, Tomato Jos secured an additional $7.5 million in capital, supporting over 4,000 smallholders in learning modern agricultural techniques. The project generated $3.1 million in sales revenue and produced significant quantities of crops, providing steady income for farmers. The Trade Hub’s support has been instrumental in enhancing Tomato Jos’ operations and market opportunities, contributing to economic growth and security in the region. 

A worker at the Label d’Or shea butter factory in Togo demonstrates the innovative use of shea byproducts to power the facility’s boiler. This climate-smart practice not only reduces reliance on fossil fuels but also exemplifies how West African businesses are leading in sustainable and resilient business models. By integrating green energy solutions such as solar panels and natural lighting, Label d’Or is setting a benchmark for eco-friendly operations, supported by the Trade Hub’s co-investment grants and technical assistance to foster sustainability and climate adaptability. 

With a burgeoning population and growing market, West Africa has a high demand for animal protein. But farmers in Côte d’Ivoire face significant challenges accessing high-quality animal feed, limiting their production abilities. The new De Heus animal feed mill in Abidjan has been able to boost production and employ women and youth in its factory.  

Cécile Lean Lou Boli, a supervisor at EcoCajou, oversees women in the factory where cashews are processed. Cashew nuts are one of Côte d’Ivoire’s largest exports, yet less than 5 percent are processed locally. With an $800,000 co-investment from USAID, EcoCajou built a 15,000 metric ton-per-year processing plant, revitalizing the cashew industry and creating 1,142 new jobs. This facility not only boosts local employment but also supports 5,390 cashew producers and prepares to increase exports to international markets. EcoCajou is also aiding 4,085 producers in obtaining organic certification, fostering a sustainable agricultural landscape in West Africa. Through the Trade Hub, USAID has helped companies like EcoCajou improve competitiveness, expand production and connect to global markets. 

Women sorting and cleaning seeds at a warehouse of Adefunke Desh Nigeria. This woman-owned agribusiness grows and processes grains for domestic and international markets. With a 1.3 million co-investment grant from the Trade Hub, Adefunke Desh has empowered nearly 8,000 farmers by providing them with essential resources like fertilizer, seeds, and technical training. This initiative has not only improved the quality of crops but also ensured a reliable market for the farmers’ produce. By implementing new farming techniques through demonstration plots, the company has helped farmers increase their yields and secure a stable income, fostering economic growth and sustainability in their communities. 

Sow Meyedji Demba, an employee of Agro Boye Business, harvests corn at their farm near St. Louis, Senegal. Supported by the Trade Hub, Agro Boye is transforming agriculture and improving lives. By empowering local farmers and providing jobs for women and youth, the company is making a tangible impact. “This work allows us, as women, to earn a living and support ourselves,” says Demba. Agro Boye has also built concrete homes for their workers, replacing makeshift buildings and giving Demba and her extended family a safe, comfortable place to live. So far, the company has created over 800 jobs, most of them for young people and women, and is increasing the production of key crops to boost nutritional and economic self-reliance in Senegal. 

In the early morning hours, Ramata Ba works on her farm in a village some distance from Richard Toll, in the north of Senegal. Just a few years ago, this village didn’t exist. The dairy farmers living here were nomadic, moving around with their herds and hoping to find a buyer for their products. This all changed when La Laiterie du Berger moved in to help nomadic farmers like Ramata Ba settle down and start farms. It works because La Laiterie du Berger is a consistent, fair buyer of milk, which it processes into yogurt and other dairy products to sell all over the country. Beyond just providing a stable income for farmers, the company has a training and incubation program that teaches young women how to raise a herd and start their business. 

Dora Torwiseh, founder and CEO of Nuts for Growth, is warmly welcomed by women from a small village in northern Ghana. Known for her dedication and vision, Dora has built the largest shea butter processing facility in West Africa. Through her company, she connects over 80,000 women in the Women for Change network to the international market, transforming the shea butter sector. These women benefit from training and support, enabling them to earn a consistent income by gathering shea nuts, an abundant resource in the region. 

With support from USAID, Nuts for Growth has significantly expanded its production capacity and reach. The co-investment allowed Dora to enhance the quality of the shea butter produced and ensure a reliable market for women’s products. This initiative not only improves livelihoods but also fosters a sense of hope and empowerment in the communities she serves. Dora’s efforts are paving the way for better economic outcomes and sustainable development in northern Ghana, demonstrating the profound impact of connecting rural women to the global market. 

The Maagrace Garment Factory, part of Ethical Apparel Africa, in Koforidua, Ghana. With support from USAID, Ethical Apparel Africa modernized its facilities, greatly increasing its production capacity and export capabilities. This partnership has not only created employment opportunities for local workers but has also upskilled them, enhancing their ability to compete in international markets. By investing in construction, modernization, and technical assistance, the Trade Hub helped companies like Ethical Apparel Africa drive economic growth and connect Ghanaian products to the global market. 

A West Africa Water delivery cart makes its rounds, bringing clean, affordable drinking water to neighborhoods in Mbour, Senegal. Supported by USAID, West Africa Water has established over 100 Diam’O kiosks equipped with their own filtration systems, reducing reliance on single-use plastics. The delivery service ensures that communities with limited access to clean water can refill their containers conveniently. The Trade Hub invested nearly $6.1 million in six West African companies to improve access to clean water and sanitation facilities in Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali and Senegal.

All photos taken by Jim Huylebroek for Creative Associates International.

Innovative agricultural practices address climate challenges in West Africa

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Posted September 18, 2024 .
By Pariesa Brody .
6 min read.
Women farmers at a Tomato Jos farm in Kaduna, Nigeria, harvest their crops, watered by drip irrigation.

West African producers harness climate-smart agricultural innovations, from indigenous practices to cutting-edge technology, to adapt to rising environmental shocks. 

West Africa experiences significant climate variability, marked by rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall patterns and more frequent extreme weather events like droughts and floods. These conditions challenge the region’s agricultural sector, which relies on predictable weather patterns. 

From 2019 to 2024, USAID’s West Africa Trade & Investment Hub worked to boost regional food security and livelihoods through market-based co-investment. In the face of escalating climate challenges, Trade Hub partners in Ghana, Togo and Nigeria are pioneering efforts in climate-smart agriculture to foster resilience and environmental sustainability. 

Planting trees and reforestation

Several grantees are planting trees to combat climate change and enhance agricultural resilience. 

Trees play a crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide, mitigating climate change and supporting biodiversity by providing habitats for different plants and animals. They also help prevent soil erosion, regulate the water cycle and improve air quality by filtering pollutants.

In Nigeria, grain processor Adefunke Desh has encouraged its supplier farms to plant trees to protect their crops.

“We’re recommending about 15 trees per hectare around the borders of farms,” says Ugochukwu Oguike, Chief Operating Officer of Adefunke Desh. “These trees serve as windbreakers, reducing the effects on plants during storms.” 

Label d’Or, a Trade Hub grantee in Togo that sells shea butter, depends on trees. The company sources nuts gathered and processed by local cooperatives and pioneered reforestation efforts in their supplier communities. 

Newly planted shea trees as part of a program managed by Label d’Or to regenerate the forest near Sotouboua, Togo.

The Diheza cooperative, located near Sotouboua, Togo, once relied on charcoal production, leading to widespread deforestation. But since partnering with Label d’Or, they have begun replanting shea trees that promise both environmental benefits and economic opportunities. 

“The shea tree is symbolic,” says Gustav Bakoundah, CEO and founder of Label d’Or. “And in keeping with organic principles, it’s always important to safeguard natural species like trees.”

Members of the Diheza cooperative have devised strategies to graft shea trees to reduce the time it takes for them to fruit. 

“Before, when you replanted one, it would take 15 years or 18 years to start getting fruit,” says Panawa Méhéza, the cooperative’s president. “Now, we replant, and we can graft them after three years. After eight years, they will start to produce.”

Adapting to drought and desertification

Effective water management is essential for adapting to climate change, particularly in regions experiencing water scarcity. Water shortages in Nigeria have significantly impacted agriculture, leading to desertification and land degradation.

Adefunke Desh has encouraged its farmers to use cover crops to retain soil moisture during dry spells. Cover crops work like mulch to cover the soil’s surface while increasing its nutrient content. 

“You don’t see a lot of results in the first year, but by the second and the third year, you begin to discover that you require less and less fertilizer because the soil is getting richer in organic content,” says Oguike. 

Ehson Elijah, Smallholder Program Head at Tomato Jos in Kaduna, Nigeria, says drip irrigation systems have helped farmers maximize water use efficiency. 

Herding scenes on lands owned by the Tomato Jos company

“Drip irrigation also allows for fertigation [supplying fertilizer to crops through an irrigation system], reducing nutrient erosion into aquatic ecosystems and minimizing fertilizer wastage,” he explains. This method ensures that every drop of water and ounce of fertilizer is used effectively, boosting productivity and sustainability.

In regions with erratic rainfall patterns and frequent droughts, like the north of Ghana, drought-resistant crops ensure food security and stable incomes for farmers. 

In Tamale, Ghana, AMAATI focuses on cultivating and processing fonio, an indigenous, drought-resistant cereal. Fonio’s resilience to sparse rainfall makes it a reliable crop in regions where climate variability threatens agricultural productivity. Unlike many other cereals, fonio requires no chemical fertilizers or pesticides, reducing both the environmental impact and the cost of cultivation.

“The climate is one of the reasons why many crops are destroyed, especially in the northern part of this country, because of extreme heat and erratic rains,” says Salma Abdulai, AMAATI’s CEO. “Fonio is able to withstand these bad weather conditions, whether there is flood or whether there is drought, and for that reason, when farmers are able to cultivate fonio, they become climate resilient and are able to make use of climate change-induced opportunities.”

Moreover, fonio plays a crucial role in soil regeneration. Farmers can improve soil health by cultivating fonio on marginal lands and transforming unused or degraded areas into productive farmland. 

“Fonio derives its nutrients six meters down the soil, so it doesn’t make use of topsoil,” Abdulai says. “Women around here don’t own land, and it’s difficult for them to access fertile lands for farming. When they get these poor soils, they will be able to cultivate fonio and then eventually regenerate the land for them to cultivate other crops, make more income and have better livelihoods.”

AMAATI’s comprehensive approach includes training, plowing services, and distributing seeds to smallholder farmers, focusing on empowering women.

Waste management and green energy

Managing waste and harnessing alternative energy sources reduce the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere. Several of Trade Hub’s shea sector grantees have transformed how they power their processes. 

In Tamale, Ghana, The Savannah Fruits Company (SFC) uses traditional methods to process hand-crafted shea butter. In the past, Ghanaian women have turned shea nuts into butter by hand using wood stoves. SFC provides its network of more than 21,000 women across West Africa with modernized equipment and stoves that increase efficiency while reducing the dependence on firewood. 

A shea processor uses shea waste, instead of firewood, to fuel a roaster provided by The Savannah Fruits Company. Tamale, Ghana.

In an effort to reduce inhalation of airborne particulate matter among the women and eliminate the use of firewood, SFC taught these women to dry out shea byproducts and form them into briquettes as biomass fuel. These briquettes can be used instead of firewood, reducing deforestation and smoke emissions. 

“We do not have to deplete what we are enjoying today for the next generation,” says Gladys Atanga, Commercial Manager for Savannah Fruits Company. “So it’s all about keeping the environment green. At SFC, we are passionate about keeping our environment for the safety of the next generation to come.”

In Togo, Label d’Or’s climate-smart shea factory was created with an emphasis on green energy. Solar panels and a mini power plant generate two-thirds of the factory’s electricity. Plus, transparent roof panels allow natural light to flood the workspace, reducing the need for artificial lighting. 

“It’s not just beneficial for the environment; it’s beneficial for us too, for the business, because we make economies of scale and because it goes along with today’s international demands,” says Bakoundah.

Solar panels outside the at the Label d’Or sheabutter production facility in Tsevie, Togo
Feeding the boiler with Shea waste used as bio-fuel at the Label d’Or sheabutter production facility in Tsevie, Togo

Like SFC, Label d’Or also uses shea byproducts as fuel. The shea “cake” left after processing is used as a clean energy source in the factory’s boiler to create steam, eliminating the need for fossil fuels. 

The success of each of these environmental interventions by the Trade Hub’s partners underscores the integral role of USAID support in fostering sustainability and climate adaptability. Co-investment grants, technical assistance, and collaboration have made innovation possible, enabling the Trade Hub’s partners to break new ground in sustainable agriculture.

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Unmasking the shadows: New study explores Ghana’s battle with political vigilantes 

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Posted September 5, 2024 .
By Gloria Agyekum .
4 min read.

A new study points threat to electoral risks posed by youth vigilante groups — including ballot box snatching, violence against political opponents and disruptions of voter registration processes — that could affect this country’s 2024 elections, according to the University of Cape Coast’s Department of Peace Studies and Elva Community Engagement. 

Funded by the USAID Office of Transition Initiatives and managed by the Littorals Regional Initiative, the research sought to examine political party youth vigilante groups in Ghana, mapping and analyzing their activities.  It focused on those framing their activities as just political youth groups, even though they continue to operate as armed vigilante groups.  

People mark their ballot in the privacy of a voting booth in Ghana on June 20, 2020. Photo by: Delali Adogla-Bessa

The study, “Political Party Youth ‘Vigilante’ Groups in Ghana: Rebranded, but Business as Usual,” said these youth groups are often associated with political parties, engage in unauthorized law enforcement and purport to provide community protection. Though youth vigilante groups were banned in 1999, the study revealed that they continue to operate. 

“Political vigilante youth groups are organized quite informally, although there is always a well-structured leadership that is tied to Ghana’s political party leaders,” the study said. “Members are recruited through voluntary participation, party influence, and friends. The recruitment process is selective, potentially targeting individuals with specific skills (e.g., people who appear to be particularly resilient, strong, and versatile), influence or standing within the community.” 

The research highlights the intricate social networks of vigilante groups, encompassing political parties, government officials, businesses and other youth groups, among other actors. These networks enable them to promote their interests, exert influence and access resources. 

Dorsina Dwamena Aboagye, a Senior Program and Research Officer at USAID/OTI’s Littorals Regional Initiative program, notes that the study is timely given Ghana’s upcoming elections. 

“We have already noted several instances of suspected vigilante-related violence across the country during the intra-party elections and the voter registration exercise,” says Dwamena Aboagye. “In sum, where there is strife and division at the political level, there is stunted development and poor social cohesion — ultimately impacting democracy.” 

Groups rebrand but stay the same 

Despite efforts to address the issue, the study said these groups have adapted and continue operating. Primarily comprised of male youth, these vigilante groups operate within the political party framework, playing a significant role in ensuring party security and mobilizing voters.  

Some groups have rebranded themselves as “party security” or “party operations,” allowing them to engage in destructive activities while evading legal consequences. The study said the close symbiotic relationships between these vigilante groups and affiliated political parties are evident, with reports indicating that certain groups are even integrated into official security roles, serving as police and personal security detachments. 

Incidents of violence during elections, such as the 2019 by-election shooting in Ayawaso West Wuogon, located in the Accra Metropolitan Area, underscore the detrimental impact of political vigilantism on electoral processes and public safety. 

In response to the negative effect of these groups, Ghana enacted the Vigilantism and Related Offenses Act 999 in 2019, aiming to prohibit and penalize activities associated with political vigilantism. Ghana also established the National Election Security Task Force. 

Conducted across eight administrative regions in Ghana, the study involved 340 survey respondents, 140 focus group discussants and 87 key informant interviews, providing valuable insights into unexplored aspects of political vigilantism. Unlike previous studies, it examines how vigilante groups respond to the law and their rebranding since its promulgation.  

Additionally, it offers a comprehensive analysis of the intricate relations and social networks of actors involved in vigilantism, going beyond surface-level understanding and emerging non-vigilante or non-affiliated groups in border communities who are playing security roles. This phenomenon lacks any previous research. 

Steps to reduce youth vigilante groups 

Political vigilantism poses significant risks to democratic stability in Ghana, with far-reaching consequences for the country’s development and international reputation, the report said. If left unaddressed, it can undermine effective governance, hinder economic growth, erode public trust in the democratic process, deter foreign investment, damage Ghana’s image as a stable democracy and strain diplomatic relations.  

To effectively address the tendency towards vigilantism and reduce the likelihood of violence, the study’s authors concluded that a concerted effort is required by the government, civil society and all stakeholders to tackle the root causes and bring about lasting change. They made several recommendations: 

  • Strengthen law enforcement and ensure effective enforcement of the Vigilantism and Related Offenses Act. 
  • Consider constitutional reforms to foster a more inclusive and balanced political environment. 
  • Foster collaborative efforts between the National Peace Council, Electoral Commission, National Commission for Civic Education, civil society organizations and faith-based organizations to implement trust-building dialogues and raise public awareness about the roles of these institutions in ensuring free and fair elections. Collaboration with marginalized communities is particularly crucial to training, engaging and educating youth on peaceful coexistence, reducing their vulnerability to political manipulation. 
  • Enhance community policing by bolstering the Ghana Police Service’s technical and operational capacities at the community level. This will reduce the need for parallel security arrangements and ensure better oversight of community watchdog committees. 
  • Actively disband vigilante groups and facilitate their transformation into constructive political activist groups through educational interventions, employment opportunities, and institutionalized deliberative dialogue between political parties and security agencies. Redirecting the energy and aspirations of these groups towards positive political engagement can break the cycle of violence. 

Transforming Ghanaian communities through international trade

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Posted May 15, 2024 .
By Pariesa Brody .
1 min read.

Nuts for Growth and Ethical Apparel Africa, two Ghanaian companies, are making significant strides in transforming their communities through international trade. With the support of USAID’s West Africa Trade & Investment Hub, these companies are expanding their production capabilities and increasing their exports. Nuts for Growth specializes in shea butter processing, while Ethical Apparel Africa focuses on clothing manufacturing. While their products may be different, both companies are not only creating employment opportunities for local workers but also driving economic growth within their communities.

By harnessing the power of international trade, Nuts for Growth and Ethical Apparel Africa are making a positive impact on Ghana’s economy and paving the way for a brighter future for their communities.

Connecting Ghana’s rural women to the international market: The Nuts for Growth story

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Posted May 11, 2024 .
By Pariesa Brody .
1 min read.

Everyone knows Dora Torwiseh.

From a small village in Ghana’s Northern Region, her influence now extends to a network of 80,000 women across dozens of village cooperatives. Dora is the link between these women — who make their living collecting and selling shea nuts — and the international market’s demand for high-quality shea butter. Using her own experience with shea, plus her business acumen and passion for development, Dora has built the Nuts for Growth factory from the ground up.

Now with a 300 ton-per-day capacity, the factory contributes to better economic outcomes for women in rural villages. With support from the USAID West Africa Trade & Investment Hub, Dora has been able to expand her reach and her production, creating opportunities and economic growth in the Northern Region.

Climate resilience through traditional resources: Shea and fonio boost women’s livelihoods in Ghana

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Posted May 10, 2024 .
By Pariesa Brody .
1 min read.

Traditional natural resources are unlocking environmental and economic opportunities for women in West Africa. Two companies partnered with the West Africa Trade & Investment Hub in Ghana are tapping into these resources to increase women’s incomes and resistance to climate change. Savannah Fruits Company, a shea butter exporter, is mobilizing women in cooperatives to process shea nuts into butter using artisanal methods with climate-smart adaptations. AMAATI is renewing an ancient African grain, fonio, to help women cultivate abandoned lands with this drought-resistant crop.

With support from the Trade Hub, these two companies are connecting the grassroots to the international market while ensuring that generations to come can profit from West Africa’s bountiful resources.

Trade Hub grants drive private investment in Ghana and West Africa 

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Posted March 18, 2024 .
By Daniel Lynx Bernard and Tia Swain .
4 min read.

A USAID-funded project that uses public funds as a catalyst for greater private-sector investment has succeeded in stimulating economic growth in Ghana and throughout West Africa while bolstering food security. 

Grants through the USAID West Africa Trade & Investment Hub have spurred five times their amount in private investment, organizers told an audience of investors and officials at an event in Accra summarizing project results to date.  

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Ghanian Parliament Member Dzifa Gomashie, center, speaks at the event with, from left, the West Africa Trade Hub’s Chief of Party Robin Wheeler, and Project Director Erin Moran.

In Ghana, the Trade Hub has awarded $8.5 million in co-investment grants to nine private sector companies, catalyzing $43.7 million in new private investments, organizers said. Those projects generated $17.9 million in sales and $96.1 million in exports—$87.5 million of it to the United States through trade preferences under the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA). Those public-private partnerships have created 20,647 jobs in Ghana, of which some 17,500 are held by women and more than 8,000 held by youth.  

“Since project inception, the Trade Hub has exemplified the power of partnership, innovation and strategic investment,” Andrew Read, USAID/Ghana Economic Growth Office Director, told attendees at the event on Feb. 28, 2024. “It has driven significant progress across key sectors, including agriculture, apparel and personal care.” 

Since its launch in 2019, the Trade Hub has awarded $83 million in co-investment grants to 92 private-sector companies in West Africa, enabling $408 million in private-sector spending which drove new revenue and job creation. 

Trade Hub Chief of Party Robin Wheeler explained that this public-private partnership has been transformative for Ghana and the rest of the program’s target countries. 

“Through these locally driven co-investment projects, the Trade Hub and our partners have generated almost $611 million in sales and over $203 million in exports, with almost $110 million being exported to the U.S.,” Wheeler said at the event. “Regarding the workforce, we have added over 74,000 jobs to the West African economy, with more than half being held by women.” 

The event in Ghana gathered more than 60 participants, including business owners who described how the co-investment grants had mitigated their risks and enabled them to grow. They were joined by investors, USAID officials, and representatives of Ghana’s Parliament, Ministry of Finance, Investment Promotion Center, and Export Promotion Authority. 

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Panel discussions and exhibits provided examples of the economic projects’ impact on people’s lives. Entrepreneurs from AMAATI Company Limited, Nuts for Growth, and Warc shared the unique practices and innovations that have improved their supply chains in fonio, shea, soy and maize while increasing smallholders’ productivity and profits. Other speakers discussed their achievements and strategies in implementing their co-investment projects despite complex challenges such as global inflation, supply chain disruptions, and the economic effects of COVID-19. 

Strengthening the national and regional economy supports the urgent mission of preparing Ghana’s food system to meet the needs of a growing population amid the rising threat of drought, speakers noted. Jacob Gyamfi-Aidoo of Ghana’s National Coordination Office for the African Continental Free Trade Area thanked the Trade Hub for highlighting food security.  

“Addressing malnutrition and hunger are not just humanitarian efforts,” said Gyamfi-Aidoo, Senior Advisor for Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building. “It is an investment in international peace and security, safeguarding the well–being of nations.” Gyamfi-Aidoo said increased trade will lead to exchanges of knowledge, “contributing to diversified food sources and a more resilient food system.” 

Gyamfi-Aidoo said his office is committed to collaborating with the Trade Hub project to work towards ensuring food security in the region. “We together hope that we will forge a path towards a more secure, prosperous and interconnected future for Africa,” he added. 

The Trade Hub is also strengthening food security by encouraging its private-sector partners to adopt climate change-adaptive methods, USAID/Ghana’s Read noted.  

“The Trade Hub’s efforts in promoting climate-smart and biodiversity-related activities highlight USAID’s commitment to environmental sustainability,” Read said. “From promoting regenerative agricultural production of cereals, which enhance soil health, to reducing the carbon dioxide emissions produced by the shea butter sector through improved processing facilities, we are not only contributing to the global fight against climate change but also ensuring the sustainability of agriculture-led economic growth in Ghana.” 

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Kevin McGlothlin, Director of USAID/West Africa’s Regional Economic Growth Office, emphasized the importance of public-private partnership for continued growth, as well as adaptability and resilience on the part of business leaders.

Kevin McGlothlin, Director of the Regional Economic Growth Office at USAID/West Africa, encouraged business leaders to adapt to changing conditions and aspire to resilience. McGlothlin emphasized that public-private partnerships will be crucial for the region’s growth to continue.  

“While the numbers are impressive and tell an important story, we also celebrate the tangible illustrations of improved livelihoods and empowered communities across Ghana,” Wheeler said. “As this model plays out throughout West Africa, it will […] contribute to broad-based and inclusive economic growth and resilience in the region, while also transforming the lives of countless people for the better.” 

Advocacy and mediation foster Fulbe inclusion in Ghana’s Upper West Region

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Posted February 7, 2024 .
By Pariesa Brody .
3 min read.

“Fulbe is our name. Fulani is not,” the Fulbe Chief for the Tumu Traditional Area said. “It is a name given to disrespect and stigmatize us. When you are called ‘Fulani,’ it means you are worthless.”  

In Ghana’s Upper West region, the usage of the term “Fulani,” coupled with the marginalization and exclusion of the Fulbe from decision-making and community engagements, has amplified conflict and destabilizing dynamics.  

In a region already susceptible to violent extremism and insurgency from the Sahel, residents highlight tensions primarily revolving around disputes over land and water access. Violent extremists exploit these conflicts to recruit followers among the Fulbe population. 

Mahamudu Alburi-Hammah, Fulbe Chief and community leader, and other Fulbe men. Tumu, upper west region, northern Ghana.

To better understand the complex relationship among Fulbe and non-Fulbe ethnic groups in Ghana’s Upper West Region, USAID/OTI’s Littorals Regional Initiative, in collaboration with local NGO SAVE-Ghana, conducted a survey from June to August 2021 to chart relationships between the region’s ethnic groups. The survey shed light on the strained relations between Fulbe and non-Fulbe communities and proposed potential solutions to address the situation. 

Following this survey, Littoral Regional Initiative and SAVE-Ghana organized dialogues with District Assembly members, traditional leaders, and community stakeholders to share the survey’s insights.  

Fast forward two years, significant strides have been made. These dialogues have resulted in concrete commitments and landmark initiatives across the region, fostering improved relationships between the Fulbe, local authorities, and other ethnic groups. Case in point: nearly 80 percent of districts, including Sissala East and Jirapa Municipality, now use the term “Fulbe” instead of “Fulani.” 

Community councils, for the first time, have also welcomed Fulbe traditional leaders to voice their concerns, leading to tangible improvements in their quality of life and community standing. In Tumu, cattle rate taxes — previously double for Fulbe people compared with other ethnic groups — were reduced, not only easing financial burdens but also increasing tax compliance and district revenue. 

“I advocated for reducing cattle rate taxes for the Fulbe, and I was heard,” said a Fulbe traditional leader from Tumu. This reduction increased the number of herders who pay taxes, thereby increasing district revenue. 

“The Fulbe now feel part of the community and are more willing to pay taxes. There is also no need to involve the security service to force them to pay,” said the Tumu municipal development planning officer.  

 Fulbe participation in local government has also increased. The district coordinating director in Tumu added that the District Assembly appointed, for the first time, a Fulbe desk liaison officer. The addition of the position allowed local administrators to have a better idea of the Fulbe population size, which, combined with research findings, has led the district coordinating director to take measures to provide potable drinking water and other social amenities lacking in many Fulbe communities. 

Eight out of 11 municipal districts in the Upper West region have embraced local roadmaps for Fulbe inclusion, helping local ethnic partnerships flourish. Community stakeholders hold periodic community meetings to continue discussions on social cohesion and share crucial information to mitigate security issues.  

“Integration and inclusion of Fulbe in decision-making and governance can promote trust and peaceful coexistence,” said the Fulbe chief of Jirapa.  

Advocacy efforts led to the removal of a contentious immigration post and established mediation committees that resolved over 75 cases between Fulbe herders and non-Fulbe farmers as of July 2023, reducing conflicts and crop destruction significantly. 

A local radio station, Sissala FM, also launched educational programs on conflict resolution, prevention of violent extremism (PVE), and ethnic culture. The initiative received praise from both Fulbe and non-Fulbe communities for dispelling stereotypes and promoting understanding. Listeners lauded its role in reducing conflicts between farmers and herders. 

During a call-in segment after the program, a non-Fulbe listener from the Naabubelle community said, “This program is very educative and will help reduce conflicts between farmers and herders over crop destruction.” A Fulbe listener from the Chinchang community also called in to say, “Now everyone knows that we, the Fulbe, have a voice, and our conflicts are best resolved through dialogue.”