PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEFWI JUABOSO, WESTERN NORTH REGION – 16 DECEMBER 2025
The Resource Foundation (TRF Ghana), with funding support from the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), is currently implementing a multi-component project aimed at empowering communities and strengthening media capacity to combat illegal mining (galamsey) and prevent youth radicalisation in the Western North Region of Ghana.
As part of the ongoing implementation, TRF Ghana has commenced community sensitisation forums in selected communities, including Sefwi Juaboso Nkwanta, Yakese, J.K. Krom, and Sefwi Danyame, and Brekrom, Seneagyakrom within the Juaboso District and Aowin Municipality These forums engage youth groups, women’s groups, traditional authorities (chiefs and elders), farmer cooperatives, unit committee members, and community residents in inclusive dialogue on the environmental, social, and economic impacts of illegal mining and its links to youth vulnerability and radicalisation.
The community engagements focus on promoting accurate information, peaceful dialogue, and community-led solutions for environmental protection and social cohesion. Through facilitated discussions, participants explore practical steps to prevent illegal mining, strengthen local vigilance, and promote sustainable livelihoods. Each engagement supports the gradual development of Community Action Plans that reflect local priorities and collective responsibility.
In parallel with community-level activities, TRF Ghana has initiated a Media Capacity-Building Training Programme, bringing together 30 journalists and Community Information Centre (CIC) operators from across the Western North Region. The training strengthens participants’ skills in investigative environmental journalism, ethical and conflict-sensitive reporting, and Ghana’s forest and mining governance frameworks, with the aim of improving accurate reporting, amplifying community voices, and promoting peace-oriented narratives.
To further broaden public awareness, the project also supports radio sensitisation talk shows on local radio stations. These programmes provide platforms for community members, experts, and key stakeholders to discuss illegal mining, environmental protection, youth empowerment, and peaceful community action, reaching audiences beyond the immediate project communities.
According to TRF Ghana, combining community engagement with responsible media participation is essential for addressing illegal mining in a sustainable and inclusive manner. Empowered communities and informed media play a critical role in protecting natural resources, preventing conflict, and supporting long-term development.
TRF Ghana expresses its sincere appreciation to the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) for supporting this ongoing project, as well as to community leaders, media professionals, and local stakeholders whose active participation continues to drive positive change.
Further activities under the project will continue in the coming months as TRF Ghana works with communities and partners to strengthen environmental governance, youth resilience, and peaceful coexistence across the Western North Region.
