🌍 Inclusive Forest Governance Begins with Empowered Communities.

June 11, 2025

On June 10, 2025 at the Nyinahin School Park, RAIN with support from ClientEarth collaborated with the Ghana National Fire Service (Nyinahin Fire Station), to officially inaugurate 35 fire volunteers from five communities in the Atwima Mponua District namely Anwiafutu, Kyenkyenta, Bedaabuo, Tano-Dumasi, and Botrampa. This is to promote inclusive governance by involving community actors in the prevention, and control of fires.

Contents

🗣 Key Highlights 👩🏽‍🚒 Women Leading the Way

Present at the event were Mr. Peter Tetteh-Regional Fire Officer (RFO), Winifred Theodora Acquah-District Fire Officer (DFO), Hon. Kaakyire Owusu-Assembly Member, Chairman Nana Oppong-Assembly Member, Hon. Asamoah Isaac, Fire officers from the Nyinahin Fire Station and the team from RAIN

🗣 Key Highlights

DFO Winifred Acquah emphasized the critical role of the 35 newly inaugurated fire volunteers—28 men and 7 women—as the first responders to bushfires. She commended RAIN’s environmental advocacy and the volunteers’ dedication.

Madam Doreen Asumang-Yeboah (Director at Rights and Advocacy Initiatives Network) recognized ClientEarth’s support through the FCMG grant and urged inclusive participation in forest governance—especially among youth and women. Mr. Samuel Afrifa (Forestry Commission) and RFO Peter Tetteh reiterated the vital role of trained community volunteers in bushfire prevention, promising closer collaboration between stakeholders.

Certificates and firefighting essentials—RAIN supported the volunteers with cutlasses and PPE’s such as clothing, boots, torch lights as symbols of responsibility.

👩🏽‍🚒 Women Leading the Way

Two standout stories emerged from the team. Miss Khadija Musa, a senior high student, shared how her passion for environmental protection led her to join the fire volunteers. Mrs. Rosca Asantewaa Boateng, a young nursing mother, participated fully while caring for her baby—proving that motherhood is not a barrier to leadership in forest governance.

In a field long dominated by men, women like Khadija and Rosca are redefining what it means to protect forests. Their courage and involvement underscore the urgent need to close the gender gap in natural resource management. True change happens not only through policies, but through daily actions.