Young Change Makers Develop Action Plans to Amplify Local Issues

The Mother of All Nations Foundation remains dedicated to empowering communities through training, advocacy, and action-oriented projects. As we continue to support these changemakers, we encourage everyone to join hands in this collective effort to shape the future of our communities.

In a powerful demonstration of community activism and collaboration, 60 changemakers from Madina and surrounding communities recently gathered for a comprehensive brainstorming session aimed at amplifying local issues and fostering community development. These changemakers, who had previously undergone a specialized training program, came together with the common goal of creating actionable strategies that would engage their communities in meaningful and impactful ways.

The session, facilitated by the Mother of All Nations Foundation in partnership with Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD), focused on equipping participants with the tools and knowledge necessary to drive social change from the ground up. The training had emphasized the importance of grassroots advocacy, community accountability, and effective civic engagement to address the pressing challenges facing Madina and its neighboring areas.

“Young people must recognize that true drivers of community development operate at the local assembly level. We need to change our approach by focusing on grassroots efforts and building upwards, rather than relying on top-down strategies.”    Dr Charity Dzradosi  Research Fellow, Institute of Local Government.

 

Action Plans to Engage Communities

At the heart of the brainstorming session was the development of tailored action plans. These plans, designed to resonate with the unique needs of each community, aimed to address issues such as:

1. Civic Education: Participants stressed the need for greater civic awareness, especially as the country approaches key elections. Action plans included organizing town hall meetings, community forums, and educational campaigns to raise awareness about citizens’ rights, responsibilities, and the importance of active participation in governance.

“There should be opportunities for young people to learn how to hold duty bearers accountable. Many of us either feel intimidated or unsure about demanding that our community’s interests be addressed, often out of concern that we might be seen as bothersome. However, understanding that we have the right to advocate for our community will empower us with the confidence to do so.”            Memuna Abdullah  Community Change Maker  

2. Use of Digital Media: Amplifying local issues through digital platforms was a key focus of the session. Changemakers recognized the power of social media and digital storytelling to raise awareness, hold duty bearers accountable, and mobilize support for community development projects. Plans were outlined to create dedicated social media campaigns, blogs, and even community podcasts to give voice to the underrepresented concerns of Madina and its surrounding areas.

“We are living in the digital age, where the power of social media is immense. Social media is our megaphone. It gives us the platform to amplify governance issues, Lets share stories from our communities, and raise concerns that can no longer be ignored. A tweet, a Facebook post, an Instagram and TikTok story can spark conversations and bring governance issues to the forefront. When we amplify these issues together, we can demand better infrastructure, improved education, food security, and access to essential services that every Ghanaian deserves.”          Mr. Ishaq Abubakar Zico Newton,  Executive Director:  Mother of All Nations Foundation. 

Collaborative Spirit and Next Steps

The brainstorming session fostered a strong sense of collaboration among the participants. Many of the changemakers expressed enthusiasm about working together across different sectors to address the wide range of challenges their communities face. From partnering with local government bodies to engaging traditional leaders, the changemakers are set to leverage all available resources to ensure their action plans are not only executed but also sustainable.

“Everyone possesses unique abilities and skills that can contribute to driving the change we seek in our communities, whether through lobbying duty bearers, raising resources, or crafting impactful campaign messages. To achieve our shared goals of community transformation, we must not work in isolation. Instead, we should combine our resources and energies, collaborating to create meaningful and lasting change.”           Nuhu Yussif Ceasar, Student Leader and Change Marker

Moving forward, the change makers will continue to refine their plans, identify potential partners, and seek funding where necessary. The Mother of All Nations Foundation will play a pivotal role in providing support, mentorship, and resources to ensure these efforts materialize.

This session marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to improving the socio-economic conditions in Madina and beyond. As these changemakers return to their respective communities, they carry with them the vision and drive to inspire change, empower others, and contribute to a brighter future for all.

Together, we can build stronger, more resilient communities.