Rural Urban Partnership for Africa (RUPFA) - Accra, Ghana

Introduction
The main purpose of this report was to capture the sensitization exercise that was held by RUPFA in the Agbozume community, which is one of the communities identified within the catchment of the River Densu/Weija Dam, who pollutes the Dam/River at an alarming rate. According to research, Agbozume, among others, has been identified as one of the communities whose actions directly affect the purity of the Weija Dam, which is a source of drinking water for most communities in Accra. In the report terminologies such as ‘’Atidza ‘‘and “Catch” are used frequently. “Atidza” is a ‘twi’ word which literally means a bumper harvest using a local method of fishing . It is a fishing method which involves the use of cut tree branches and stems that are laid on the surface of the water to attract fishes into a net trap. The tree branches and stems are left to rot in the water after fish harvesting, discoloring the water and making it denser. “Catch” is also a term used in place of a fishing harvest.

Conclusion:
Based on the above discussions that took place at the meeting, the people of agbozume accepted their fault in engaging in those negative activities identified that affect Weija Dam especially
“atidza” and decided to adopt a gradual process to put an end to the practice. It is not by force as GWC is using because it is their livelihood.
Recommendations
1. Most of the participants suggested RUPFA should encourage unity among the people of Agbozume community and try to put measures in place to that effect.
2. Such educative campaigns should be extendd in other communities close to the catchment areas

The Success story of RUPFA Community Livelihood Project (RCLP)
RCLP is meant to support the people especially women to start a business or expand their businesses thereby having a livelihood and alleviating poverty. RUPFA started this community project because we realized most women in micro businesses in the local areas were the backbone of children education.
RCLP took effect from the month of December 2015 where 30 women were given micro-loans to start or expand their business and were given a period of four (4) months to settle the payment on a flexible term.
The program was successful as women were advised and encouraged to put the money into something profitable. They were also given training on records keeping so as to know whether they were making profit or loss.
Our Success Story
Rebecca Adobea had this to say
As at the time RUPFA visited my community, my two children were at home whiles school was in session. I sadly had to watch other children go to school every morning hoping one day it will be the turn of mine. Thanks to RCLP, today all my two children are in school. The micro-loan I took from them has gone a long way to help me. As I identified the need in my area as food for school children every morning, I invested the money into selling of food and I had a lot of people patronizing it. Today, I can confidently say that I am not a housewife but into a business to support my family, especially my children.
RCLP Ayekoo!

According to the Executive Director of RUPFA, the purpose of the gathering was to share with them the Benefits of the forest and Biodiversity, the role of the forestry commission, the alarming rate of the forest degradation/deforestation, its impact on climate change and the trend. Furthermore, he stressed on the alarming rate at which our forest is being degraded and the need to sensitize the students and the pupils since they are the future leaders and potential change agents. Mr Richard Ashaley stated that, RUPFA has taken it upon itself to sensitize and educate children and students as well as inculcate in them the passion to the protect the environment. Again he mentioned the fact that RUPFA’s strategy is to get the authorities involved in the campaign as well as the traditional rulers. He thanked the guests for participating and entreated the children and students to be attentive for the program to have much impact on them.