FRI Ghana | May 20, 2026
News Brief
Women in Galo Sota, Ghana, are planting acacia trees to reduce pressure on mangroves harvested for fuelwood. Inspired by radio discussions on Nature-based Solutions broadcast on Jubilee FM’s Ayeeko program, the Shalom Women’s Group launched the initiative with support from the Forestry Commission and A Rocha Ghana. The group has planted one acre of acacia on leased land and plans to expand. What began as a 30-member savings group has grown to 90 members, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
In Galo Sota, a coastal community in the Anloga district of Ghana’s Volta Region, a group of women is taking action to protect the mangroves that sustain their livelihoods.
Fuelwood is scarce in the area, and the few trees and mangroves available are heavily harvested for cooking. Concerned about the long-term impact, members of the Shalom Women’s Group began searching for solutions.
Their inspiration came from the radio.
In 2023, while listening to the Ayeeko program on Jubilee FM, the group heard discussions on Nature-based Solutions, including tree planting and mangrove protection. The radio program explained how mangroves protect coastal communities from storms and erosion while supporting ecosystems.
Motivated by what they learned, the group decided to plant acacia as an alternative source of fuelwood to reduce pressure on mangroves. The women establish and care for the trees on leased land, where one-third of the woodlot goes to the landowners and the remaining two-thirds is shared among the women’s group.
Gladys Dogbey is the founder and leader of the Shalom Women’s Group and the assembly member for the Galo Sota electoral area. She says, “Our goal is that when the acacia matures, we will use it for fuelwood instead of cutting mangroves.”
With support from an agricultural extension officer, the group secured seedlings from the Forestry Commission and A Rocha Ghana. They also worked with local landowners, agreeing that two-thirds of the harvested wood would go to the group and one-third to the landowners.
So far, the group has planted one acre of acacia trees and plans to expand to two acres. Youth members helped with planting, while persons with disabilities contributed to decision-making, ensuring the initiative remains inclusive.
Some community members initially doubted the effort would succeed. But today, the group takes pride in what they have achieved.
One member of the group says, “We are proud of the peace, unity, and support among us now as we work together to plant the acacia trees.”
What began as a 30-member village savings and loan association has grown to 90 members, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
Hope Avuletey is with the Forestry Commission. She says, “Their dedication and commitment were remarkable. The effort they put into this initiative reflects their determination and selflessness for the well-being of the entire community.”
Through their efforts, the women of Galo Sota are protecting their environment while strengthening unity, confidence, and leadership within their community.
Story contributed by Rosemond Ohene, Bridget Humade, and Jill Adinkrah.
