Story by Richard Kofi Boahen, Sunyani
Former Dormaa East District Chief Executive, Emmanuel Kofi Agyeman, has called for the institutionalisation of a national self-help initiative dubbed “Omanbapa Day” to promote peace, youth empowerment and community development across Ghana.
Delivering a speech during the Bono Regional celebration of World Press Freedom Day in Sunyani, Mr. Agyeman said Ghana’s improving press freedom ranking should inspire citizens and the media to deepen democratic participation and community-driven development.
Speaking on the theme, “Shaping the Future at Peace: How the Youth and the Media Are Building Peaceful Cities,” he described the media as a critical pillar in protecting democracy, promoting accountability and shaping national discourse.
Mr. Agyeman, who is also a Patron of the Bono Regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) praised Ghana’s recent progress in global press freedom rankings, citing the 2026 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders, which placed Ghana 39th out of 180 countries.
According to him, the country’s ranking had improved significantly over the past three years, moving from 60th position in 2024 to 52nd in 2025 before reaching 39th in 2026.
Responsible journalism
“For Ghana to be making progress at a time many countries are declining is something we must appreciate and protect,” he stated.
He noted that the achievement reflected the efforts of journalists, media organisations and citizens committed to defending free expression and responsible journalism.
Mr. Agyeman, however, stressed that peace could not be sustained without opportunities for young people.
“A peaceful city is a city where young people have hope, where communities are developing, and where people feel they have a future,” he said.
He argued that unemployment and frustration among the youth often fuel instability, while economic empowerment and community involvement strengthen social cohesion and peacebuilding.
Community-led initiatives
Using examples from across Africa, Mr. Agyeman highlighted how community-led initiatives had transformed societies.
He referenced Kenya’s Green Belt Movement founded by Wangari Maathai in 1977, describing it as a grassroots effort that helped restore degraded lands, create jobs and empower women through the planting of more than 50 million trees.
He also cited Rwanda’s monthly communal labour initiative, Umuganda, which he said had contributed significantly to the country’s sanitation, infrastructure and post-conflict rebuilding efforts.
Drawing parallels with Ghana, Mr. Agyeman said many communities had historically undertaken self-help projects including the construction of schools, roads, markets and clinics before receiving government support.
Dormaahene’s example
He commended the Omanhene of Dormaa, Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyeman Badu II, for championing communal development and sanitation initiatives in Bono and Dormaa East.
According to him, the traditional ruler’s regular clean-up exercises and community mobilisation campaigns demonstrated that development begins when citizens actively participate in improving their communities rather than relying solely on government intervention.
Initiatives
Mr. Agyeman also highlighted the cashew development initiative implemented during his tenure as DCE between 2018 and 2021.
He said more than one million polyclonal cashew seedlings were distributed freely to farmers across over 21,000 acres in Dormaa East through a community-based approach involving 12 nursing centres.
The initiative, he explained, saved the Assembly more than GH₵1.5 million because communities contributed labour and participated directly in raising the seedlings.
He added that the project had since created a thriving local cashew economy, with over 200 young people now working as cashew agents in the district, compared to fewer than 20 before the programme began.
“That is what self-help projects can do. They do not only build infrastructure; they create economic ecosystems. They create jobs. They create hope,” he noted.
Mr. Agyeman further cited the Nseseresu Canopy Walk as another successful example of community-driven development that was generating tourism and economic opportunities for local residents in Dormaa East.
He announced plans to advocate for an increase in the allocation for self-help projects under the District Assemblies Common Fund from five per cent to 10 per cent.
He appealed to the media to support the campaign, saying journalists had a responsibility not only to report events but also to inspire innovation, entrepreneurship and community leadership.
“The stories we tell influence what young people aspire to become,” he said.
