Leadership Training at Nyinahin, Nkawie and Wioso in the Ashanti Region

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GBF IMPACT

Leadership Training Strengthens Women and Youth Leadership in Nyinahin, Nkawie, and Wioso

In January 2025, the Green Bliss Foundation, in collaboration with Tropenbos Ghana, implemented a targeted Leadership Development Training across Nyinahin, Nkawie, and Wioso, empowering 504 women and youth to take on active leadership roles within their communities.

Building Leadership from Within Communities

The training formed part of the Gender Responsive and Integrated Landscape Management Project (GRILMaP) and was designed to bridge the gap between leadership potential and effective action at the community level.

The training sessions, held between 14–16 January and 23–24 January 2025, focused on developing leadership not as a position, but as a practice rooted in responsibility, collaboration, and service. Participants were encouraged to see leadership as an everyday role, one that influences decision making, conflict resolution, and community development.

Through a participatory and inclusive approach, the programme created safe spaces for women and youth to reflect on their strengths, challenge limiting perceptions, and build confidence to lead.

Practical, Participant-Centred Learning

Facilitated by Mrs. Amanda Akushie, the training emphasized practical learning over theory. Sessions were carefully structured to promote engagement, critical thinking, and real-life application.

Key learning approaches included:

• Interactive group discussions on leadership values, ethics, and accountability
• Role play exercises focused on communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution
• Contextual case studies highlighting effective leadership within community and development settings.

This hands on approach enabled participants to relate leadership concepts directly to their daily lives, households, and community responsibilities.

Addressing Barriers to Inclusive Leadership

Special attention was given to challenges faced by women and young people in leadership spaces, including limited representation, confidence barriers, and communication gaps. The training addressed these issues by promoting inclusive leadership practices, effective communication strategies, and collective problem solving.

Participants explored how leadership styles can be adapted to different situations, ensuring that leadership remains responsive, inclusive, and impactful.

Excerpts from our 10-page training Manual

Introduction to Leadership

This session focuses on leadership as the essential driver for guiding and inspiring teams toward achieving shared goals.

This guide provides the practical insights needed to improve communication, navigate challenges, and ensure inclusivity in every project.

By identifying the key qualities of impactful leaders and recognizing various leadership styles, participants learn how to apply the right approach to the right situation for maximum impact.

Leadership

This session emphasized that to lead is to serve and inspire. We explored how effective leaders prioritize the needs of their team, using clear communication to bridge gaps and wise decision-making to move the community forward.

Leadership is about creating a supportive space where success belongs to everyone. To be truly impactful, you must understand your own unique rhythm.

We explored several leadership styles to help participants find the one that fits their personality and their purpose

Why Communication Matters

This session broke down how clear communication acts as a leader’s most powerful tool for driving success. We explored how the ability to convey a message effectively is the "secret sauce" for high-performing teams.

Participants learned that strong communication is the key to:

✔ Conflict Resolution: Turning disagreements into productive conversations.

✔ Team Synergy: Aligning everyone’s efforts toward a single goal.

✔ Cultural Excellence: Building an environment of mutual respect and high value.

Challenges for Women in Leadership

Limited Opportunities: Many women don’t have access to resources like training, funding, or mentors. This makes it harder for them to take on leadership roles or grow in their careers. Addressing this requires creating equal access to professional opportunities.

Balancing Roles: Women often manage work responsibilities while caring for their families. This dual role can make leadership feel overwhelming without proper support systems, like childcare or flexible work policies.

Cultural Barriers: In some cultures, traditional beliefs discourage women from stepping into leadership roles. ...

Voices from the Participants

The impact of the training was strongly reflected in participant feedback. Many described the sessions as transformative, noting a shift in how they perceive leadership and their own potential.

“This training has strengthened my confidence to lead more effectively at home and within my community. I feel better equipped to guide my household and support the positive development of my children.” — Martina Abena Achiaa, Hiawu Besease

Strengthening Foundations for Sustainable Community Development

By strengthening the leadership capacities of women and youth in Nyinahin, Nkawie, and Wioso, Green Bliss Foundation and Tropenbos Ghana are contributing to more inclusive community participation, improved local governance, and long term sustainable development outcomes.

Enhanced leadership skills among women and youth support more effective decision making at the household and community levels, helping communities to better respond to social, economic, and environmental challenges.