As Communications Officer for the Nature and Development Foundation (NDF), I had the privilege of shaping the narrative around one of Ghana’s most impactful conservation initiatives in the North: the Mole Ecological Landscape project. This project, supported by the Uk International Development through the Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund, is transforming lives while safeguarding endangered species in and around Mole National Park.
My role was to ensure that the voices of local communities, women, youth, and farmers were amplified. From documenting training sessions on shea nut collection to capturing testimonies of hunters who pledged to abandon poaching, I translated technical interventions into human-centered stories with diverse audiences.
Through press releases, newsletters, and digital campaigns, I highlighted how simple innovations like shea nut rollers and beekeeping kits are reducing risks, boosting incomes, and creating alternatives to bushmeat hunting.
I worked closely with project partners, Mole National Park and CK-Tedam University, to align communications with broader conservation goals. Some of my responsibilities included:
- Designing branded materials that reflected the project’s identity.
- Coordinating media coverage to showcase milestones.
- Developing case studies for donor reporting and stakeholder engagement.
These efforts strengthened the project’s visibility, attracting interest from policymakers, NGOs, and potential funders who saw the value of linking livelihoods with biodiversity protection.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my work was interviewing beneficiaries. Women like Amina, who now collects shea nuts safely with protective gear, and men like Alhassan, who shared their stories, underscored the project’s impact: conservation is most effective when communities are empowered.
As a communicator, I believe stories drive action. By documenting and disseminating the successes of the Mole Ecological Landscape project, I contributed to a narrative that inspires replication across Ghana and beyond. My portfolio from this project demonstrates how strategic and development communication can bridge the gap between grassroots realities and global conservation goals.
Read about the project here. IWTCF Project.
