The training brought together about 60 leaders of SWFA’s Village Savings and Loans Associations from various communities across the Northern Region including Savelugu, Nanton, Mion, Tolon and Kumbungu Districts. 

The training formed part of the Forest and Farm Facility project being implemented by SWFA with funding support from the Food and Agriculture Organization. It sought to empower participants with knowledge and skills in leadership, governance, and advocacy to enable them to effectively participate in decision-making processes and promote sustainable food systems. 

Madam Salamatu Sakara, Chairperson, SWFA, speaking during the training, said it was to address existing capacity gaps that limited the association’s effectiveness in mentoring emerging leaders and engaging in policy advocacy. She said it aligned SWFA’s broader goal of promoting inclusive participation, gender equity, and women’s empowerment in agribusiness and community development while contributing to the Ghana Federation of Forest and Farm Producers Agenda 2030. 

Madam Sakara explained that the expected outcomes of the training were to improve leadership and governance competencies among SWFA leaders, increased representation of women farmers in local decision-making processes, and strengthened accountability systems within the association. She said, “We want to build strong leaders and advocates who can represent our interests at the local and national levels, engage effectively with stakeholders, and champion women’s voices in agricultural development and policy reforms.” 

Madam Humaimatu Abdul-Wahab from the Ghana Technical and Vocational Education and Training Service in the Northern Region, who facilitated the sessions, took participants through topics on governance, leadership, and advocacy. She emphasised the importance of transparency, accountability, and teamwork in leadership, urging participants to apply the knowledge and tools gained to attract stakeholders and investors’ attention to their programmes and activities. 

Mr Zakaria Abukari, one of the participants from Tampion, commended SWFA for the initiative describing it as a timely intervention that would help women farmers become more organized and confident in engaging with duty bearers. The participatory training featured group discussions, case studies, and role plays designed to deepen participants’ understanding of practical leadership and advocacy approaches.