Rita Ama Narlyn Wurapa is an elected assembly woman for the Akpafu Mempeasem electoral area in the Guan District of the Oti region of Ghana, West Africa. Growing up in Akpafu Mempeasem, Hon Rita witnessed firsthand struggles of her people, particularly farmers who relied on poor and inaccessible roads to transport their produce to markets. As if that was not enough the people lacked proper healthcare awareness and inadequate educational resources.
With the myriad of challenges that confronted the people, Hon Rita challenged herself to contest during the 2023 district level elections in Ghana to help solve the plight of the Mempeasem Akpafu community. She was one of the women who received capacity building trainings, before, during and after the elections through the Partnerships for Municipal Innovation Women in Local Leadership project (PMI-WILL). The project is implemented by the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG) with support from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM).
Through topics including resource mobilization, public speaking effective communication, time management, effective community engagement etc. she has been able to spearhead several initiatives that have improved infrastructure, healthcare, and education services in the community. Over 200 people benefited from health screenings, and many received early diagnoses that helped prevent severe health conditions.
For now, the roads that once hindered farmers has been rehabilitated. ‘I led fundraising efforts and mobilized community members to fix the roads leading to our farms and riverside, improving access and productivity’. Farmers can now transport their produce with ease, leading to increased economic activities and improved livelihoods.
Through her engagement with some public health advocates they were able to organize community health screenings to promote wellness. Schoolchildren now have books that support their learning, fostering a culture of education and literacy within the community.
She noted that these changes have significantly improved the quality of life for many residents in her electoral area. Now more than ever, the women are able to access the once bad road to the market centers to trade, this to a large extent has empowered them economically.
For Hon. Ritaone key lesson she has learned is that capacity building trainings support for women is important and should be a priority.
She added that community-driven development is powerful and that when people come together with a shared vision, real change happens. To ensure sustainability, she says she will continue to engage with stakeholders, advocating for policies that support infrastructure improvements and health interventions. Additionally, local leaders and community members have taken ownership of these projects, ensuring their continuity. “One of the most rewarding moments for me is seeing the joy on the faces of farmers as they used the improved roads and hearing testimonies from residents whose health was improved through screenings. This journey has reaffirmed my belief that grassroots leadership can create lasting change’.
She gives credit to the PMI-WILL and my community’s dedication, Akpafu Mempeasem is now on a path toward progress, and I am proud to have played a role in this transformation.