Contemplations on Self-help Projects in Ghana

Based on experiences in numerous development aid projects in Africa, we have come to the firm conviction that a preoccupation of the helper with the cultural background of the people has a decisive impact on the eventual success of the project. Only helpers who can intensively and sensitively deal with the people's traditions, lifestyle and mentality can work in the project and contribute to achieving sustainable improvement of the quality of life of the people. Whoever does not sufficiently inform her/himself runs the risk of seeing only what s/he wants to see.

We know the debate on the African economic crisis and the prevailing European pessimism on Africa. However who has earnestly analysed the reasons for the failure of many development projects? Naturally all parties are to blame, but very often one-sided reasons based on western perceptions of development are preferred to explain stagnation or failure.

Cultural differences, transmissions and traditions (e.g. rites, obligations) must be viewed as resources and not as "obstacles to development". The innovation must grow within their own pace, oriented in their own framework. This includes for instance the sense of family and the importance of social relations (in the African society, a truly poor person is s/he who has no relative!), thoughts on traditional hierarchy or the rooting in a spiritual world view.

All this is a source for resourcefulness and innovation. Social and ecological changes must always be compatible herewith.

Our Aims (also see detailed description of the project):

Improved quality of life in the village means above all achieving a rural culture that is worth living and which will counteract the present rate of urban migration. In addition to this, gradual changes are essential. The development committee, helpers and visitors from Germany should help to awaken and nurture the necessary understanding and awareness in the villagers of how the different parts of their daily lives are interconnected.

Progress so far can be seen through the following changes:

  1. Establishment of a development committee that minutely attends to the requirements and deficits of the village and works for their improvement.
  2. Improvement of medical supplies.
  3. Improvement of sanitary facilities.
  4. Improvement of waste disposal/management (e.g. cleaning the beach).
  5. Improvement of teaching materials and equipment in schools.
  6. Sponsoring the education of children in the primary and secondary school level with the help of mentors.
  7. Stabilising the economic base of families through the women with the help of our Microcredit Program.
  8. Achieving noticeable growth of joint responsibility and teamwork among the inhabitants for the affairs of the village community.

Guidelines for Cooperation:

  1. A solid knowledge of the local conditions and cultural background is of vital importance. Good knowledge of the cultural background in combination with western perspectives is an adequate prerequisite for successful project work. There is enough relevant literature to aid thorough preparation.
  2. Knowledge alone is not enough. The approach to project work also counts; not just dictating the aims from outside but taking on an attitude of openness and letting go of the old thus making it possible to identify common objectives and ways of attaining them. The question what "development" in reality is and what development means for the people of Mankoadze or Sampa, should be constantly kept in mind during the project work.
  3. The project has its own development structure (committee) that is partly derived from the traditional organisation structure (council of elders, Chiefs, Asafo group) that administers the village. The individual committees take on particular responsibilities (e.g. health care, promotion of educational training, agriculture, workshops etc.) and are coordinated by the chief. The committees are also in contact with the Association ASASE and must constantly give reports on their work and account for the disbursement of the money. Communication follows designated rules (that strangers do not easily recognise or comprehend) that must categorically be adhered to. Not everyone in the village is authorised to give information. Although many village members participate in the decision making, the responsibility for the decisions always lies with the council of elders, Chiefs and the committees. This means that there should not be any single-handed actions. The committee decides on the employment of personnel, distribution of materials, salary amounts etc. In this way, transparency in work proceedings and decision making is evident not only for the village members but also for participating private sponsors or NGOs abroad.
  4. Cash gifts or well intended but unrealistic promises are absolutely to be avoided. The fact that some village members within the project draw a small salary already changes the social structure. Be careful about promises or invitations. The predominant dream is to migrate to the reputed "paradise" in Europe. The consequences are often fatal for the families and individuals.
  5. Only discuss new ideas in public after consultation with me or others responsible for the project. Negative consequences are usually frequent when plausible ideas are initially ignored.
  6. Making mistakes is natural. However careful deliberation and empathy for the village inhabitants can prevent many mistakes.
  7. Jerry Bedu-Addo is considered by village members that we are working with to be one of the main persons responsible for the project and as the contact person for the public authorities in Ghana as well as for private sponsors and NGOs in Germany; he must account for all the activities and ultimately bear the consequences of all the responsibility.
    Thus we would like to plead with all participants to uphold these internal guidelines during their work. We are certain that within this set framework our work will progress and we will approach evolving responsibilities with dedication, responsibility and respect.


Jerry Bedu-Addo
Chairperson