About
Why ACEPS exists
Empowering schools, communities and miners across Ghana's Western Region to protect the environment they depend on.
The Africa Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainability was established in response to growing environmental concerns in Ghana, particularly the Western Region, one of the country's most resource-rich areas and one of its most environmentally pressured.
Illegal small-scale mining, deforestation, water pollution and an increasingly unpredictable climate have degraded the rivers, forests and farmland that communities depend on.
ACEPS was founded on the belief that lasting protection of these resources cannot come from enforcement alone. It has to come from informed, empowered communities. We work directly with schools, traditional authorities, farmers, organized small-scale miners, youth and women's groups to build environmental knowledge and local leadership from the ground up.
How the work runs
The ACEPS Environmental Stewardship Model (AESM)
Five stages, each one building on the last. It is the shape of every ACEPS programme, from a school environmental club to a land reclamation project with a mining association.
- 1
Awareness
Community sensitization and environmental education.
- 2
Capacity Building
Practical training and skills, delivered where people are.
- 3
Community Action
Tree planting, clean-ups, sustainable farming and responsible mining practice.
- 4
Local Leadership
Students, chiefs, women, youth and miners taking it on as environmental ambassadors.
- 5
Sustainability
Ongoing mentoring, monitoring, partnerships and policy advocacy.
Values
What we hold ourselves to
Environmental Stewardship
Promoting the responsible use and protection of natural resources.
Integrity
Honesty, transparency, accountability and professionalism in all activities.
Community Participation
Inclusive decision-making and active community involvement.
Innovation
Practical, evidence-based and nature-based solutions.
Partnership
Collaborating with government, traditional authorities, academia, development partners, civil society and the private sector.
Excellence
High-quality programmes, training and research that create measurable impact.
Where we work
Starting in the Western Region, building toward Africa
ACEPS operations begin in Ghana's Western Region, one of the country's most resource-rich areas and one of its most environmentally pressured.
The intention is to expand to other regions of Ghana, and in time to build partnerships across the continent. We say that as a direction of travel, not as a footprint we already have.
Roadmap
Where ACEPS is now
The plan runs in three phases over five years. We publish it because it is the honest answer to what the organisation is doing today.
Institutional development and community entry
Establish partnerships, identify priority communities, develop training materials, launch school environmental clubs, and begin farmer and miner training.
Programme expansion and community action
Expand school clubs nationally, community-led tree planting and restoration, climate-smart agriculture support, responsible mining education and leadership training.
Scaling, research and institutional growth
Expand to additional regions, advanced professional training, published research and policy recommendations, and expanded consultancy services.
ACEPS is in Phase 1. The programmes described across this site are what the organisation is set up to deliver; they are not a record of work already completed.
Governance
How ACEPS is governed
A Board of Directors and Advisory Council provides strategic direction and oversight. An Executive Management Team runs day-to-day operations.
Board expertise is being sought across environmental science, education, agriculture, community development, finance, law, governance and journalism.