NII COMMEY HANDWRITING

  The story of climate change in Africa is often told through figures: rising temperatures, shrinking farmlands, or the billions needed for adaptation. On September 21-22, 2025, that story will be retold in a different way. The Stories for Change Foundation, through its Climate Communication Africa Programme, in partnership with Africans Communicating Africa, is convening the first Africa Climate Communication Summit (virtual edition), where voices, performances, and storytelling will take centre stage in shaping Africa’s climate narrative and setting the tone for the continent’s engagement at COP30 in Brazil. The summit will open with a creative spoken word performance, setting the mood for a gathering that blends science and storytelling. Instead of technical jargon, participants will hear words and rhythms that echo the daily struggles and resilience of communities living with droughts, floods, and unpredictable rains. “This is Africa’s opportunity to shape the narrative on clim...

  I went to Mali expecting heat and dust, but what I found instead was rhythm. In Bamako, the very air seemed to hum with the stories of the kora, that ancient harp-lute whose strings carry the memory of empires and the laughter of griots. I was so absorbed in the swirl of music, tea, and tales that when the chance came to chase another story, to board the boat to Timbuktu, I missed it. Perhaps that is Mali’s gift: the stories are so alive where you stand, they root you to the spot. I had come as a communications specialist, charged with organising the Malian media to tell impact stories on climate change and agriculture. I expected a challenge, but found a nation whose rhythm beats through its people and their stories. My work began not in conference halls but over cups of sweet, strong tea: kinkeliba, ataya, and others. With journalists, bloggers, and editors, our discussions moved easily from our project to the Mali Empire, the hypnotic music of the kora, and the symbolism of ...

FRUIT SELLERS- THE MOTHER SERPENTS In Accra, fruits are never in season. Bananas? Perpetually out of season. From January to December, the chant is the same: “Banana is not in season.” Mangoes? “Season coming.” Or worse, “Season just passed.” Even when they rot by the roadside, collapsing into themselves, begging for vultures to audition, the story holds. Prices? That’s not about fruit. That’s about you. Your glasses thick? The price is thicker. A lace behind those lenses? Double. Your shoes too shiny? Triple. Arrive in a car? The price will sprint to the moon. Speak English and you’ll buy oranges in Euros, bananas in US dollars. Buy in bulk and you get a “dash.” The dash is never a blessing. It is the one fruit condemned by God Himself, the one that smells like a bat’s armpit, neatly tucked in your basket as a token of their affection. They smile as though they are grateful. Inside, they mutter: “Let me flatter him into bankruptcy.” These are the granddaughters of Kalabule. Per...

I was in Lomé to moderate and provide communication guidance to the West Africa Hub of the Independent Global Stocktake regional workshop in Togo, where climate leaders gathered with one goal in mind: to ignite climate action. The energy in the room was electric as government representatives, climate experts, and civil society actors joined forces to review and enhance regional climate plans. Together, we witnessed a collective commitment to a more sustainable future. This workshop took place against the backdrop of an important milestone. A technical Report on West African countries' commitment towards fighting climate change has been disseminated with UNFCCC focal points from 15 West African countries. Well, the outcome of the report can be discussed another day. But what struck me most was the power of effective climate communication in the midst of dissenting views on the report(which is normal, when it doesn't favour you). Meaningful dialogue and inclusive engagement were...

  As I reflect on leading the organisation of WASCAL's Climate Change Action Now launch, I'm reminded of the power of intentional event design in driving real change. From brainstorming to evaluation, every detail mattered. I knew this event had to break the mould and create momentum for climate action. Through meticulous planning, we crafted a programme that brought together diverse stakeholders, fostering genuine collaboration and concrete commitments. The launch day exceeded expectations, with connections formed and energy palpable. What I'm most proud of, however, is the lasting impact: commitments made, partnerships formed, and youth ambassadors empowered. This experience taught me invaluable lessons about transformative leadership and the importance of robust advocacy. I learned to hold firm to a vision while remaining flexible on details and to create spaces where different types of knowledge and experience intersect productively.  I am particularly energised by the ...

  Today, on the occasion of African Day, we applaud the grand assemblies, the polished speeches, and the diplomatic handshakes. Yet beneath the ceremonial fanfare, we must ask ourselves whether our finest achievement is the art of lamenting old injustices of colonialism or imperialism. Are we still masters of our own story, or have we become poets of pain, singing the old songs of sorrows like a worn-out drum? We can let bygones be bygones and get focused. We can tell the stories of one of the beautiful mornings in Accra,   where young inventors bring dreams to life; stories of Ugandan farmers planting trees whose cool branches will shelter children not yet born.   We can tell the stories of the grandeur African Free Trade Area, stories that don’t paint us as beggarly, but a rising continent that is ready to manage and handle its own affairs. These are the stories we should tell. Stories of hope, not tales of endless hurting past. We cannot continue to lick old coloni...

Last Sunday, I had the wonderful opportunity to engage with a dynamic group of communication enthusiasts on the fascinating topic of intercultural communication. The discussion was both enlightening and thought-provoking, allowing us to explore the nuances of effective communication across cultures and the impact of cultural awareness on professional and personal interactions. During this engaging conversation, I reflected on my journey as a communicator,  through diverse cultural landscapes. Having spent the majority of my career in the development sector, most recently within the West African and European space, I have had the privilege of working with colleagues, stakeholders, partners, and beneficiaries from vastly different backgrounds. Over the past decade, I have come to appreciate the richness of cultural diversity and the importance of fostering mutual understanding in all interactions. One of the key lessons I have learned is that intercultural communication is more than ...

Just concluded an incredible International Stocktaking Conference on Climate Change in Africa in Banjul, The Gambia. As the Communication Focal Person, alongside my colleagues from The Gambia and Burkina Faso, it was a thought-provoking moment to realise that community-based communication emerged as one of the key climate action areas deserving greater attention. If we are to drive meaningful change, the voices of the grassroots must be heard. Intentionally and consistently. Effective climate communication is not just about disseminating information; it is about fostering dialogue, ensuring accessibility, and empowering communities to take ownership of climate solutions. From a climate diplomacy perspective, the conference provided an excellent platform for North-South cooperation, reinforcing the need to deepen climate resilience strategies. The discussions underscored the importance of collaborative policymaking, knowledge exchange, and capacity building as critical components of...

  Every time I get the opportunity to tell a story, I am reminded of how African lore, woven by "Ananse" the spider, (Anaanu in my dialect),shaped the morals and destiny of our communities. With his intricate web of wisdom, Ananse taught us that stories are more than words.Tthey are vessels of heritage, identity, and transformation. Today, storytelling remains a force that moves societies. Through our stories, we shatter silences, act as  voices for the voiceless, challenge conventions, and spark collective action. A single story can stir emotions, shift perceptions, and set change into motion. Like the delicate yet unbreakable threads of Ananse’s web, our stories interlace with the lives of others, binding us in shared understanding and empathy. They echo across generations, shaping how we see ourselves and how the world sees us. So whenever we are granted the privilege to tell Africa’s story, whether on a global stage, in a quiet gathering, or through the whispers of his...

I had the privilege of attending the premiere of "OMO GHANA", a captivating docudrama that masterfully weaves the fascinating story behind the iconic "Ghana Must Go" bag. This 60-minute film reveals the intriguing history and cultural significance of the bag, and shares spine-chilling stories of surviving migrants from Nigeria to Ghana. Through expert insights from University of Ghana to University of Cape Town, archival footage, and personal testimonies, "OMO GHANA" sheds light on a pivotal moment in Ghana's history. As a storyteller, I was in awe of Kwame Boadi consistent quality and standard, showcased once again in this docudrama. The immaculate cinematography, cocktail of Nigerian and Ghanaian languages yuroba, in the narratives, the culturally appealing visuals and addictive storytelling make for an unforgettable experience. Congratulstion to all the wonderful cast and crew. Today, the deportation story may sound trivialized, but OMO GHANA is ...

  In the fight against what has become a global threat, scientists and researchers in Africa must recognise and embrace the power of strategic communication in disseminating their findings and engaging with diverse stakeholders. While scientific discoveries play a crucial role in shaping policies and interventions, their impact is significantly diminished if they are not effectively communicated to governments, industries, communities, and the general public. Climate change, in particular, demands a well-coordinated communication approach that bridges the gap between research and real-world action. Africa is at the frontline of the climate crisis, experiencing rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events that threaten livelihoods and food security. Yet, the continent is often underrepresented in global climate discourse, with narratives shaped by external actors rather than Africans themselves. Strategic communication has the ability to tra...