Community Engagements

On Saturday 2nd June, 2018, we set of from our logging places at around 8:00 in the morning to Lake Bosomtwe. We passed through several towns including the district capital which is Kuntanase, we arrived in one of the communities which is Abono at around 9:15 am. When we got there we met a man whom we greeted in our local dialect (twi) and he responded. We then asked him of the assemblyman whom he said was not in town as at that time.

We then introduced ourselves to him and told him we are a body from the government a university institution and that was why we first asked of the assemblyman since he also represents the government at the community level. Since we didn’t meet the assemblyman we asked of the tourism committee and fortunately for us the man whom we first met and was talking to was a member of the tourism committee, since he is a retired soldier he said he is known in the community as “old soldier”. From how the man warmly welcomed us and was open and willing to offer us all the assistance needed, it could be deduced that Abono community have interest in tourism and very receptive towards people. Dr. Adelina Mensah advised that we look out for how the communities are made up of and also the organogram of the tourism committee in the various communities as well as the key players or the “village champions”. The member of the committee then excused us and when he was coming back he came with the Vice-Committee Chairman who is popularly known as “Doctor”. Old soldier a member of the tourism committee made us aware that in other to see the chief, we needed to go along with a bottle of schnapp and an envelope containing money. The team then told him that since we were not aware of that, we would plead, then do those rights when next we come but he insisted that we cannot go and see the chief empty handed so he went and brought an envelope in which we placed in Ȼ20 to be given to the chief and his elders. “Doctor”, the vice-committee chairman and “Old soldier” member of the committee arranged for us to meet the chief and his elders. At exactly 9:30am we were called to the Jakad Information Center which is in the Abono community where we met the Gyaasehene, his Okyeame and the Banahene together with the vice-committee chairman and a member of the committee, the tourism committee chairman later joined the discussions. We were told that the chief is not in town at the moment but whatever we discussed will be relayed to the chief when he is back. We were also told that the tourism committee is made up of 6-members.
Dr. Yaw Boakye Agyeman introduced the team to all those who were present at that time and gave the mission of why we were there. He mentioned that the team is going to embark on a five (5) years project along the communities surrounding the lake, this is to know why there is fish decline in the lake Bosomtwe. he emphasized that this project will go a long way to impact in the livelihoods of all the communities surrounding the lake. After we gave our mission they welcomed us once again and were happy since what we intend doing would benefit them all. We told them our main reason for being there that morning is to inform them of a durbar we would like to do in other to create awareness of the project in the various communities so that we can kick start the collection of data. The durbar will enable us to meet with the whole community and also discuss with them and for them to familiarize themselves with what we were in the town for so that when we go to the various community members they would not be surprise with our mission and if there is any help the elders in the could also render to us for the project to be successful they will be able to do so. He also asked the protocols that needed to be observed before we can go and see the chief.
The Okyeame for that meeting relayed all that we said back to the sub-chiefs and some of the elders. They responded that since we are there to help them then they warmly welcome us but complained that we were supposed to have come along with schnapp but accepted our plea to do that when next we come. The elders present at the meeting asked of the date we intend to come and have the durbar so that they can inform Omanhene who was not in town and they can adequately prepare and receive us well.
Dr. Yaw Boakye mentioned that since we are an arm of government and we work hand in hand with the District Assembly we will plead that the date for the durbar be given after we consult the District Chief Executive (DCE) at the district assembly which on Monday. And before we also decide on the date we will also consult the Omanhene and his elders before settling on the date. He also mentioned that if they have taboo days where the whole community don’t go to their various occupations then we would like to use that day.
The Gyaasehene mentioned that, the days that they are mostly home are Tuesdays and Fridays but Tuesdays work mostly be preferable since that is they day they use for their community labour. He also stressed on the date of the durbar coming on time so that they can plan ahead and if they have any activities it would not crash with the durbar.
Dr. Boakye Agyeman pleaded that this is our first trip to the community and we only came to find out what the necessary procedures are in other to see the king and when we are coming to have the durbar we are going to prepare adequately and perform all the necessary rite that needs to be done when coming to see the king. But since we could also not come empty handed we brought some for the chief and his elders, of which they accepted gladly. He also inquired of how durbars are organized the community.
The Chairman for the committee explained that, durbars are mostly organized under a shade around the lake, or the omanhene can also decide that durbars be held at his place where all the community members would gather and whatever information we have can be relayed to them. He also mentioned that the name of the District Chief Executive (DCE) in the district is Lawyer Asumi. Also he explained that there are four (4) groups / associations in the community. These are; Nyame na aye, Odo kuo, Ahoho) Kuo etc. and all these groups are there to promote development in the community. He also mentioned that there were other associations in the were other unofficial associations like the fish mongers coming together to form groups etc. We again inquired if there had been any organizations who have supported in the development of the community and the chairman also mentioned AROCHA Ghana. AROCHA Ghana works throughout the country to help communities protect some of the most biodiverse and threatened habitats. There are also CREMA Committee under the auspices of the Asantehene (Otumfuo) who are into tree planting around the lake. The Vice-Chairman also stressed that felling of trees around the lake is abolished. He mentioned that this year three hundred (300) trees have been planted around the lake He also said that funerals are organized on the first Saturday of every month. Another committee chairman in the person of Mr. Mike described how the lake came about and how it has been a home for most tourists over the years. He also said that, Ghana Tourism Authority were in the community to have the discussion with the tourism committee of which they decided to come back and organize trainings for them but as at the time we were there the training has not materialized. He also showed the team a record book where all the profile of the various tourist that visit the lake are kept. However, they lack a book for taking comments from these tourists. They were always opened to welcome any support and assistance that the team could render them, said the chairman. Lastly they reminded us and were very particularly once again about the date of the durbar coming early in other for them to prepare and inform the community members.
Dr. Yaw Boakye Agyeman once again assured them that after the meeting with the district we would communicate with them and also take their view on the date for the gathering. We thank them for being receptive towards us then asked to take our leave since there were other communities we were going to. We coming out from the Lakad Information Center we saw a localized rain gauge which was a container with funnel when we inquired we were told it was use for recording the amount of rainfall in the community. They said it was brought to the community by one man from KNUST. They had a book for recording the days and the time of rainfall as well. We then took leave of them.
We were also educated on ensuring balance in communicating with the various communities, this is in the sense that community members are always motivate so that they can open up for interactions but the motivation should not exceed limits by Dr. Boakye Agyeman.
Dr. Adelina Mensah also said that tourism can also be used as an entry point into the community. She also suggested that the community could be helped to create a map where tourists can purchase and this would enable them the know the trails they have covered when they are on the lake. She also mentioned that, there could be a flag in the middle of the lake where every tourist that comes around would see and appreciate. Were relaxed for some few minutes by buying some fresh fried fish from the lake with pepper. We then proceeded to Pipie community afterwards.

At around 12:30 in the afternoon we arrived in another community around the lake, this was the Pipie community. We passed through several communities then finally we got to Pipie community with poor road network it was really tiresome travelling the that route. At Pipie we asked to locate the assemblyman who was to lead us to see the chiefs and his elders, but we did not meet the assemblyman in town fortunately we met the unit committee chairman and other members of which we were told that since it was a Saturday and most people had gone to their various events, most people were not in the community this included the chiefs and his elders. Nonetheless, the Unit Committee Chairman and the members we met were very receptive towards us and gave us a warm welcome. Dr. Boakye gave the reason for our visit to the community, he talked out a project we are embarking on why there is fish decline in the lake and assured them of how the project would go a long way to benefit the community. At Pipie just like the Abono community Tuesdays are also a day they use for doing communal labour in the community. So the team pleaded with the committee chairman to inform the chief of our visit when he comes and also told them of how we would want to meet the entire community members in other to inform them about the project so that when we go to them with the questionnaires it would not be something new to them. The committee chairman also asked to know the date on which the at gathering would be done of which Dr. Boakye responded that after our interactions with the District Assembly on Monday the date for the gathering would be communicated, he also mentioned that, since Tuesdays are days for communal labour the team could come and sleep in the community on Monday, then on Tuesday help with the communal labour then afterwards meet for the gathering with the chiefs and all members in the community. He also asked if there were things that needed to be done before we are allowed to see the king of which the committee chairman responded that we only need to go and see the Okyeame and he will intend lead us to go and see the chief. He also mentioned that if we come to the town there are houses that we can stay in and not necessarily loge in hotels. Unlike Abono community where we got to know that it is a tourist site for people from all walks of places, Pipie is not a tourist site so the committee in Pipie is the Unit Committee and not the Tourism Committee, the Unit Committee in Pipie comprise of four (4) members. We were also told by the unit committee chair and some of the community members who were there at that time that, there are no women groups or other associations in the community with the exception of Future Leader which was form by the youths in the community. some churches in Pipie community are “Pentecost, Methodist, Anglican, Catholic, New Apostolic etc. there are also no group for fish mongers as it is at Abono community. The Chairman also mentioned that farming and fishing are the main occupations in Pipie community, also no CREMA committee as in Abono. The only club he made mention of that they have at Pipie is Friends of the Earth. He also said that the community do not receive trainings from the district assembly and it was only some time back that an NGO came to medical screening for the community. The unit committee chairman said that people from the community usually travel out from the community to learn skills and they do not practice the skilled gain in the community. We were made aware that cash crop (cocoa) and varieties of food crops are the main crops grown by Pipie community. Since they have no community market, these crops are mostly patronized by people who travel in the community to purchase them.
Dr. Adelina Mensah asked what farmers in the community do to improve the fertility of the soil in other to ensure sustainability and increase productivity. They answered that, the soil is already fertile and rich in nutrients in view of that, they don’t usually go the extra mile to improve fertility except for the application of fertilizers.
The chairman mentioned that, the community is into the establishment of coconut and teak plantations and money generated from the sale of coconut is what they use for developing their community. Their main challenge is that when the coconut reach maturity and it’s been harvested they are mostly infested with diseases, this they have already reported to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) and yet nothing has been done to help them address the problem, due to these they requested, it would be of great pleasure to them if they are being supported in obtaining more coconut and teak seedlings for them to plant. He made mention that, there is a soccer team in the community but since the youth are always not in the community it mostly not in existence. The youth in the community only travel into the town when there are events like funerals, easter, charismas etc.
The chairman also advised that in case we would like to visit the community it should not be Saturdays since people are mostly out from the community to attend events at different places.
Dr. Boakye ones again assured the chairman that, after our visit to the District Assembly on Monday we will call back and give the date for our next visit to the community.
Dr. Adelina Mensah also suggested that, the team can as well make call cards with all the contacts of the team members which would be given to the leaders in the community so that they can also reach us should the need arise. The team then thanked the chairman and other members present for their receptiveness. We then left for another community.

At 1:11 pm on the same day, we arrived at another community called Nkowie, where we met the unit committee chairman who had already inform the elders of the community of our coming. The had all gathered at the chief’s house where we were offered seats and we were given a warm welcome. The unit committee chairman served as the Okyeame for the gathering until the main okyeame for the community the meeting. One of the elders started the meeting by saying that, the unit committee informed them of our visit and that was why they had all gathered to meet us he in turn asked of the reason for our visit to their community.
Dr. Yaw Boakye Agyeman introduced members in the team to all present, he started by thanking them for protecting the Lake Bosomtwe and also said that, the lake serves as sources of different things form so many people. He mentioned that, our main reason for being in the community is to find out why the lake is gradually reducing and reasons for fish declining in the lake and also outline measures on how best this issues will be addressed after the project period. And added that, the only natural lake in west Africa needs to be protected.
The committee chairman welcomed us once again, of which one of the elders mentioned that, since we have come to the community with a good course to help them they will also support us in whatever way they could.
Dr. Boakye again explained that, the team is in the community to make them aware of our coming, then seek for permission and also inquire of a day where all the community members can come together for the team to also make them know of our existence into the community and brief the of why we are there before proceeding to their various households with questionnaires. He also mentioned that the work is a project which expands for five (5) years and there are other people who are tacking other aspects including taking of machine into the lake to know what has also gone wrong inside the lake.
Just like the rest of the communities we have been to, Nkowie community also have Tuesdays as a day for communal labour where most people to not go to the farm or to fish. Then just as the communities, Dr. Boakye said that then if the team would be coming to the community it will be on Mondays then on Tuesday we all join the community to have their communal labour. He also gave them the assurance that, the date for the durbar would be communicated after the meeting with the district assembly since we are a government body and we work with the assembly.
The Unit committee chairman also asked if it is only about the lake the team will be concerned about. Dr. Boakye answered that, since there farming together with other occupations, then their source of livelihoods would also be a major concern.
An elder inquired if there were activities that that the community is doing that is contributing to the decrease in the lake and fish declining. Another man also said that, the whites brought explosives on the lake and took certain things for the lake which they had no idea of and he linked that to reason of fish declining. The expressed their grievances on the minerals that were taken out from the lake. They also attributed the decline of fish in the lake due to some chiefs from other community who no longer pour libation at the lake side. One of the elders said that, previously community members use to ease themselves, wash and do other things in the lake but still they had lots of fishes in the lake, so the fish decline cannot be attributes to that.
Dr. Boakye, brief them on what is called climate change, he talked about how the temperature of the sun is very high, using other chemicals and also cutting down trees along the bank of the lake, which could also be the reason why fish has decline in the lake of which they all agreed and said it was true.
They also mentioned that there are committees such as CREMA who are into the planting of trees along the banks of the lake. The okyeame also mentioned of refuse such as rubbers being washed into the lake. They also blamed the hotels around for cutting down trees and also connecting pipes from their hotel into the lake which they use for most activities at the hotels.
Then Dr. Boakye said we were going to work hand in hand with agencies such as MOFA, ZOOMLION, CREMA committees etc. so that they can also help in educating these communities on tree planting and others and also the team will be able to advise these government institutions on how best they can also assist and support these communities. He said that the various hotels will also be part of the project so they will be educated to practice tree planting and carry out other social responsibilities and also mentioned that tourism going on at Abono is something that the Nkowie community can also start and benefit from. But one of the elders attributed to poor road network in their community and said it will be difficult for people to travel on that road into their community. The committee chairman asked of Prof. Opuni-Frimpong and Dr. Boakye explained to him that, they are also working in other aspect of the project which is looking at how the forest cover is being lost. This lead to a question by Dr. Boakye to find out if there have been incidences of bush fire, which they said people intentionally set the forest on fire at times killing the wildlife in the forest.
After our discussions the elders told us that in case we decide to visit the community on Tuesday, a call should be placed to them on Sunday so that they can pre-inform the community members of our coming and that they are always ready to welcome us into Nkowie community.
Dr. Boakye thanked them for their receptiveness towards us and kindly asked them to provide us with their contacts so that we can always reach them. We then left Nkowie community to another.

At 2:17 pm, we arrived at Obo community, also one of the community surrounding Lake Bosomtwe. When we got there we met one man who took us to see the Unit Committee Chairman of Obo at his house, because the team was quite exhausted, we did not spend much time at Obo. We were given a warm welcome and he asked of our mission for coming to see him of which Dr. Boakye briefly touched on the project we will be undertaking and how we will be glad is a day could be fixed for us to meet the chief of the community so that we can discuss with him and set up a day for a durbar to be held. The chairman then suggested that we take his number than call him to inform him of the date for the durbar after our discussion with the district assembly since it would not be necessary to come back again to discuss with the chief and his elders because after we call to inform him about the date, he can go and speak to the chiefs and his elders on our behalf. Which the team gladly accepted. The committee chairman also mentioned that, since Abono, Obo and Adwafo community all have one assemblyman it will be prudent if the durbar for these communities are all held on the same day and date. Just as Pipie and Nkowie communities Obo is also not a tourist site like Abono and so there is no tourism committee. We got to know from the chairman that there are about seven (7) churches in Obo community with no youth or women groups in the community.
At around 3:00 pm, the team left the community and headed back to Kumasi. Upon arrival at Kumasi we passed a food joint and had our supper since we were all exhausted, tired and hungry. Then we drove back to our various loges and rested for the day.

On Wednesday 8th August, 2018, the team had a short discussion of how our community entry was going to be done and we as well discussed the various communities we were going to visit. At exactly 9:30am we set off on the boat to our first community for the day which was brodekwano. When we got there we met a man whom we greeted in our local dialect (twi) and he responded. We then asked him of the assemblyman whom he said was not in town as at that time. But fortunately we met a member of the unit committee. We then introduced ourselves to him and told him we are a body from the government a university institution. Dr. Yaw Boakye Agyeman introduced the team to all those who were present at that time and gave the mission of why we were there. He mentioned that the team is going to embark on a five (5) years project along the communities surrounding the lake, this is to know why there is fish decline in the lake Bosomtwe. he emphasized that this project will go a long way to impact in the livelihoods of all the communities surrounding the lake. After we gave our mission they welcomed us once again and were happy since what we intend doing would benefit them all. We told them our main reason for being there that morning is to inform them of a durbar we would like to do in other to create awareness of the project in the various communities so that we can kick start the collection of data. The durbar will enable us to meet with the whole community and also discuss with them and for them to familiarize themselves with what we were in the town for so that when we go to the various community members they would not be surprise with our mission and if there is any help the elders in the could also render to us for the project to be successful they will be able to do so. He also asked the protocols that needed to be observed before we can go and see the chief.
The unit committee mentioned that, the days that they are mostly home are Tuesdays since that is they day they use for their community labour. She also said that, the community is into the establishment of coconut which is doing very well because their land is fertile and it supports the growth of coconut and money generated from the sale of coconut is what they use for developing their community. We then proceeded to Ajamam community afterwards.

At around 11:00 in the morning we arrived in next community around the lake, this was the Ajamam community. At Ajamam we did not meet the assemblyman in town fortunately we met the unit committee chairman who was very receptive towards us and gave us a warm welcome. Dr. Boakye gave the reason for our visit to the community, he talked of a project we are embarking on why there is fish decline in the lake and assured them of how the project would go a long way to benefit the community. At Ajamam, Tuesdays are also days they use for doing communal labour in the community. We asked the committee chairman to inform the chief of our visit when he comes and also told them of how we would want to meet the entire community members in other to inform them about the project so that when we go to them with the questionnaires it would not be something new to them. The committee chairman also asked to know the date on which the at gathering would be done of which we took his number and told him the meeting would be in September and the date we be communicated to him. We also asked if there were things that needed to be done before we are allowed to see the king of which the committee chairman responded that we only needed schnapp.

At 12:00 pm on the same day, we arrived at another community called Amakom, where we met the unit committee chairman and the assemblyman. Dr. Yaw Boakye Agyeman introduced members in the team to all present and mentioned that, our main reason for being in the community is to find out why the lake is gradually reducing and reasons for fish declining in the lake and also outline measures on how best this issues will be addressed after the project period. And added that, the only natural lake in west Africa needs to be protected.
The committee chairman welcomed us once again, of which one of the members mentioned that, since we have come to the community with a good course to help them they will also support us in whatever way they could.
Dr. Boakye again explained that, the team is in the community to make them aware of our coming, then seek for permission and also inquire of a day where all the community members can come together for the team to also make them know of our existence into the community and brief the of why we are there before proceeding to their various households with questionnaires. He also mentioned that the work is a project which expands for five (5) years and there are other people who are tacking other aspects including taking of machine into the lake to know what has also gone wrong inside the lake.
Just like the rest of the communities we have been to, Amakom also have Tuesdays as a day for communal labour where most people to not go to the farm or to fish.

Dr. Boakye thanked them for their receptiveness towards us and kindly asked them to provide us with their contacts so that we can always reach them.

At 1:00 pm, we arrived at Atafram community, also one of the community surrounding Lake Bosomtwe. When we got there we met one man who told us that the chief in the town has dissolved the Unit Committee in that town. We were then taken to the chief’s house, we met him and his family of which we were given a warm welcome and he asked of our mission for coming to see him of which Mr. Augustine Oti-Yeboah a member of team briefly touched on the project we will be undertaking and how we will be glad if a day could be fixed for us to meet the community and make them aware of the project. The chief then suggested that we take his number than call him to inform him of the date for the durbar. The chief also gave us a brief story of which he thinks there is fish decline in lake Bosomtwe. he attributed it to the fact that some people decided to set up an aquaculture cages on the lake for rearing “Tilapia”. He said that the tilapia got mixed up with the natural fishes in the lake and since tilapia is much stronger than the Bosomana fishes in the lake, they might be feeding on them. We then thanked him for his great input and told him we would contact him when next we are coming.

We got to Ankaase around 2:00pm of which we met the assemblywoman. We then introduced ourselves to her and told her we are a body from the government a university institution. Dr. Yaw Boakye Agyeman then told her why we were there. He mentioned that the team is going to embark on a project along the communities surrounding the lake, this is to know why there is fish decline in the lake Bosomtwe. After we gave our mission they welcomed us once again and were happy since what we intend doing would benefit them all. He also asked the protocols that needed to be observed before we can go and see the chief.
The assemblywoman mentioned, that they are mostly home are Tuesdays since that is they day they use for their community labour. We had some few discussions with her and she also gave us the contacts of other assembly members as well as hers and she told us to contact her to make the necessary preparations when next we are coming.

At around 3:00 in the afternoon we arrived in next community around the lake, this was the Duase community. At Duase we met the unit committee chairman who was very receptive towards us and gave us a warm welcome. Dr. Boakye and Mr. Oti-Yeboah gave the reason for our visit to the community, he talked of a project we are embarking on why there is fish decline in the lake and assured them of how the project would go a long way to benefit the community. At Duase, Fridays are also days they use for doing communal labour in the community. We asked the committee chairman to inform the chief of our visit when he comes and also told them of how we would want to meet the entire community members in other to inform them about the project so that when we go to them with the questionnaires it would not be something new to them. The committee chairman also asked to know the date on which the at gathering would be done of which we took his number and told him the meeting would be in September and the date we be communicated to him.

At 3:30 pm on the same day, we arrived at another community called Dompa, at Dompa we met the Kontihene, who gave us a warm welcome.
Dr. Boakye again explained that, the team is in the community to make them aware of our coming, then seek for permission and also inquire of a day where all the community members can come together for the team to also make them know of our existence into the community and brief the of why we are there before proceeding to their various households with questionnaires. He also mentioned that the work is a project which expands for five (5) years and there are other people who are tacking other aspects including taking of machine into the lake to know what has also gone wrong inside the lake.
Unlike the rest of the communities we have been to, Dompa have Thursdays as days for communal labour where most people to not go to the farm or to fish.

At 4:00 pm, we arrived at Banso community, we were taken to see the unit committee chairman of which Mr. Augustine Oti-Yeboah a member of team briefly touched on the project we will be undertaking and how we will be glad if a day could be fixed for us to meet the community and make them aware of the project. We then took his contact and told him when next we are coming we would call to him so that he can make the community aware of our coming.
At around 4:30 pm, the team left the community and headed back to the hostel. Upon arrival we had our supper since we were all exhausted, tired and hungry and rested for the day.

On Thursday 9^th August, 2018, after breakfast at around 9:00am we set off on the boat again to continue the community entry we started the previous day we decided to visit the rest of the eight (8) communities left around the lake that we have not been to.  The first community we visited for the day was Apewu. Unfortunately, at Apewu we were told there were issues that the opinion leaders had travelled out of the town to discuss. So we neither met the assemblyman nor any unit committee member we met a member of the unit committee. We then spoke with an indigene of the community who decided to relay our information when he comes back to the town. We then introduced ourselves to him and told him we are a body from the government a university institution. And told him that the team is going to embark on a five (5) years project along the communities surrounding the lake, this is to know why there is fish decline in the lake Bosomtwe. We told them our main reason for being there that morning is to inform them of a meeting we would like to have in other to create awareness of the project in their community.

The unit committee mentioned that, the days that they are mostly home are Tuesdays since that is they day they use for their community labour.

At around 10:30 in the morning we arrived at Datieso where we met the Okyeame, the unit committee chairman and a member of committee, they gave us a warm welcome. Dr. Boakye gave the reason for our visit to the community, he talked of a project we are embarking on why there is fish decline in the lake.
The Okyeame also showed us where the lake was some years back and how large it was but as at now the lake is still drying up and since most of the youth are no more getting fish to sell which if a source of livelihood to them, they are all leaving the community to seek for greener pastures elsewhere. He said there are many instances that have led to the present state of the lake and when we come back there are a lot that will be told. They cited an instance where the whites came to mine some things from the lake and ever since then there have been not enough fishes in the lake.
The committee chairman also asked to know the date on which the at gathering would be done of which we took his number and told him the meeting would be in September and the date we be communicated to him. We also asked if there were things that needed to be done before we are allowed to see the king of which the committee chairman responded that we only needed schnapp.

At 12:30 pm on the same day, we arrived at another community called Salem a very small community, at salem the entire community was virtually empty but we only met a nursing mother whom we took a number from and decided to communicate through her to the chief. We then left to Esaase which is an adjoining community.

At Esaase we neither met the Assemblyman nor the Unit Committee Chairman but fortunately we met the Okyeame of the town who received us warmly and he asked of our mission for coming to see him of which Mr. Augustine Oti-Yeboah a member of team briefly touched on the project we will be undertaking and how we will be glad if a day could be fixed for us to meet the community and make them aware of the project. We took his contact thanked him for his time and told him we would contact him to make the community aware of our meeting when next we are coming.

We got to Anyinatease around 1:30pm of which we were taken to the house of the Unit Committee Chairman who had been injured from a farm work. Though he was in pain he received us warmly. We then introduced ourselves to him and told him we are a body from the government a university institution. Mr. Augustine Oti-Yeboah then told her why we were there. After we gave our mission they welcomed us once again and were happy since what we intend doing would benefit them all. He also asked the protocols that needed to be observed before we can go and see the chief.
He mentioned, that they are mostly home are Tuesdays since that is they day they use for their community labour. He then said he would discuss with the chief of our visit and the would be Awaiting our arrival next month. We thank him for his time and proceeded to the next village

At around 2:00 in the afternoon we arrived where we met one of the elders of the community who had just returned from a journey. Dr. Boakye gave the reason for our visit to the community, he talked of a project we are embarking on why there is fish decline in the lake and assured them of how the project would go a long way to benefit the community. At Abease, Teusdays are also days they use for doing communal labour in the community. We requested of him to inform the chief of our visit when he comes and also told them of how we would want to meet the entire community members in other to inform them about the project. He asked to know the date on which the at gathering would be done of which we took his number and told him the meeting would be in September and the date we be communicated to him.

At 2:30 pm on the same day, we arrived at another community called Aborodwom, where we met the absences of the unit committee chairman and all opinion leaders. We then took the number of the Madam Joyce who is the Committee Chairperson from her daughter and decided to communicated to her later in the day

At 3:00 pm, we arrived at Adwarfo our last community for the day, we were taken to see the unit committee chairman. Dr. Boakye Agyemang briefly touched on the project we will be undertaking and how we will be glad if a day could be fixed for us to meet the community and make them aware of the project. We then took his contact and told him when next we are coming we would call to him so that he can make the community aware of our coming.