CHIPS Ghana Project

Nakpayili, Ghana- After years of unrest and the Guinea Fowl War in northern Ghana in 1994, CHIPS was invited to work towards peace between the Nanumba and Kokomba tribes in 2011. At the root of the conflict lie issues of land ownership, power, and identity – with roots back in colonial-era governance. Recently, outbreaks of widespread violence have been rare but when they have occurred, they have been devastating and have left communities fractured and divided. There are ongoing disputes over chieftaincies that are particular points of contention.

Since 2011, CHIPS has had a base of operations in Nakpayili (a small village in the Northern Region) and works with over 18 communities in towns and villages across the district directly benefitting at least 800 people each year. Our team is entirely local and includes members from all the different tribes in the region.

What we do

Animal Rearing Groups

Animal rearing enables communities to diversify food and income sources where tensions over land ownership, poor harvests and the impact of climate change make traditional farming a challenge.
Community Animal Health Workers

CHIPS recruits, trains, and equips Community Animal Health Workers to travel to the different communities to provide advice and treat animals. This decreases the mortality rates of animals and increases revenues.
Savings and Loans Groups

Known locally as ‘Susu’ groups, these groups were originally set up to complement the Animal Rearing Groups. Each year, group members come together to sign up to save – the group decides on rules for the group (such as setting interest rates and loan limits). These groups have become so popular they have led to CHIPS opening a credit union.
Community Credit Unions

Traditional banks only operate in the bigger towns and often do not provide small loans or small savings accounts. The Credit Union will allow rural households to build up a credit history through the savings scheme and to access small loans to increase their economic opportunities.
Inter-Tribe Market Trading Groups

CHIPS has formed groups of market traders including women from the more remote areas. The women represent multiple tribes and are supported to trade together on local market days. Increasing their customer base and ensuring that communities at home receive the goods they need.
Crop Planting

As with animal rearing, the team supports groups in communities and provides support and advice in crop planting and farming.
Bee Keeping

Groups are provided with hives and taught and supported to keep bees and harvest honey to provide an additional source of income.
Sanitation and Hygiene Project

CHIPS supports communities in the construction of toilets and soakaways, reducing the potential for illness and disease.
Child Malnourishment

One in three children in Northern Ghana suffer malnutrition. Run from the team base in Nakpayili, this project brings parents from each tribe together weekly for training and support.
Natural Medicine

CHIPS partners with NESO to help educate local people, provide them with plants, and provide natural remedies – as well as refer them for further medical treatment when it is needed.
Peacemaking in Schools

CHIPS has been granted permission by the Director of Education in the Northern Region to go into local schools and teach a curriculum aimed at improving the children's understanding of peace.