College of Natural Resources and Environmental Governance (NReg)

Volunteering at NReg

Volunteering is a core pillar of engagement at the College of Natural Resources and Environmental Governance (NReg). Situated in Kumasi—the heart of Ghana’s Ashanti Region, known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant landscapes—NReg upholds a strong commitment to community-centered environmental stewardship. Our volunteering programs connect students, faculty, and local communities to work together toward sustainable natural resource management and improved environmental governance across Ghana.

A Local Approach to Environmental Stewardship

Kumasi, often called “The Garden City,” faces growing environmental pressures, including rapid urbanization, deforestation, waste management challenges, and pressures on surrounding forest landscapes such as the Bobiri Forest Reserve and Subri River Basin.
NReg’s volunteering initiatives respond directly to these challenges by fostering collaboration with local communities, municipal authorities, traditional leaders, and environmental institutions.

What Volunteering Means at NReg

Volunteering at NReg is an opportunity for students and community members to apply their knowledge and passion to real-world environmental issues in Ghana. It reflects our belief that sustainable governance begins with active participation and community-driven solutions.

Key Volunteering Activities

At NReg, volunteers engage in diverse activities that reflect both national environmental priorities and local community needs:

1. Community-Based Natural Resource Management

  • Supporting rural communities around forest reserves in the Ashanti Region with sustainable land-use practices.

  • Assisting in community mapping, resource monitoring, and participatory governance meetings.

2. Forest and Land Restoration Projects

  • Participating in tree-planting initiatives under the national Green Ghana Project.

  • Working with local Forestry Commission offices to restore degraded forestlands and riverbanks.

  • Supporting school-based tree nurseries and ecosystem education clubs.

3. Urban Environmental Projects in Kumasi

  • Engaging in waste segregation and recycling campaigns in partnership with Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA).

  • Helping improve sanitation and green spaces in communities such as Bantama, Asokwa, and Tafo.

  • Supporting environmental awareness programs in basic and senior high schools.

4. Research Fieldwork and Environmental Monitoring

  • Conducting water quality assessments in local rivers and streams, including tributaries of the Owabi and Barekese basins.

  • Assisting with biodiversity surveys within the Kumasi area and surrounding forest landscapes.

  • Collecting data to support faculty research on climate resilience, forest governance, and sustainable livelihoods.

5. Community Education and Outreach

  • Delivering environmental education sessions in schools and community centers.

  • Facilitating discussions on sustainable charcoal production, land-use governance, and climate adaptation.

  • Supporting livelihood training programs for women and youth in rural communities.

Why Volunteer with NReg?

Volunteering offers transformative opportunities, including:

  • Real-world experience in Ghana’s environmental and governance sectors.

  • Skills development in field research, community engagement, and natural resource management.

  • Networking opportunities with professionals from the Forestry Commission, EPA Ghana, NGOs, and traditional authorities.

  • Cultural immersion through collaboration with local communities, especially in the Ashanti Region’s rich traditional governance systems.

  • Impactful contributions to Ghana’s green development goals and the global sustainability agenda.

Our Commitment to Communities

NReg’s volunteering programs prioritize collaboration, respect, and mutual learning. We work closely with:

  • Traditional leaders and local councils

  • Community-based organizations

  • Forestry Commission and Wildlife Division

  • Environmental NGOs and youth groups

  • Schools across Kumasi and surrounding districts

This ensures that every volunteering initiative addresses real community needs and contributes to long-term environmental well-being.

How to Get Involved

Students, alumni, partners, and residents of Kumasi are encouraged to join our volunteering programs. Opportunities are available throughout the year and range from one-day outreach activities to long-term community-based projects.

To volunteer, interested individuals may contact the NReg office or join upcoming outreach events posted through the College’s communication channels.