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01 May, 2012 / Posted by: Harrison Boakye Owusu

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CSOs in Ghana now have a Platform for Regional and National Engagement

“Civil Societies in Ghana are benefiting from freedom of expression and action”. These are the words of Christian Joly, Cooperation Attache at the Embassy of France in Ghana. He said this at the regional launch events of the Civil Society e- directory website in Tamale and Kumasi on March 20 and 22^nd respectively.

Dr Christian encouraged CSOs in Ghana to exploit the conducive environment that is at their disposal to contribute to national development. Civil Societies in Ghana have for years, been a reliable arm of the development machinery in the country. They have contributed in the agricultural, educational, health sectors as well as forged for democracy, accountability and responsiveness of the government of Ghana to its people.

This has been enhanced by the support of development partners in the country who have over the years encouraged and complemented the efforts of government and Civil Society alike to provide Ghanians with the basic infrastructure and necessities of life; water, electricity, roads, schools and health facilities.

Currently, in view of the National elections that is to be held in December 2012, the NDC government in Ghana is working tirelessly to achieve its better Ghana Agenda in spite of the fierce opposition from its political rival, the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Despite the giant developmental strides made by Civil Societies towards supporting Government’s efforts, there is still more to be done to ensure that every Ghanaian access basic quality education, good health, and portable drinking water as well as the use of motor-able roads.

In order to realize the better Ghana Agenda, civil societies have also taken advantage of the era freedom of speech and expression to pinpoint areas that are in dire need of socioeconomic development for Government to intervene in those areas. These CSOs are now able to publish and bring their activities to the limelight through a dedicated Ghanaian website, www.civilsociety.org.gh, which serves as a platform for national and regional engagements.

Currently, the website is managed by the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) to reflect indigenous realities faced by CSOs in Ghana. The idea was initiated by the Embassy of France in Ghana and WACSI and is supported by UNDP office in Ghana and the Ministry of Employment and Social Welfare.