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Decolonising Aid: INGOs Brainstorm on Ways to Improve Development Practice in Ghana

October 29, 2024 In Newsroom By

Decolonising Aid: INGOs Brainstorm on Ways to Improve Development Practice in Ghana

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The old paradigms of aid and development, once pillars of hope, now struggle to support the evolving landscape. Climate change, political unrest, and economic inequities have created challenges that overwhelm the capacity of organisations dedicated to fostering change. As development funding models seem increasingly outdated and unable to meet today’s needs, a new movement is emerging: “Shift the Power.” This movement is rooted in the recognition that traditional, top-down aid structures are no longer viable in addressing the growing needs of communities. This was the core message at a recent convening in Accra, where 42 participants from over 21 international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) gathered to reimagine the future of development aid. 

Held on 15th and 16th October 2024, the convening, organised by the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) and STAR Ghana Foundation under the Giving for Change Programme, aimed to reshape the development landscape in Ghana. The event brought together senior management from INGOs based in Ghana to explore how global discussions on equitable partnerships can be contextualised to suit Ghana’s socio-political realities. 

𝘈𝘮𝘪𝘥𝘶 𝘐𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘩𝘪𝘮-𝘛𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘰, 𝘌𝘹𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘋𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳, 𝘚𝘛𝘈𝘙-𝘎𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘢

The “Shift the Power” movement aims to correct deep-rooted imbalances in global development by promoting local ownership of initiatives and championing community-driven change. Throughout the convening, participants were urged to reassess their roles, confront existing challenges, and devise strategies to strengthen relationships between INGOs, local organisations, and communities. 

In his opening remarks, Amidu Ibrahim-Tanko, Executive Director of STAR-Ghana, addressed the divisive nature of terms like “empowerment” and “reparation” within development discourse. He challenged INGOs to move beyond the traditional donor-recipient model. “We must rethink the concept of ‘donor’ and challenge the notion of superiority,” Ibrahim-Tanko stated, emphasising the need for partnerships that genuinely empower local actors. 

Nana Asantewa Afadzinu, Executive Director of WACSI, echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for community-led development. She raised concerns about INGOs imposing projects on communities without understanding their needs. “Are we just doing a job, or are we changing lives?” she asked, urging INGOs to shift their approach to one that truly engages and empowers local communities. 

𝘕𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘈𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘸𝘢 𝘈𝘧𝘢𝘥𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘶, 𝘌𝘹𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘋𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘧 𝘞𝘈𝘊𝘚𝘐

The event featured an interactive approach, including panel discussions and breakout sessions, which allowed participants to delve deeper into these issues. A recurring theme throughout the discussions was the shift from a top-down narrative to one that prioritises local agency. One panel explored current trends, including a shift in global funding priorities due to conflicts and shrinking civic spaces, which have reduced the flow of funds to developing countries. 

Participants also highlighted successful reforms already in progress. ActionAid Ghana, for instance, has relocated its headquarters from the UK to South Africa and restructured its governance to include technocrats from developing countries. “It’s no longer about the Global North leading the way – it’s about ensuring we have equitable representation and decision-making from the South,” John Nkaw, Country Director of ActionAid, Ghana noted. 

However, despite these advancements, significant challenges remain. The convening identified gaps in advocacy, limited local resource mobilisation, and unhealthy competition between INGOs and local organisations as ongoing barriers. Participants called for more unified advocacy efforts and continuous stakeholder engagement to advance the “Shift the Power” agenda. 

𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘒𝘰𝘫𝘰 𝘝𝘢𝘯𝘋𝘺𝘤𝘬, 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘥, 𝘊𝘢𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘋𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘵 𝘞𝘈𝘊𝘚𝘐

The convening concluded with a strong commitment to develop a concrete action plan. “This is the beginning of a much larger movement,” noted Charles Kojo VanDyck, Head, Capacity Development Unit at WACSI, as INGOs pledged to continue the dialogue and implement strategies that promote equitable partnerships. Participants agreed to intentionally cultivate a mindset shift, ensuring that their organisations fully embrace the process of shifting power. They also emphasised the importance of leveraging strategic opportunities for resource mobilisation through a locally-led approach. Moreover, there was a call for more advocacy and awareness around the Shift the Power movement, decolonisation, and localisation among INGOs. Despite differences in context, all participants committed to upholding shared principles, ensuring that the future of development in Ghana is defined by the communities it seeks to serve. 

The gathering in Accra marked a critical step in addressing power dynamics within the development sector, with INGOs committing to long-term partnerships that prioritise local ownership and sustainable change. 

 

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FIIFI BOATENG

Fiifi is a Ghanaian and currently serves as Communications and Information Officer at the West Africa Civil Society Institute. He joined the Institute in December 2020.

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NANCY KANKAM KUSI

Nancy is a Ghanaian and currently serves as Programme Officer in the Knowledge Management unit at the West Africa Civil Society Institute. She joined the Institute in January 2021.

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AGNES ADWOA ANIMA

Agnes is a Ghanaian and currently serves as Head of the Administration unit in the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). She joined the Institute in October 2021.

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DORIS ODEI

Doris holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social sciences (Economics and Sociology) from the University of Cape Coast. She is passionate about impacting young lives hence co-founded Impart Foundation. A non-profit organization which seeks to empower young lives through education, technology and entrepreneurship.

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PRINCE AKOWUAH

Prince Akowuah is a Ghanaian and currently the Programme Assistant in the Translation Unit at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). She joined the Institute in 2020.

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MAXWELL APENTENG

Maxwell Apenteng is a Ghanaian and joined WACSI in September 2010. He provides gardening and janitorial services at the Institute.

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GEORGE ADU-MINTAH

George Adu-Mintah is a Ghanaian and currently the Protocol Assistant/Driver at the West Africa Civil Society (WACSI). He joined the Institute in October 2006.

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IBRAHIM KWAKU GBADAGO

Ibrahim Kwaku Gbadago is a Ghanaian. He joined the Institute in 2008 and provides janitorial services and assisting the institute's errands. Before joining the Institute, he worked at the Palestinian embassy in Accra, Ghana.

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RUTH YAKANA

Ruth Yakana is from Cameroon and currently the Receptionist at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). She joined the Institute in 2020.

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BETHEL KWAME BOATENG

Bethel is a Ghanaian. He provides technical and IT related support to the Institute. He joined the Institute in October 2006.

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WHITNAY SEGNONNA

Whitnay Segnonna holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Management from the University of Benin. With 2 years of experience, she has a strong knowledge of organizational and project management. Combined with her bilingualism, she is very passionate about her work. She joined WACSI as Project Assistant on Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) for the Capacity Development Unit.

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STELLA YAWA WOWOUI

Stella Yawa Wowoui holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Translation Studies. She has a perfect grasp of both French and English, as well as an intermediate level in Spanish. She is currently working as a Project Assistant on the Techsoup Project.

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KWAME ASANTE

Kwame is an experienced IT Consultant/Software Developer. He is skilled in Web Applications Development, Digital Security, Database Management, Digital Marketing and Brand Management. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology and is a Microsoft Programme Alumni. He is currently serving as a Marketing and IT Officer on the Techsoup Project.

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GRACE AKPENE ZIGGAH

Grace Akpene Ziggah is a Togolese and currently the Logistics Officer and also assists in administration duties at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). She joined the Institute in June 2009.

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LILLIAN DAFEAMEKPOR

Lilian Dafeamekpor is a Ghanaian and currently the Assistant to the Executive Director at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). She joined the Institute in 2020.

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JOHN P. FRINJUAH

John P. Frinjuah has expertise and interests in civil society, international development, democracy and governance, conflict, crisis, and security. He has extensive experience working with civil society and international development organizations where he supported and managed research, programmes, and provided technical assistance on a variety of themes around public policy, governance, and development. He is an alumnus of the University of Ghana and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy - Tufts University in the United States, with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from two institutions respectively. John speaks English, French and several Ghanaian and regional West Africa languages.

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GERVIN CHANASE

Gervin has extensive international development experience, including 5 years of policy advocacy and capacity building of grass root organisations. He has implemented over the years a combination of agriculture value chain, livelihood, food security and governance and rights programmes.
Prior to joining WACSI, Gervin worked on two USAID projects focusing on agriculture value chain development and governance in northern Ghana
Gervin holds a master’s degree in development & Governance from the University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany as well as a Masters in Global Studies from the Universities of Vienna (Austria), Leipzig (Germany) and California (Santa Barbara), USA. He is passionate social justice and inclusion.

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LEANDRE BANON

Leandre Banon, Beninese, joined WACSI in September 2014 as Capacity Development Programme Assistant. Since then, he has worked in various units within the Institute to support operational and institutional capacity strengthening programmes for civil society in the region. Currently serving as Capacity Development Programme Officer at WACSI, his main responsibilities involve designing, planning, implementing and monitoring capacity development programmes for civil society constituents and grouping across the West Africa. Leandre is a certified Change the Game Academy Programme Trainer. His background lies in the areas of economics and development planning.

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SAMUEL APPIAH

Samuel Appiah is a Ghanaian and currently the Programme Officer in the Finance and Administrative Unit at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). He joined the Institute in May, 2016.

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JIMM CHICK FOMUNJONG

Jimm Chick Fomunjong, Cameroonian, joined WACSI in May 2018 as the Head of the Knowledge Management and Communication Units of the Institute. He has over ten years’ experience as a journalist and a development communications expert. He has a vast experience in supporting African organisations to strengthen their internal and external communications, building and sustaining relationships with the media and, leveraging on the power of social media to promote their mission. He is also excellent at supporting organisations to set up and operationalise functional communications and knowledge management systems. He has a deep passion and expertise in supporting Africans and African civil society organisations to document their praxis, share and learn from experiences documented from the African civil society sector.

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FRANCK A. SOMBO

Franck Sombo is a development practitioner with the drive to lead self and others to influence productivity and efficiency. His work involves supporting organisations to develop strategic plans, design monitoring and evaluation systems, develop and use relevant performance measurement tools to track progress, assess organizational growth and institutionalise learning. Franck has eight years of experience working with WACSI where he currently serves as the Head, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning. His academic qualifications include Masters in Organisations’ and Projects’ Management, and in Business Sciences and a High National Diploma in Finance and Accounting.

Franck is a Fellow of the International Program for Development Evaluation Training (IPDET) and a graduate of the Graduate Training Institute (GTI) - Ghana with specialization in Strategic Management and Corporate Leadership. He has a rich experience in Project Management, Capacity Development, Strategic planning, Data Analytics, Monitoring and Evaluation, Training and Facilitation, Mentoring and Coaching among others.

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OMOLARA T. BALOGUN

Omolara is a development practitioner and advocacy strategist with over 15 years of progressive experience in development programming targeted at strengthening civil society in West Africa.

She joined WACSI in November 2009 as a Regional Advocacy Consultant and later became the first Policy Advocacy Officer of the Institute in 2010.

She was promoted to Head of the Policy Influencing and Advocacy (PIA) Unit in 2015. As the Head of the PIA unit, Omolara offers strategic direction to the Institutes’ ambitions to connect and convene groups of organised and organic civil society actors; and influence regional and global discourses on crosscutting policy issues including—civil society regulations, sustainable development goals, civic space and enabling environment, aid effectiveness, gender equality, and civil society accountability.

Previously, Omolara served as a Programmes Associate with the Women in Peace and Security Network-Africa (WIPSEN-Africa), where she worked with her team to design and implement pan-African programmes on—multidimensional peace support operations and gender mainstreaming in security sector reform in Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.

She also served as a Service Development Marshal at TVQ Consulting Group, a customer service firm focused on designing strategic customer relationship and business growth plans for private and public financial institutions in Nigeria.

Omolara is a social justice advocate, a network weaver, and a convener. She has a postgraduate degree in Peace and Conflict Studies; a degree in International Relations and History, from the University of Ibadan and Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria respectively.

She also holds executive certificates in Behavioral Science in Public Policy from Harvard University Executive Education in Cambridge and in Citizen Advocacy from the Coady International Institute, St Francis Xavier University in Canada.

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KWABENA KRODUAH

Kwabena Kroduah is a Ghanaian and currently heads the Finance Unit at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). He joined the Institute in January 2008.

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CHARLES KOJO VANDYCK

Charles currently serves as the Head of the Capacity Development Unit at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). Charles has over 10 years of experience working in international development and social justice issues in Africa. Charles has expertise in strengthening civil society and public agencies including the design and implementation of governance and leadership programmes, development of knowledge pieces and policy advice. Charles was the founding Board Chair of Innovation for Change (i4C)-Hub Afrique, as well as the founding member of the International Consortium on Closing Civic Space (iCon), an initiative of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington DC. Charles currently serves as the Member of the Governing Board (Coordination Collective) of Africans Rising. He is a Member of the Development Studies Association, United Kingdom. Charles is a 2017 Stanford University Fellow for Nonprofit Leaders and a certified Change the Game Resource Mobilisation Trainer.

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NANA ASANTEWA AFADZINU

Nana Afadzinu is a Ghanaian and currently serves as the Executive Director of the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). She joined the Institute in October 2010.

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