RINGO | DAC PLATFORM
ENG | FR

Ghanaian CSOs Strengthen Resilience and Sustainability at WACSI and STAR-Ghana Learning Café 

August 31, 2024 In Newsroom By

Ghanaian CSOs Strengthen Resilience and Sustainability at WACSI and STAR-Ghana Learning Café 

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

[Kumasi, Ghana — 31 August 2024] – On 28 and 29 August 2024, the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) and STAR-Ghana Foundation hosted an intensive Learning Café in Kumasi to equip civil society organisations (CSOs) in Ghana with essential strategies for institutional resilience, financial sustainability, and impact-driven practices. Held under the Civil Society Strengthening Fund (CSSF), this two-day event brought together partners committed to creating lasting social change across the country. 

Strengthening Institutional Foundations and Sustainable Impact 

Leading the sessions, WACSI’s Head of Capacity Development, Charles Vandyck, emphasised the importance of refining institutional operations and prioritising sustainable organisational practices. Addressing representatives from diverse CSOs, Vandyck encouraged partners to integrate strategies for financial stability and effective governance into their core operations. 

“Our mission as civil society actors must go beyond immediate responses to challenges; we must build resilient institutions capable of sustained, transformative impact in our communities,” Vandyck stated. “This means prioritising strong foundations, adopting sustainable financial strategies, and excelling in operational practices.” 

CSSF and Shift the Power: A Long-Term Vision for Ghana’s Civil Society 

As a cornerstone of the broader Civil Society Strengthening Programme/Shift the Power (CSSP/StP), the CSSF initiative is funded by Comic Relief and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and implemented by STAR-Ghana and WACSI. The CSSP/StP programme supports Ghanaian civil society organisations in developing resilient, responsive, and accountable structures to meet the needs of their communities effectively. 

Fostering Accountability and Collaborative Learning 

The Learning Café placed a strong emphasis on mutual accountability and collaborative learning. In a session led by STAR-Ghana’s Head of Results and Learning, Frank Kwaku Amoateng, participants explored ways to foster transparent reporting processes, underscoring that accountability strengthens trust and credibility among funders, implementers, and beneficiaries alike. 

“Mutual accountability is about more than meeting donor expectations; it’s about creating a transparent space where all stakeholders contribute meaningfully towards community impact,” Amoateng remarked. This session encouraged CSOs to view accountability as a collaborative, trust-building tool, essential for effective partnerships. 

Foundational Focus on Financial Integrity 

Financial management was a central focus of the event, with STAR-Ghana’s Head of Finance and Operations, Mary Sabbah, guiding partners through practical strategies for managing funds and maintaining compliance with CSSF standards. Sabbah highlighted the importance of transparency and integrity in financial reporting, equipping CSOs with tools to manage funds sustainably. 

“Strong financial management is the backbone of a resilient organisation,” Sabbah noted. “When CSOs uphold financial integrity, they not only secure their future but also foster trust among stakeholders and beneficiaries.” 

Prioritising Safeguarding for Community Engagement 

With a commitment to safeguarding in organisational practices, Sarah Adjei, Manager of the Civil Society Strengthening Portfolio, led a session focused on protecting vulnerable individuals from harm. She highlighted safeguarding as an essential practice that ensures ethical and responsible engagement with communities. 

“Safeguarding is an organisational commitment to ensure that all stakeholders operate in safe, respectful environments,” Adjei explained. “For CSOs working closely with communities, these policies are indispensable.” 

Financial Sustainability for Enduring Impact 

In a workshop on financial sustainability, Vandyck returned to lead an engaging discussion, encouraging partners to explore diverse models for securing long-term funding. This interactive session highlighted the need for CSOs to implement sustainable financial practices, enabling them to continue serving their communities regardless of funding cycles. 

Building a Collaborative Path Forward 

The Learning Café underscored the importance of co-creation within the Shift the Power movement, encouraging CSOs to view programme implementation as a collaborative effort. The sessions provided a valuable platform for participants to exchange solutions and co-create strategies for navigating the complex landscape of Ghana’s civil society. 

The event concluded with a reinforced vision for a resilient, impact-driven civil society in Ghana, built on the pillars of institutional strength, financial sustainability, and collaborative accountability. STAR-Ghana Foundation and WACSI’s commitment to these foundational principles will continue to empower Ghanaian CSOs to make lasting contributions to the communities they serve. 

About the author

Author profile
Related entries

Share:

Prev Post
Next Post

Leave your comments

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.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

MAXWELL APENTENG

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

Visit LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

BETHEL KWAME BOATENG

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

Visit LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit LinkedIn Profile

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.

Visit LinkedIn Profile