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Second Ghana Civil Society Forum Urges Strategic Overhaul Amidst Growing Challenges

August 16, 2024 In Newsroom By

Second Ghana Civil Society Forum Urges Strategic Overhaul Amidst Growing Challenges

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[Accra, 27 June 2024]-In the face of shrinking civic space, funding challenges, and eroding public trust, Ghana’s civil society organisations (CSOs) convened for the second Ghana Civil Society Forum held in Accra from 25-26 June, to chart a new course for legitimacy, effectiveness, and sustainability.  

The two-day event, themed “Civil Society at an Inflection Point: Strategising for Increased Legitimacy, Effectiveness, and Sustainability,” brought together key stakeholders in the country to confront the sector’s most pressing challenges and strategise for a more resilient future. 


The forum, organised by the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) in partnership with STAR-Ghana, the United Nations, Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition, Oxfam, and NORSAAC, opened with a powerful call to action from Alhadji Amidu Ibrahim-Tanko, Executive Director of STAR-Ghana.  

“We have not devoted sufficient time to reflect on our strengths and weaknesses,” he stated. “How can we develop strategies to become more inclusive, effective, credible, and legitimate? How can we safeguard the space in which we operate as civil societies?”  

His words resonated deeply with the participants, who acknowledged the critical need for introspection and strategic realignment. 

The forum’s focus on the urgent need for a strategic overhaul comes at a time when Ghanaian CSOs are facing significant challenges. Issues such as funding dependency, a shrinking civic space, and concerns over accountability have increasingly undermined the sector’s effectiveness.  

The forum’s theme of strategising for increased legitimacy and sustainability directly addressed these concerns, urging CSOs to adopt more inclusive and community-driven approaches. 

Charles Abani, the UN Resident Coordinator for Ghana and the forum’s Guest of Honour, emphasised the importance of continuous improvement. “The biggest room in the world is the room for improvement,” he remarked, underscoring the need for adaptability and growth in an ever-changing global and local landscape. 

A key moment in the forum was the panel discussion on “Shift the Power and Localisation: What are the Implications for CSO-Donor Relationships?”moderated by WACSI’s Executive Director, Nana Afadzinu.

𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘈𝘣𝘢𝘯𝘪, 𝘜𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘕𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘊𝘰𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳-𝘎𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘢, 𝘕𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘈𝘧𝘢𝘥𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘶, 𝘌𝘹𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘋𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳,𝘞𝘈𝘊𝘚𝘐, 𝘐𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘩𝘪𝘮-𝘛𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘰 𝘈𝘮𝘪𝘥𝘶, 𝘌𝘹𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘋𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳 ,𝘚𝘛𝘈𝘙-𝘎𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘍𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯

Clara Osei Boateng, Governance Advisor at the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO-UK), led the discussion by stressing the importance of local ownership in development initiatives.  

“For FCDO, we believe that development is a success when it is led by its own people,” she said, reflecting a growing recognition that Ghanaian CSOs must take greater control of their development agendas. 

This emphasis on local leadership was echoed by Nana Asantewa, who urged CSOs to take charge of their development processes.  

“When we talk about shifting power, we must look at how to manage and harness our own development,” she stated, calling for a move away from donor-driven initiatives towards strategies that truly reflect community needs.

𝘕𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘈𝘧𝘢𝘥𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘶, 𝘌𝘹𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘋𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘰𝘳-𝘞𝘈𝘊𝘚𝘐

 

However, achieving greater autonomy is not without its challenges. Adam Sadat, Country Director of Oxfam in Ghana, acknowledged the limitations faced by CSOs but encouraged them to make strategic decisions that could shift the balance of power. “Our powers are not much, but there are some decisions we can take to shift the power,” he said, highlighting the importance of seizing available opportunities. 

The discussions also touched on the evolving funding environment, where both donors and recipients must adapt to new realities.  

Beatrice Boakye-Yiadom of the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF) emphasized the need for mindset shifts among both donors and CSOs. “It is important to take advantage of the funding environment and shift the mindset both for those receiving the money and the donors,” she noted, advocating for more equitable and sustainable funding relationships. 

Frank Amoateng of STAR-Ghana Foundation stressed the importance of aligning CSO initiatives with the needs of the communities they serve. “If you want to create a social enterprise, it should fill the needs of the community,” he asserted, reinforcing the call for community-driven development.  

The sentiment was echoed by Eunice R. Agbenyadzi from STAR-Ghana, who emphasised the critical need for accountability and transparency in all aspects of civil society work. Reflecting on the broader challenges facing the sector, Nafisah Salifu, Executive Director of the Civil Society and Institutional Foundation, highlighted a significant gap in donor-CSO relationships.  “As CSOs, we are not being fair to our constituencies because the donors identify the problems but do not inform us,” she said, calling for greater transparency and collaboration between donors and CSOs. 

The forum also explored the necessity for CSOs to embrace the fast-evolving technological landscape. With digital tools becoming increasingly vital for advocacy and operations, participants agreed on the need to invest in digital infrastructure and capacity building. However, they also acknowledged that this requires a strategic approach to ensure these tools are effectively leveraged. 

As the forum drew to a close, one participant’s remark captured the essence of the discussions: “Partnership and relationship should be built before funding.” This statement encapsulated the forum’s overarching message—that a more strategic, inclusive, and sustainable approach is essential for the future of civil society in Ghana. 

𝘛𝘏𝘌 𝘠𝘖𝘜𝘛𝘏

The second Ghana Civil Society Forum provided a vital platform for reflection and strategic thinking, urging CSOs to confront their challenges head-on and develop strategies that will ensure their legitimacy, effectiveness, and sustainability in the years ahead. 

 

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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.

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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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