WACSI In The News

ECOWAS Launches Project on Gender Empowerment

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched its project supporting national early warning and response mechanisms on harnessing gender empowerment as a tool for human security. The …

CSOs in Ghana, Nigeria suffer most cyberattacks in West Africa – Research reveals

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) has launched a report on research conducted on digital security attacks on Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the region. The research uncovered that …

CSOs in Nigeria received highest digital security attacks in West Africa, says WACSI

The West Africa Civil Society Institute has revealed that 31 percent of the Civil Society Organisations, CSOs in the West Africa region experienced digital security attacks in the past 12 …

Ghana CSOs most vulnerable to cyberattacks after Nigeria – WACSI report

A new report has revealed that 31% of civil society organisations (CSOs) in West Africa experienced a digital security attack in the last 12 months. Also, 25% of attacks happened multiple times. …

Ghana CSOs most vulnerable to cyberattacks after Nigeria – WACSI report

A new report has revealed that 31% of civil society organisations (CSOs) in West Africa experienced a digital security attack in the last 12 months. Also, 25% of attacks happened multiple times. …

Ghana CSOs most vulnerable to cyberattacks after Nigeria – WACSI report

A new report has revealed that 31% of civil society organisations (CSOs) in West Africa experienced a digital security attack in the last 12 months. Also, 25% of those attacks …

Digital Security Attacks: Nigerian CSOs Top Chart In West Africa – WACSI Report Reveals

A new research report has indicated that Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria lead the way in digital security attacks in the last one year. The country has experienced the highest …

Cyber-Attacks: WACSI, Techsoup Train 36 Civic Actors on Digital Security and Safety

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) has trained about thirty-six (36) civic actors in Cameroon, Liberia and Cote d’Ivoire to help improve the digital resilience of Organisations, including CSOs. …

2023: Democracy under threat in West Africa, The Electoral Forum warned

The WACSI Node, a concept of the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA), seeks to strength the Nigerian civic space and connect civil society organisations and actors (not only …

2023 Election will determine Nigeria’s democracy strength – WACSI

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) has stated that the forth coming 2023 election will decide the strength of the country’s democracy, noting this will pose a key test …

WACSI Unveil a New Center to Support the Nigerian Civil Society

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) on Wednesday has opened a work station in Nigeria, in efforts to support the Nigeria’s Civil Society Organisations in order to inspire local …

2023 election will test strength of Nigeria’s democracy – WACSI

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) has said the 2023 general elections would be a test of the strength of the country’s democracy. Executive Director of WACSI, Nana Afadzinu, …

West African Institute unveils centers to strengthen Nigeria’s civil space

West Africa Civil Society Institute (WASCI) on Wednesday launched an office called (Node) in Nigeria to strengthen the activities of the Nigeria Civil Society Organizations CSOs and also to encourage …

WACSI to set up liaison office in Abuja

Executive Director of the West Africa Civil Society Institute, WACSI, Nana Afadzinu, has disclosed that the Institute was set to begin its liaison office in Abuja, saying that it would …

CSOs seek sanctions against underage voting, duplication in INEC register

Following the spate of violence at the ongoing campaigns and attack on facilities belonging to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the chairman of the Electoral Forum, Prof. Adebayo Olukoshi, …

Shun Actions Threatening Nigeria’s Unity, Olukoshi Urges Politicians

Prof. Adebayo Olukoshi of Wits School of Governance, in South Africa, has urged Nigerians to shun actions capable of threatening the peace and unity of the nation ahead of the …

2023 elections will determine strength of Nigeria’s democracy — WACSI

The West African Civil Society Institute, WACSI, said the 2023 general election in Nigeria would pose a significant test for the country’s democratic strength. This was disclosed by the executive …

Institute tasks CSOs to strengthen democracy, security in W/Africa

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) has called on Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to synergise to strengthen democracy, peace and security in the region. The Executive Director of the …

West African Institute Unveils Center To Strengthen Nigeria’s Civic Space

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WASCI) has formally launched an office in the country called ‘Node’, to strengthen the activities of the Nigeria Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). Speaking during …

CSOs In Nigeria Now Have A NODE To Call Their Own

Relief has come the way of Civil society actors in Nigeria as they will no longer be travelling to Ghana to access the services of the West Africa Civil Society …

Nigeria Civic Space Shrinking, As WACSI Tasks CSOs To Look Inward For Funding

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) has decried that Civic Space in Nigeria like many other West African countries is shrinking and creating a disenabling environment for civil society’s …

WACSI raises alarm over Nigeria’s shrinking civic space

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) has raised the alarm over what it termed “shrinking civic space in Nigeria”, stressing the need for government’s support to providing the needed …

West Africa Civil Society Institute opens Nigeria office

The West Africa Civil Society Institute, WACSI, on Thursday, launched its office in Nigeria to strengthen the civic space and encourage local donors. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, …

WACSI node Nigeria Launched In Abuja To Float Civil Resource Hub

A deliberate and futuristic intervention  aimed at enhancing the operations of the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Nigeria has led to the launch  of  the Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI)  in …

Institute To Launch Node On CSOs Service Affordability In Nigeria

Nana Afadzinu, Executive Director, West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), says the institute is set to launch its node in Nigeria, as part of measures to positively impact and set-up …

Group urges civil society organisations to reduce dependency on foreign donors

Nana Afadzinu, the Executive Director of the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), has called on Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria to look inward towards reducing their dependency on foreign sources of …

CSO inaugurates institute to strengthen Nigeria’s civil space, encourage local donors

Ms Nana Afadzinu, Executive Director, West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) on Thursday said the institute was inaugurated in Nigeria to strengthen the civic space and encourage local donors. She …

Feminists push for gender equality, political inclusiveness

Abuja witnessed a different crop of visitors recently when women activists from sub-Saharan Africa met to amplify their voices on gender equality and more women involvement in politics and governance at …

Franck A. Sombo on community-led monitoring and evaluation

On July 20, 2022, INTRAC hosted an online event under the title “shifting the power through monitoring, evaluation, and learning”. This event formed a part of the celebrations of INTRAC’s …

Feminists in West Africa seek protection of women’s rights

About 30 women feminists from the West Africa sub-region have resolved to bridge the divides between the young and older generations of feminists to effectively advance women’s rights, gender equality …

Time For Africa To Look Within For Revenue — Civil Society Advocates

Two civil society organisations (CSOs) have called on African countries to mobilise revenues from within to finance development in the face of global economic challenges. The West Africa Civil Society …

Giving for Change Learning event held in Accra

Watch highlights of the Giving for Change Partner Learning and Reflection Meeting on GTV LIVE: News Hour at 2pm Click here to watch Source: GTV

Stakeholders Meet over Giving for Change Programme

A three-day annual learning and reflection workshop under the auspices of the Giving for Change (GFC) Programme opened in Accra yesterday. The workshop organised by Star-Ghana Foundation and the West …

African Philantropic Organisations meet to enhance giving for social change

The West African Civil Society Institute (WACSI) in partnership with Star-Ghana Foundation have organised a week-long meeting, in Accra dubbed: “Giving for Change” for philanthropic organisations in Africa and beyond …

Time for Africa to look within for revenue — Civil society advocates

Two civil society organisations (CSOs) have called on African countries to mobilise revenues from within to finance development in the face of global economic challenges. The West Africa Civil Society …

Collaborate to advance development – WACSI urges philanthropic organisations

Mr Jimm Chick Fomunjong, the head of the Knowledge Management and Communication Unit, West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), has urged philanthropic organisations to collaborate to champion the development of …

Enhancing local philanthropy, a key to community development

The Executive Director of Star Ghana Foundation, Mr Ibrahim-Tanko Amidu is calling for the promotion of local philanthropy to catalyse the developmental needs of the country as this holds a …

CSOs call for support towards community philanthrophy

Watch highlights of the Giving for Change Partner Learning and Reflection Meeting on Metro tv NewsAt6. Click here to watch Source: Metro TV News

Giving for Change Workshop Held in Accra

The West African Civil Society Institute (WACSI) in partnership with Star-Ghana Foundation have organised a week-long meeting, in Accra dubbed: “Giving for Change” for philanthropic organisations in Africa and beyond …

Time for Africa to look within for revenue – Civil Society Advocates

Two civil society organisations (CSOs) have called on African countries to mobilise revenues from within to finance development in the face of global economic challenges. The West Africa Civil Society …

Africa must prioritse internal measures to raise revenue – WACSI

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) has expressed worry about Africa’s high dependency on the West for assistance. According to the Institute, it is about time African countries generated …

The Probe with Emefa Apawu

Omolara Balogun, Head, Policy Influencing and Advocacy Unit joins The Probe with Emefa Apawu on the JoyNews channel. Click here to watch the discussion Source: JoyNews

Book Launch of Dream Paper: Shift the Power by Partos

Dream paper Shift the Power is a product of the Partos Innovation Hub. The Partos Innovation Hub is a hybrid ecosystem where development professionals interact, create, inspire, undertake, work, learn and innovate together to …

How Women Organisations Can Successfully Navigate Resource Governance, Climate Change Space – Omolara Balogun 

Omolara Balogun is the Head, Policy Influencing and Advocacy Unit at the Accra based West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). In this interview, she speaks exclusively with Extractive360 on the …

Bridging the Civil Society Gap in West Africa: A Conversation with Nana Afadzinu 

With the pandemic continuing to keep most of the world’s interactions online, it came as a bit of a surprise that my virtual conversation with Nana Afadzinu, current Executive Director …

“Donors should move beyond activity-based support” – Meet the Giving for Change alliance: West Africa Civil Society Institute

In this series of interviews, we will be introducing you to the lead partners involved in the Giving for Change programme! The five-year, €24 million programme will be implemented in …

Localisation Discussions 

In this series, we explore the Future of Partos – the Dutch Development Cooperation Association that brings together nearly 110 Dutch Development NGOs. In this episode we talk with Charles …

Leadership Development: Fixing a Flat Tire, or Re-inventing the Wheel 

A magazine show covering African development issues hosted by Sonny Decker. This week: Civic Engagement Specialist Ahmed Hachelaf discusses, “Leadership Development: is it a necessity for socioeconomic development”? Access podcast …

The Classroom Project: JoyNews initiates campaign to fix two weak school blocks 

JoyNews initiates campaign to fix two weak school blocks. Watch the video here Source: JoyNews

The RINGO Project

The world has changed since INGO’s became prominent actors on the global stage. The current model for INGO’s seems no longer fit for purpose. The Ringo Social Lab – Re-imagining …

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

MAXWELL APENTENG

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

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.

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.

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.

BETHEL KWAME BOATENG

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.