By Samuel SAM
The PureTrust Foundation (PTF), a community support organisation, has announced its funding of 26 community projects with GH¢778,953 raised locally through voluntary mobilisation.
These projects – aimed at enhancing community development and livelihoods – span health, education, economic empowerment, youth development, water and sanitation.
The announcement was made by PTF’s Chief Executive Officer, Habib Haruna, during the fourth annual zonal forum of Community Foundations in Ghana, held at Tamale.
The forum, supported by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation from Flint, USA, brought together board members and management from Community Foundations across the middle and northern zones of Ghana, including the Ashanti, Bono East, Ahafo, Savannah, Northern, Upper East, Upper West and North East Regions.
Albert Yamenu from Wayo Consult educated participants on ‘Managing Organisational Risk Through Compliance with Statutory Requirements and Internal Control Procedures’. He emphasised the importance of CFs ensuring compliance with Ghanaian and international standards and regulations for the non-profit sector.
Another resource person, Jeremy Maako Maaman from Uhuru Creations, South Africa, shared practical insights on resource mobilisation with the participants.
Mr. Haruna highlighted the foundation’s ongoing efforts to educate citizens on the importance of community-giving to support development projects. “Enhancing the capacity of CFs in mobilising resources to undertake community development projects has been a priority for PureTrust Foundation,” he stated.
He urged citizens to contribute resources to meet community needs and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
The forum also aimed to discuss how CFs can function as agencies for community development by harnessing local resources. Mr. Haruna noted that for organisations to support a CF, a foundation must operate as a formally structured institution owned and managed by the communities and be capable of coordinating activities to attract development partners.
He further explained that the role of PTF includes creating awareness among community members and providing technical support on fund mobilisation and management. Project decisions are made by the communities based on their specific needs.
In Ghana, PTF is the lead coordinating organisation for CF development projects, working in partnership with the Ghana Philanthropy Forum based in Accra.
Madam Mamo Mohapi, Programme Officer-Charles Stewart Mott Foundation for the Africa region, commended PureTrust Foundation, the Ghana Philanthropy Forum and CFs for their commitment to promoting the CF concept in Ghana.
“I am excited to see the projects undertaken by CFs, and as a Foundation we are committed to supporting CF development projects in Ghana,” she said.
Madam Martha Aganda, Project Support Staff at PTF, encouraged CF executives and members to comply with statutory requirements and mobilise resources for developmental projects.
Participants at the forum expressed their gratitude to PTF and its partners for the training and knowledge-sharing, which they believe will significantly benefit their community foundations and respective communities.
