The INGO Forum Ghana held its much-anticipated relaunch event, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts to advance sustainable development in Ghana. The event, attended by prominent stakeholders, including country representatives, development partners, and civil society leaders, emphasized the Forum’s commitment to fostering strategic partnerships, enhancing local capacities, and amplifying community voices.
The relaunch highlighted the enduring contributions of International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) to Ghana’s development. Annually, INGOs contribute over $350 million across critical sectors, including health, education, and environmental sustainability. Mr. Benjamin Fiafor, country director for Farm Radio International and the chairperson of INGO opened the event with gratitude for the Forum’s founding leaders and executives, recognizing their vision and efforts in building a solid foundation for collaboration among INGOs and local organizations. Their dedication, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscored the essential role of INGOs in times of crisis, as they pooled resources, shared expertise, and extended much-needed support to communities.
INGOs and the Path to Sustainable Development Goals
Mr. Simpson Addo highlighted the unique strengths INGOs bring—financial resources, technical knowledge, global perspectives, and specialized skills supporting sustainable development goals (SDGs). “The INGO Forum Ghana provides a platform for meaningful collaboration among over 50 NGOs, with 36 actively engaged members who work together to avoid duplication and leverage resources effectively’’. By promoting transparency and accountability, the Forum has become a trusted partner for communities, the government, and development organizations, ensuring that resources are utilized to maximize impact.
The Forum also fosters a strong connection between INGOs and local communities. It acts as a bridge, aligning development initiatives with the real needs and aspirations of the people. Through partnerships with development authorities and local NGOs, the Forum aims to amplify community voices and ensure that projects are community-driven and community-led.
Tackling Key Challenges: Youth Employment and Financial Innovation
A significant challenge raised during the event was Ghana’s youth employment crisis. Unemployment among 15–24-year-olds stands at 55%, presenting both a critical issue and an opportunity for impact. With Ghana’s growing youth population, the Forum aims to collaborate on initiatives that can provide meaningful economic opportunities for young people, thereby contributing to long-term economic resilience and empowerment.
Mr. Tijani Hamza who has worked for over 3 decades in the sector saw the need for innovative financing models, such as impact investing, to fund sustainable development. Recognizing that traditional funding models alone cannot address the complexities of Ghana’s development needs, the Forum aims to explore these new approaches to finance. By doing so, the Forum hopes to attract additional resources and create solutions that are both sustainable and scalable.
Reinforcing Principles of Accountability, Transparency, and Localization
Throughout the event, the Forum reaffirmed its commitment to principles of accountability, transparency, and community-centered action. This approach, it believes, will help build trust and foster equitable partnerships with local organizations, allowing them to play a more central role in decision-making and project implementation. The Forum’s leadership stressed the importance of localization, emphasizing that empowering local organizations and communities leads to more sustainable and impactful outcomes.
“In Ghana, INGOs must do more than just offer support; they must collaborate in ways that empower local entities, enabling them to continue these projects independently and sustainably,” said Mr. Tijani.
Renewed Commitment to a Sustainable Future
The relaunch of the INGO Forum Ghana signals a renewed commitment to building a sustainable future. The Forum is committed to strengthening partnerships and creating an environment where every community and INGO has the support it needs to thrive. With Ghana’s upcoming elections, the Forum acknowledges the urgency of advancing initiatives that contribute to health, education, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability.
As the event concluded, Ms Josephine Mukakalisa thanked attendees for their dedication to the collective journey ahead. “The INGO Forum Ghana is a place where innovation and partnership come together to create lasting change.” The event ended with a renewed call to action for all attendees to collaborate on advancing sustainable development and creating a brighter future for Ghana.
With a re-energized purpose and an expanded vision, the INGO Forum Ghana looks forward to leading the way toward inclusive, equitable, and effective solutions that will address Ghana’s most pressing challenges and strengthen its path to sustainable development.
