35 CSOs, including STAR-Ghana Foundation present Local Philanthropy proposals to NDC 2024 Manifesto Committee
Somewhere in Accra, STAR-Ghana Foundation, and representatives from various Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) gathered to meet with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) manifesto committee ahead of the 2024 elections. With anticipation, the CSOs, led by the Foundation prepared to make a case for the prioritization of the Northern Development Authority inclusion of a local philanthropy policy aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable development. The meeting marked a significant step towards building a more equitable society where local resources could be harnessed to address pressing community needs.
The meeting, which is part of a series to be held with major political parties in the country, was at the instance of STAR-Ghana and its partners to engage the manifesto committees of the parties to make recommendations aimed at boosting philanthropy in Ghana for sustainable development.
At exactly 11am, the conference room at the Tomreik Hotel, East Legon, was filled with a diverse group of stakeholders, including development experts, community leaders, and political strategists.
STAR-Ghana Foundation, known for its commitment to strengthening civil society and enhancing the effectiveness of active citizenship for development, took the lead.
Presentation of proposals
The policy proposal submitted by the CSOs recommended that the committee incorporate leveraging philanthropy to finance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to expedite the achievement of these targets in Ghana.
Dr. Ben Ocra, Executive Director of the Ghana Philanthropy Forum, and Feruzah Wuniche Salisu, a Project Officer at the STAR-Ghana Foundation, made the appeal on behalf of thirty-five CSOs during a joint presentation.
They emphasized the transformative potential of local philanthropy, highlighting how community-driven initiatives can complement government’s efforts and address critical gaps in service delivery.
As the discussion progressed, members of the NDC manifesto committee and the media demonstrated particular interest in the evidence presented by the CSOs, which showcased successful local philanthropy models and their impact in communities. These examples demonstrated how localized giving and resource mobilization could empower communities, reduce dependency on foreign aid, and foster a sense of ownership and accountability among local populations. The data-driven approach and compelling narratives shared by the CSOs made a strong case for the integration of a local philanthropy policy into the party's development agenda.
Leveraging Philanthropy and Volunteerism for development
Amidu Ibrahim-Tanko, Executive Director of the STAR-Ghana Foundation, emphasized that civil society views engagement as crucial for enhancing democracy in the country.
He noted that such engagement allows citizens to interact directly with those seeking their mandate, which is vital for shaping policy and practice. According to Alhaji Tanko, there has been a shift from merely scrutinizing manifestos to evaluating projects and programs directly, bypassing the intermediary stage of critical analysis and discussion.
Ibrahim-Tanko also highlighted the deep-rooted tradition of local philanthropy in Ghanaian and African cultures, advocating for a narrative shift that places philanthropy at the center of social interventions, particularly in terms of ownership.
He pointed out that philanthropy often focuses on financial contributions, but it also includes volunteerism, where citizens contribute their time and skills for community and national development.
The Executive Director stressed that if volunteerism is properly positioned and supported as part of national development, it could significantly enhance inclusive development in Ghana.
The NDC manifesto committee expressed their appreciation for the insights provided and acknowledged the critical role of local philanthropy in achieving inclusive development.
They committed to considering the proposal seriously as they finalized their manifesto. For STAR-Ghana Foundation and the attending CSOs, the meeting was a milestone, reinforcing their belief that collective action and advocacy could indeed influence policy and drive sustainable change in Ghana.
NDC 2024 Running mate
In her address to the gathering, running mate for the NDC 2024 flagbearer, Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyeman, said government cannot leave its responsibilities to CSOs and NGOs.
She implored government to take its responsibilities seriously. "The government should be at the centre of it and have a long-term plan. We need a long term-plan in this country.
"Even the recent population census that we had, the head is a former colleague of mine and I said to him, 'listen, we spent all this money, but you could have created a few more categories to get more data," she said.
Questions from the NDC committee members and other participants revealed a keen interest in understanding the practical implementation of such a policy. They inquired about potential challenges, sustainability, and the role of government in facilitating and regulating local philanthropy. The CSOs responded with detailed strategies, including the creation of supportive legal frameworks, capacity-building initiatives for local NGOs, and public awareness campaigns to encourage philanthropic activities. They stressed the importance of collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society to create a robust ecosystem for local philanthropy.
