Accra, Sept. 29, GNA – Mr Benjamin Fiafor, Chairperson of the International Non-Governmental Organisation (INGO) Forum Ghana, has underscored the need for increased financial support to drive NGOs localisation efforts in the country.
Speaking to journalists at the 2025 Annual Convening of the Forum in Accra, Mr Fiafor said the time had come for stakeholders to take concrete steps in financing localisation to empower local NGOs and institutions.
He emphasised that without funding, localisation would remain a rhetoric.
“Without the financial support, we believe that localisation will just be in conference rooms and lecture halls,” he stated, adding: “When we begin to take action on financing localisation, we will begin to see local authorities, local institutions, and our NGOs function and take up the role that they are expected to take.”
Mr Fiafor noted that dwindling donor support, including from USAID and other international partners, called for a rethinking of how funding was structured to ensure resources reached local organisations.
The Forum also highlighted accountability as a major concern for NGOs and observed that negative perceptions about NGOs often stemmed from weak accountability systems.
“Accountability is one of the key issues. We believe that innovative ways must be found to ensure organisations are trusted and funders are confident that their resources are properly managed,” Mr Fiafor said.
The Forum advocated the creation of an enabling environment for philanthropy in Ghana, including tax relief incentives for donors.
It made the case that When such systems were in place, individuals and philanthropists would be encouraged to donate to the cause of development in communities.
The INGO Forum Ghana, which works with international NGOs, government, the UN, and development partners, convenes annually to share experiences and promote collaboration.
This year’s focus on financing localisation seeks to accelerate action toward stronger, accountable, and better-resourced local institutions.
It was on the theme: “Financing Localisation: Strengthening Partnerships for sustainable development in Ghana.”
Mr Zia Choudhury, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ghana, reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s development efforts through strong partnerships and collaboration.
He emphasised that no single actor could achieve sustainable progress alone, stressing the need for joint action among government, local organisations, private sector actors, and international partners.
“For me, it boils down to the human rights of every single person in this world. If we defend those human rights, then I think we will be able to continue supporting those that need to be supported,” Mr Choudhury said.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba