By Eunice Hilda A. Mensah, GNA
Accra, Nov. 25, GNA – The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has hosted a high-level learning-exchange meeting with Ghana and Nigerian regulators to strengthen nonprofit regulatory frameworks among the two countries.
The meeting, with support from the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), held in Accra, aimed to promote transparency, accountability, and regional cooperation in safeguarding nonprofit sectors against financial crimes and terrorism financing.
It brought together key stakeholders including representatives from Ghana’s Financial Intelligence Centre, Office of the Registrar of Companies, and Nigeria’s civil society networks, alongside law enforcement and justice officials.
Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the sector Minister, in a statement delivered on her behalf, lauded Nigeria’s recent exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, describing it as a significant milestone.
She emphasised that the exchange reflected a shared commitment to compliance with FATF recommendations while preserving the vital role of civil society in democracy and development.
“A major milestone for Ghana is the development of a new Non-Profit Organisation Bill to streamline registration, enhance oversight, and ensure risk-based, inclusive regulation aligned with global standards,” Dr. Lartey said.
She noted that Ghana had introduced measures to ease compliance burdens on legitimate organisations, contributing to national development.
The Minister reaffirmed the country’s dedication to regional collaboration, stating: “Our shared vulnerabilities and aspirations demand shared solutions.”
“This platform allows us to learn from one another and build resilient systems that protect financial integrity while promoting accountability and public trust.”
Mr Oladayo Olaide, Board Chair, WACSI Node, Nigeria, said the occasion highlighted the importance of African-led development and solidarity, praising civil society as drivers of innovation and social impact.
He commended Ghana’s progress in structuring its nonprofit regulatory environment, noting that Nigeria stood to gain valuable insights from Ghana’s experience.
“The opportunity lies in recognising that our development has to be led by us and so we need solidarity. It’s in that solidarity that we’ve decided to reach out to the Ministry to explore opportunities,” he said.
“We want to use the moment to learn from Ghana how they have structured their social impact circle.”
“It doesn’t matter how Nigeria may be developed, there is a lot to learn from Ghana as Ghana has done a lot and it’s worth celebrating.”
Ms Omolara Balogun, the Head of Policy Influencing and Advocacy, WACSI, expressed the preparedness of her office to extend similar exchanges to francophone countries to strengthen capacity across the region.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe