Accra, March 29, GNA – CUTS International, a leading research and public policy think tank, has urged government to provide sustainable public funding support for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Ghana to safeguard governance and policy systems.
In a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency, Mr Appiah Kusi Adomako, Director of CUTS International West Africa Regional Centre, warned that the ongoing funding crisis threatened the survival of independent CSOs and risked weakening democratic accountability.
He explained that for decades, Ghanaian CSOs have relied heavily on foreign donors, but as Ghana’s democratic institutions matured, many traditional donors shifted their focus to countries facing instability.
This has left local organisations struggling to sustain operations.
Mr Adomako described CSOs as “the fifth estate of the republic,” highlighting their role in shaping landmark legislation such as the Right to Information Act, the Public Financial Management Act, and recent amendments to the Public Holidays and Road Traffic Acts.
He cautioned that without strong civil society, critical voices on education, healthcare, consumer protection, and public finance would diminish.
Mr Adomako proposed that government could support CSOs through transparent mechanisms without undermining their independence, citing the STAR Ghana Foundation as a proven model.
He recommended an annual allocation of at least GH₵10 million to fund high‑quality research and advocacy in key sectors, with strict safeguards including public disclosure of grants and annual audits by the Auditor‑General.
Mr Adomako also called for private sector involvement, suggesting tax incentives to encourage corporate and individual donations to accredited CSOs.
He stressed that continued dependence on external funding risked allowing foreign priorities to dominate Ghana’s policy agenda.
“We have come too far in building democratic institutions to allow civil society organisations to wither for lack of local ownership. A clear commitment to sustainable domestic funding would constitute genuine strategic nation‑building,” he said.
CUTS International focuses on consumer protection, competitive markets, road safety, international trade, economic policy, education, and healthcare.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey