Ghana mobilizes civil society to advance NPO draft bill with new advocacy group -

A new 5-member Technical Advocacy Working Group has been formed to promote the passage of the Non-Profit Organization (NPO) draft Bill, a key piece of legislation aimed at regulating non-profits in Ghana.

The announcement was made during the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Zonal Consultations held at the GNAT Hall National Headquarters on February 27, 2025.

The newly formed group includes two men, two women, and one representative from the Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) community. Its establishment followed a comprehensive nomination and voting process that involved over 500 representatives from various civil society organizations across the country.

The members appointed to the Technical Working Group are:

– Isaac Boison, Coordinator of the Greater Accra Regional Youth Network (GARYN)

– Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, Founder and Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana

– Hon. Afisa Otiko Djaba, Former Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection.

– Priscilla AKofa Agbenu, from the Centre for Women in Development and Public Policy

– Elvis Kosi Alipkui, representing Persons Living with Disabilities as a member of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations

During the opening remarks, Ibrahim-Tanko Amidu, Executive Director of STAR Ghana Foundation, emphasized the importance of the NPO Bill for the sustainability of civil society organizations.

“The passage of the NPO Bill is crucial for creating an enabling environment where non-profits can thrive, engage effectively with communities, and significantly contribute to national development. We must advocate for this legislation and unite our voices in support of our shared goals,” he stated.

This announcement builds on previous consultations held in Kumasi on February 18 and in Tamale on February 25, 2025, which aimed to encourage dialogue among stakeholders advocating for the NPO draft Bill.

The consultations saw participation from thousands of CSO representatives who engaged in meaningful discussions to formulate a comprehensive advocacy strategy for the bill.

A prominent outcome of these meetings was the call for the formation of an Advocacy Committee tasked with consolidating key positions and developing a roadmap for engagement with the government and other stakeholders.

The goal is to ensure that the NPO Bill not only regulates non-profit organizations but also fosters a supportive environment for their growth.

Support for this initiative comes from STAR-Ghana Foundation, which is funded by @WINGS and the EU through the Lift Up Philanthropy Fund, as well as backing from Comic Relief and FCDO via the Civil Society Strengthening Programme.

Feruzah Salisu, a Project Officer at STAR-Ghana Foundation, noted that the establishment of the Advocacy Committee represents a pivotal moment for mobilizing resources in favour of the NPO Bill.

This legislation aims to regulate non-profit organizations and enhance their contributions to Ghana’s national development.

The consultations provided a vital platform for stakeholders to assess the implications of the NPO Bill draft and strategize together on the necessary steps to advocate for its passage in Parliament.