Ghana: WACSI Examines Civil Society Contributions

A study by the West African Civil Society Institute (WASCI) has revealed great contributions of civil society organisations (CSOs) to Ghana’s development over the years.

The study, titled Civil Society Organisations’ Contributions to National Development in Ghana, noted that CSOs have played unique roles in consolidating democratic governance, policy advocacy and influencing as well as poverty reduction and service delivery in the West African nation.

Supported by Affinity Group of National Associations (AGNA), the study examined CSOs’ engagement in Covid-19 responses and limitations or barriers that hinder their ability to contribute effectively to national development.

Drawing on qualitative research methodology and secondary data collected in June 2021, the study found that fighting corruption has become a major preoccupation of CSOs in Ghana.

‘Aside from their involvement in democratic and governance processes, the study highlights that CSOs have used their technical expertise in policy formulation, implementation and monitoring to influence government policies’, the study read.

‘For instance, CSOs such as think tanks have become influential policy entrepreneurs in the sphere of socio-economic and political policies in the country.

‘More importantly, this study has found that CSOs have also contributed to national development through their roles as brokers and translators of policies at the national and local levels.

‘As the findings from this study further show, CSOs in Ghana have been active stakeholders in the fight against the [Covid-19] pandemic through their involvement in awareness raising and education, building the capacity of organisations and communities to be resilient, advocating for the rights of individuals, ensuring government’s accountability and transparency as well as the provision of humanitarian assistance’.

Findings from the study also showed that the pandemic challenged the resilience of the third sector, compounded by the seemingly attempts by the government to sideline CSOs in the initial Covid-19 response strategies.

In addition, the study said many CSOs and civil society actors were unwilling to participate in discussions on national issues because of the repercussions such discussions will have on their organisations.

The WASCI study further found a number of barriers that hinder the potential of CSOs to contribute meaningfully towards Ghana’s national development.

Prominent among them include the increasing shrinking of civic space, access to information and lack of coordination, limited funding and lack of perceived legitimacy and credibility of CSOs at the grassroots.

As part of its recommendations, the study called on the Ghanaian government to create an enabling environment and open civic space for CSOs while also providing funding to support their work across the country.

The study also urged CSOs to build their local legitimacy with stakeholders, particularly intended beneficiaries and their organisational capacity, research and knowledge management.

Source: WASCI

Photo source: Hello Afreeca

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