News
CSOs cry for govt, private sector support
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Ghana are in dire need of support from the government and private sector to run their activities.
This was disclosed at the launch of the 2022 CSO Sustainability Index Report by the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) in Accra, on the theme, ‘Ghana’s Economic Crisis: Threats and Opportunities for CSO Sustainability.’
The report captured seven areas including, Legal Environment, Organisational Capacity, Financial Viability, Advocacy, Service Provision, Sectoral Infrastructure and Public Image.
Presenting the report, a Development Consultant, Mr Douglas Quartey said most CSOs received support and funding from foreign organisations which was not sustainable because they were overburdened by the huge number of registered CSOs in the country.
“Foreign donors remained the main source of funding for most CSOs. The major donors in 2022 included bilateral and multilateral bodies such as USAID, UK Aid Direct, European Union, German Agency for International Cooperation and Embassy of Netherlands,” he stated.
He said the ongoing changes in the funding landscape including the shift of donors’ focus to areas lacking a strong civil society component, such as trade, continued to reduce the pool of funding available to CSOs.
He added that, although a few CSOs had diversified funding, there were limited opportunities for most organisations to develop multiple funding sources.
To address the challenge, the Senior Research Fellow at IDEG, Mr Kwesi Jonah said the current crisis offered an opportunity for CSOs to reflect on several creative ways of surviving which include managing limited funds available to stay in business.
“CSOs must also find ways of managing risks and put in efforts to limit spending while falling back on their board for connections and collaborations to help manage the crisis,” he stated.
The government and the private sector, he said must also come on board to support the activities of CSOs in Ghana.
“We need to form a stronger partnership that would lead to sustainability of the sector. It is a responsibility to educate ourselves on the roles of the CSOs towards national development and push towards proper support from the government and private sector,” he stated.
He said, there was the need to engage in new conversations with donors not to withdraw their support while NGOs must avoid competitions and engage in strategic partnerships.
By Michael D. Abayateyea
For the first time in its seven-year history, the celebrated Guinea Fowl Bazaar has been brought to Accra, marking a significant expansion of an event that has, for the past six years, been a staple in Tamale.
The two-day cultural and culinary festival, held from May 1–2, drew over 500 patrons and featured nearly 20 vendors, to promote Northern Ghana’s rich food culture particularly guinea fowl delicacies.
Hosted by By Faith Catering Services, the bazaar brought together traditional leaders, cultural groups, food entrepreneurs, and government representatives in a display of heritage and enterprise.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Angelo Dogbe, the Northern Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority underscored the importance of promoting indigenous cuisine as a tool for economic development and cultural preservation. Chiefs from the Northern Region also graced the occasion, lending traditional authority and reinforcing the cultural significance of the festival.
A major highlight of the bazaar was a series of captivating cultural performances representing the diverse tribes of the Northern Region. Attendees were treated to traditional music, dance, and attire, transforming the venue into a lively tapestry of Northern identity and pride.
Vendors expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to showcase their products to a new audience in the capital. Many noted increased visibility, networking opportunities, and strong sales throughout the two-day event.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of By Faith Catering Services, Mrs. Matilda Zenabu Pipio described the Accra edition as a strategic move to broaden the reach of the festival and create new economic pathways for vendors and producers from the north.
She announced plans to make the Accra bazaar an annual event, emphasizing its potential to boost employment, promote guinea fowl production, and introduce more Ghanaians to the unique flavours of Northern cuisine.
She said, the event is a platform for cultural exchange, economic empowerment, and national unity through food.
She commended partners and called on more organisers to support and invest in initiatives like this.
Meanwhile, the organizers of Guinea fowl Bazaar paid a courtesy call to the Editor of Spectator, Mrs. Georgina Naa-Maku Quaittoo and Mr. David Adadevoh, Acting Editor of The Ghanaian Times.
Both editors lauded the initiatives and encouraged the organizers to sustain it.
Organizers for the initiative and called on stakeholders and cooperate bodies to support this good course.
By Geoffrey Buta.
MTN Ghana has hosted more than 200 students from various educational institutions in Accra for an engaging, hands-on technology immersion at MTN House, bringing classroom theory to life and fueling interest in STEM and digital innovation.
Students from Ashesi University, Ghana International School, Cradle Star Academy, and Kinderland School explored MTN Ghana’s rich history, core values, customer-focused innovations, and digital transformation agenda.
They were introduced to the company’s sustainability and social impact initiatives, spanning education, youth empowerment and community development. A key highlight of the visits was a tour of MTN Ghana’s Network Operations Centre (NOC) and data centres.
The students gained first-hand exposure to the advanced technology, systems, and expertise powering seamless connectivity for millions daily – offering a rare look into how MTN ensures network performance, security, and resilience.
Speaking on the initiative, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Ghana, Adwoa Wiafe, noted, “Hosting students at MTN House reflects our commitment to shaping Ghana’s digital future. As we deliver our Ambition 2030 strategy, we are deepening investments in youth development through programmes like the Bright Scholarship, the MTN Digital Skills Academy, and collaborations on the One Million Coders Programme and the Girls in ICT initiative led by the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation.”
Paschal Paaga, Manager for IT Projects Implementation, emphasised the importance of experiential learning.
‘’By opening our doors, we are helping to bridge the gap between academia and industry. We want young people to see the real-world impact of technology and be inspired to pursue careers in STEM.”
For many participants, the experience was transformative. Maame Sapomaa, a Level 300 Information Systems student from Ashesi University, shared, “The visit was incredibly inspiring. Everything we have learned in the classroom came to life, and we were exposed to new concepts beyond our studies. It has motivated me even more to pursue a career in technology.”
As MTN Ghana advances its Ambition 2030 vision, the company remains committed to driving digital inclusion, platform-led innovation, and building strategic partnerships that support Ghana’s long-term socio-economic development.
