Tamale: The Ghana Developing Communities Association (GDCA), a non-governmental organization based in Tamale, has commenced celebrations for its 40th anniversary with a health walk. The event, which took place on Saturday, saw participation from GDCA staff, subsidiary NGOs, partner NGOs, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), as they traversed a seven-kilometer route through key areas of the Tamale and Sagnarigu Assemblies, starting and ending at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium. According to Ghana News Agency, the participants carried placards bearing messages that highlighted the GDCA's contributions over the past four decades, such as "40 Years of Building Capacities of Local Stakeholders," and "Increasing Citizens' Participation in Local Governance and Democratic Decision-making." The Executive Director of GDCA, Alhaji Osman Abdel-Rahman, addressed attendees after the walk, celebrating the impact the organization has had on community development and national progress. Alhaji Abdel-Rahman stated, "Our inte rventions have been able to impact lives close to 50,000 to 60,000 every year, which is worth celebrating." He further assured of GDCA's ongoing commitment to capacity building within communities, particularly emphasizing efforts to enhance women's participation in economic activities. This includes initiatives like the Village Savings and Loans Association, aimed at integrating digital solutions to boost income generation. Alhaji Abdel-Rahman extended gratitude to GDCA's strategic partners, particularly Ghana Venskab from Denmark, for their longstanding collaboration that has led to transformative outcomes. He also acknowledged the support from other partners, including the United States Agency for International Development, STAR Ghana Foundation, and Acting for Life. The GDCA's anniversary celebrations will culminate on November 2 with a seminar in Dalun, Kumbungu District, focusing on the organization's journey and discussions on quality education. Additionally, a CSOs Football Gala took place on Saturd ay, with GDCA's team securing a 2-1 victory in a friendly match against other CSOs at the Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium.