Accra: Mr Benjamin Fiafor, Chairperson of the International Non-Governmental Organisation (INGO) Forum Ghana, has underscored the need for increased financial support to drive NGOs localisation efforts in the country. Speaking to journalists at the 2025 Annual Convening of the Forum in Accra, Mr Fiafor said the time had come for stakeholders to take concrete steps in financing localisation to empower local NGOs and institutions.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Fiafor emphasised that without funding, localisation would remain a rhetoric. He stated, “Without the financial support, we believe that localisation will just be in conference rooms and lecture halls,” adding that taking action on financing localisation would enable local authorities, institutions, and NGOs to function and fulfill their expected roles.
Mr Fiafor noted that dwindling donor support, including from USAID and other international partners, necessitated a rethinking of funding structures to ensure resources reached local organisations. The Forum also highlighted accountability as a major concern for NGOs, observing that negative perceptions often stemmed from weak accountability systems.
The Forum advocated for creating an enabling environment for philanthropy in Ghana, including tax relief incentives for donors. It argued that such systems would encourage individuals and philanthropists to contribute to community development.
The INGO Forum Ghana, which collaborates with international NGOs, government, the UN, and development partners, convenes annually to share experiences and promote collaboration. This year’s focus on financing localisation seeks to accelerate action toward stronger, accountable, and better-resourced local institutions. The event was themed: ‘Financing Localisation: Strengthening Partnerships for Sustainable Development in Ghana.’
Mr Zia Choudhury, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ghana, reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s development efforts through strong partnerships and collaboration. He emphasised the importance of joint action among government, local organisations, private sector actors, and international partners, stressing that no single actor could achieve sustainable progress alone. Mr Choudhury stated, “For me, it boils down to the human rights of every single person in this world. If we defend those human rights, then I think we will be able to continue supporting those that need to be supported.”