TIG Post

Tag: Civil Society Organizations

  • Restructuring economic modules is essential for Ghana’s survival and growth – Otokunor

    Director of Inter-Party and Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Relations (Corporate Affairs) for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Boamah Otokunor, has stressed the urgent necessity for restructuring the country’s economic frameworks to ensure resilience and advancement.

    This call to action was underscored during a pivotal meeting with representatives from the Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC).

    Addressing the gathering, Dr. Otokunor highlighted the current economic challenges facing the nation, emphasizing that without substantial reforms, sustainable development would remain unattainable.

    “The survival and growth of our nation hinge on a comprehensive restructuring of our economic frameworks,” he stated.

    “It is imperative that we adopt new strategies that are resilient and inclusive to navigate the complexities of the modern economic landscape.”

    Dr. Otokunor further spotlighted proactive measures initiated by former President John Dramani Mahama, who established the NDC LAB committee.Comprising seasoned technocrats, this committee is tasked with conducting a thorough analysis of the economy and providing actionable insights and innovative solutions to address economic issues.

    The meeting with ISODEC also emphasized collaborative efforts to address social and economic disparities. Both parties agreed on the importance of a multifaceted approach, integrating diverse perspectives and expertise to achieve shared objectives.

    “The NDC LAB is a testament to our commitment to leveraging expertise and evidence-based approaches in addressing our economic challenges. By bringing together the brightest minds, we aim to develop robust economic policies that will foster long-term stability and growth,” Otokunor noted

    Present at the meeting were Dr. Mary Ewusi, Deputy Director of Inter-Party and Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Relations (Corporate Affairs), and other members of the Directorate.

  • CSOs against anti-LGBTQ bill because of donor funds from the West – Netizen

    CSOs against anti-LGBTQ bill because of donor funds from the West – Netizen

    A user on the X platform has accused several Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) of banding together to oppose the controversial Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values (anti-LGBTQ+) bill recently passed by parliament.

    The user contends that these organizations are prioritizing financial gain over their principles by opposing the bill due to their reliance on donor funds from Western countries.

    Suddenly almost every CSO have aligned to oppose the anti-LGBTQ bill all because they rely solely on donor funds from the west to chopped. Shame on them.


    Parliament passed the anti-LGBTQ bill on Wednesday, February 28, 2024. Once enacted into law, it will criminalize lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) activities, along with their promotion, advocacy, and funding in Ghana.

    Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo has clarified that the anti-LGBTQI bill has not yet reached his office.

    Despite concerns within diplomatic circles, he assured that the bipartisan approval of the bill by Parliament will not compromise Ghana’s human rights record.


    In addressing anxieties regarding any potential shift in Ghana’s stance on human rights and the rule of law, President Akufo-Addo emphasized his commitment to upholding these principles.

    While refraining from discussing the bill’s origin, pending on his desk, he acknowledged a constitutional challenge filed at the Supreme Court regarding the proposed legislation.

    The President urged patience, suggesting that everyone await the court’s decision before taking any action.

  • Release names of ‘Gold for Oil’ third party dealers – CSOs to govt

    Release names of ‘Gold for Oil’ third party dealers – CSOs to govt

    Some Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have called on the government to release the names of third-party dealers taking part in the “Gold for Oil” initiative.

    The call comes after some Oil Marketing Companies pulled out of the programme due to unresolved concerns.

    The Ghana Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors has announced that some of its members are also unhappy with concerns raised on the implementation of the programme.

    Speaking to the media, the energy Analyst, and Co-Chair of the Ghana Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, Dr. Steve Manteaw said the government must publish the names of all intermediary dealers in the programme to promote transparency.

    He added that the current mode of the programme creates room for some operators to take advantage of the system.

    “There is no disclosure in terms of who is financing the domestic gold purchasing in this transaction. We are going to resort to the services of third party. For instances who is selling Ghana’s gold. if it’s a broker then the broker services has to be disclosed”.

    Dr. Manteaw stated lack of transparency will encourage corrupt acts that may defeat the purpose of the programme.

    “I think it’s fair to ask questions. How much is the broker being paid and how does it affect what we receive as a country in terms of reserves”, he quizzed.

  • I have spoken to Akufo-Addo and he’s not going to sack me – Freddie Blay tells CSOs

    I have spoken to Akufo-Addo and he’s not going to sack me – Freddie Blay tells CSOs

    Board Chairman of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Freddie Blay, has responded to a group of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) demanding that President Akufo-Addo urgently replaces him.

    Blay, a former New Patriotic Party (NPP) chairman in an interview said he would rather be fired by the appointing authority than to resign.

    He also confirmed having held talks with president Akufo-Addo over a May 16 stinging letter Minister of Energy, Matthew Opoku Prempeh wrote in respect of a planned sale of 50% shares of government’s stake in an oil field to South African firm, Petro SA.

    “Possibly, I could be fired, but I don’t see any reason why they are saying I should resign about this issue. I have done nothing wrong. I have observed my conscience and I thought I was protecting the interest of the country, and I am convinced about it and if others think otherwise and if those who appointed me are saying otherwise, then so be it.

    “I have spoken to the president about it, and we haven’t gotten to where he will ask for his job back. It is not about convincing the president, the law will speak for itself and the law will talk and there are few documents on the agreement.”

    Concern of CSOs

    A group of 29 CSOs on Extractive Governance on May 23, 2023 called for the immediate dismissal of Freddie Blay and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, Opoku Ahweneeh Danquah.

    The calls came on the back of recent reports and documents indicating GNPC’s intention to sell 50% stake in Jubilee Holdings Limited (JOHL) in a deal with a South African oil company, PetroSA despite significant revenue potential this interest holds for the state.

    Coordinator for the Economic Governance Platform, Abdul Karim Mohammed told the press that the persistent involvement of such persons associated with such deals pose significant risk to Ghana’s stake and interest in the petroleum sector.

    “We demand the immediate removal of GNPC’s CEO, Opoku Ahweneeh Danquah and the Board Chairman, Freddie W. Blay from their respective positions as they have become a threat to Ghana’s interest in the petroleum sector”, he said.

    Abdul Mohammed further noted that Energy Minister, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh has vehemently opposed the decision by the GNPC Board Chairman [Freddie Blay] in offering interest in Ghana’s stake to PetroSA which is based in South Africa.

    “It is a viable field, and it is giving us a lot of money if we allow this to go forward. What it means is that PetroSA will be entitled to 50 percent of the earnings from the field, whereas they have not had any role in developing the field to the point where it is now viable,” he explained.

    “The information we have is that the Minister for Energy has objected to this transaction but the Chairman of GNPC Board is pushing this transaction to the extent that the Minister of Energy had written to the Jubilee House over this transaction,” the Coordinator added.

    Meanwhile, documents in the media have suggested that Freddie Blay in his capacity as the GNPC Board Chairman is said to have written to PetroSA offering it an equal split in the interest held by GNPC’s subsidiary, Jubilee Oil Holdings Limited.

    The move has since resulted in backlash from the CSOs made up of the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers Ghana (COPEC), Imani Centre for Policy and Education and 25 others.

  • African Development Bank hosts maiden edition of Civil Society Open Day in Seychelles

    African Development Bank hosts maiden edition of Civil Society Open Day in Seychelles

    On Thursday, April 27, 2023, the African Development Bank’s Seychelles Country Team organized its inaugural Open Day for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Seychelles.

    The event was attended by 25 representatives from various CSOs, including the umbrella body, Citizens Engagement Platform Seychelles (CEPS).

    The purpose of the gathering was to discuss the bank’s country strategy and portfolio and explore possibilities for collaboration in achieving sustainable and inclusive development in Seychelles.

    Among the topics addressed were energy transition and youth development.

    Attendees include the African Development Bank’s Director General for East Africa, Mrs. Nnenna Nwabufo, the Principal Secretary for National Planning in Seychelles, Ms. Elizabeth Charles Agathine, the Director for Special Programs at the Office of the President, Ms. Maria Mulindi, and the CEO of CEPS, Mr. Alvin Laurence.

    Mrs. Nwabufo reiterated the Bank’s commitment to engaging civil society organizations in implementing the Bank’s High 5s for inclusive, sustainable growth and development in Seychelles. 

    The bank instituted CSO Open Day as a platform for sharing information on its portfolio, shared learning, and an opportunity for civil society bodies to provide feedback on the Bank’s country engagement.

    Ms. Agathine reaffirmed the government’s commitment to working with CSOs and other stakeholders to solve the country’s development challenges.  “We believe working together can create a more just, inclusive, and sustainable society.”

    Recognizing the role of CSOs in the development process, Ms. Mulindi encouraged the participants to develop a keen interest in the Bank’s development projects.

    This would ensure the realization of the intended social benefits for the people while strengthening the Bank’s impact on livelihoods.

    The Bank presented its strategy and results achieved since 2021. The presentation made by Mr. Tilahun Temesgen, Chief Regional Economist, highlighted the key challenges, including cross-cutting issues.

    Alvin Laurence, Executive Director of the Citizens Engagement Platform Seychelles, an umbrella organization of civil society organizations in Seychelles.

    CEPS CEO Laurence gave an overview of civil society engagement in Seychelles, challenges and possible opportunities for collaboration.

    Some of the critical recommendations raised at the event were:

    1.Request for a more participatory development process. The CSOs recommended a platform for multistakeholder dialogue, which includes government, private sector and civil society with a particular focus on the energy transition and solutions for renewables.

    2. Build capacity on the Bank’s procurement processes, including for AFAWA and ACCF.

    3.Education curricula should match the respective industry, especially in the tourism and renewable energy sectors. They emphasized the need for a transition plan from fossil fuel to clean energy.

    1. Groups urge govt to sign treaty barring nuclear weapons

      Groups urge govt to sign treaty barring nuclear weapons

      The Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA) and affiliated Civil Society Organizations (CSO) have urged government support the UN treaty barring nuclear weapons.

      The CSOs and FOSDA made the call at a workshop organized by FOSDA on the UN Treaty Prohibiting Nuclear Weapons which was organized in collaboration with the International Campaign To Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) in Accra recently.

      Speaking in an interview with Starr News, the Executive Director for FOSAD, Theodora Williams Anti highlighted the importance of the government of Ghana to ratify the treaty prohibiting the existence of nuclear weapons.

      “We call on the government to ratify the treaty prohibiting nuclear weapons. Ghana has shown tremendous support, interest and goodwill towards the treaty since Ghana signed in 2017. We are very sure that Ghana continues to lead peace and security at the regional and global level. Especially now that Ghana is part of the UN Security Council. So, we are calling on Ghana to take that forward to step up and ratify the treaty. And make sure that all other countries follow.

      “We hope that Ghana can ratify and be a state party by the time we are having the second meeting with the state parties to the TPNW in November this year. Our deadline is for Ghana to ratify as soon as possible by August so that it can be a state party to the story,” Mrs. Anit explained.

      She continued; “Nuclear weapons have been banned since 2017 and the treaty that prohibits it has been in existence since 2021. FOSDA is rallying all countries behind that treaty to sign and ratify the treaty. It is more crucial and more important now when we have a lot of nuclear war threats coming out of the Russia-Ukraine war. Coming out of North Korea and coming out of all quarters. The world is threatened by nuclear war more than ever since the cold war. This is the time that our voices have to be strong in calling for a total ban on the prohibition of nuclear weapons.”