By Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
The United Nations’s Resident Coordinator in Ghana, H. E. Charles Abani has revealed that International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) operating in Ghana contribute approximately $350 million annually to the country’s economy.
He said INGOs mobilized over $30 billion annually for humanitarian aid, health services, education, and human rights, particularly in fragile contexts.
In a speech read on his behalf by the Partnerships and Development Officer at the UN Ghana office, Madam Gifty Ayongo Tetteh at the re-launch of INGOs Forum Ghana in Accra, said the contributions of INGOs are nothing short of monumental.
“In Ghana alone, INGOs contribute approximately $350 million each year across essential sectors, making significant strides in health, education, water and sanitation, and agriculture. Your work is instrumental in peacebuilding, fostering democratic processes like election monitoring, advancing human rights, and agilely responding to emergencies.
Sustainable development must now take precedence—not just as an aspiration but as an urgent imperative. It is essential for economic stability and resilience, ensuring the survival and well-being of future generations. With Ghana ranked 117th on the 2024 SDG Index and scoring just 63.0, it is clear that our immediate action is needed to address specific areas and maintain our momentum toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he reiterated
He noted further that the looming effects of climate change present a grave threat, with projections indicating that, if unaddressed, it could push up to a million Ghanaians into poverty by 2050—disproportionately impacting vulnerable groups like farmers and informal sector workers. This reality demands our swift and concerted efforts.
Reflecting on the 2030 Agenda and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals, we must recognize that achieving these ambitious targets hinges on our collective commitment—governments, civil society, the private sector, and INGOs working in tandem. The UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana reiterated.
“Today, I want to take this moment to appreciate the unwavering commitment of INGOs to the cause of sustainable development. Your tireless efforts lay the foundation for lasting change in the lives of countless individuals, and your impact is felt not only within the communities you serve but also across the entire nation,” he said.
In his welcome address, the Convenor of INGOs and Senior Country Representative of Farm Radio International, Mr. Benjamin Fiafor appealed to representatives from the various at the re-launch to stay committed to the course of the forum.
Mr. Fiafor explained the INGOs Forum platform provides unfettered opportunities, coordination, knowledge sharing, and expertise to aid members in the field of their work.
According to him, coming together of all INGOs in Ghana will promote transparency, and accountability in the communities they operate in.
“Again, coming together will eliminate duplication and multiplication of the same functions in the various communities. Sometimes you go to a community and you see two or more INGOs, and local NGOs doing the same thing. If things are done in a coordinated manner such occurrences will not happen. For this and other reasons, let us renew our commitments today and ensure that we sustain the momentum,” he added.
The theme for the re-launch was “Strengthening Partnerships for Sustainable Development.”