From 11–14 March 2025, GEM-GHANA participated in the WACSI-organised CSR-HUB Pillar 1 Training on Civic Space Protection and Regulatory Compliance held at the Modern City Hotel, Tamale. Represented by our Executive Director Madam Nimatu Abdul-Rahaman, GEM-GHANA joined 19 other CSOs in an intensive four-day capacity-strengthening exercise that has since shifted the organisation’s operational outlook and commitment to compliance, accountability, and civic advocacy.
The training unpacked the dimensions of civic space: freedom of association, participation, an enabling environment, and digital/media freedoms. These insights reaffirmed GEM-GHANA’s mandate to defend civic freedoms while functioning responsibly within the legal landscape. One key takeaway was the urgent need to promote data protection and digital safety. GEM-GHANA will immediately initiate the development of a data protection policy and internal safeguarding practices to protect beneficiaries and stakeholders from data abuse.
Day Two focused on the realities of money laundering and the vital role of CSOs in preventing financial misconduct. For GEM-GHANA, this session sounded an alarm, highlighting the importance of due diligence, donor vetting, and establishing anti-money laundering policies. In response, we plan to nominate a compliance officer and formalise procedures to scrutinise funding sources and enhance financial transparency.
The training further deepened our understanding of the obligations under Ghana’s NPO Secretariat. Discovering that GEM-GHANA was not listed in the NPO database served as a wake-up call. The organisation will immediately engage the Secretariat to ensure full registration, submission of audit reports, tax compliance, and status regularisation. This commitment to compliance will not only enhance our credibility but also strengthen donor confidence.
Moreover, discussions around nonprofit governance and human resource responsibilities encouraged us to revisit our strategic plan, improve board documentation, and ensure tax obligations are met. GEM-GHANA now understands that good governance is not optional, it is essential for legitimacy and sustainability.
Perhaps most impactful was the session on civic space advocacy. By applying the strategic advocacy planning tools shared, GEM-GHANA will restructure its advocacy framework to become more evidence-based and policy-focused. Our future campaigns will consider legal contexts, regional dynamics, and global best practices.
In summary, the CSR-HUB training has become a milestone in GEM-GHANA’s growth. It has highlighted our compliance gaps, equipped us with practical tools, and sparked new energy to improve organisational systems. We extend our profound gratitude to WACSI and the CSR-HUB project for this transformative opportunity.
GEM-GHANA is now better positioned to act as a compliant, credible, and courageous civil society actor, protecting civic space, promoting women’s rights, and working transparently for greater impact.