Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), has been appointed as a member of a newly formed five-member Technical Advocacy Working Group dedicated to advancing the passage of Ghana’s Non-Profit Organization (NPO) draft Bill.
His selection is part of a broader initiative announced during the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Zonal Consultations at the GNAT Hall National Headquarters on February 27, 2025.
This new advocacy group features a diverse mix of two men, two women, and a representative from the Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) community.
The group’s formation resulted from a transparent nomination and voting process that engaged over 500 representatives from various civil society organizations across the country.
The members of the Technical Working Group include:
– Isaac Boison, Coordinator of the Greater Accra Regional Youth Network (GARYN)
– Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, Founder and Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana
– Hon. Afisa Otiko Djaba, Former Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection
– Priscilla AKofa Agbenu, from the Centre for Women in Development and Public Policy
– Elvis Kosi Alipkui, representing Persons Living with Disabilities as a member of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations
In his opening remarks at the consultations, Ibrahim-Tanko Amidu, Executive Director of STAR Ghana Foundation, highlighted the NPO Bill’s critical role in providing a conducive environment for non-profits to thrive, engage with communities, and significantly contribute to national development.
“We must come together to advocate for this legislation and strengthen our collective voice,” he stated.
The establishment of this advocacy group builds upon earlier consultations held in Kumasi on February 18 and Tamale on February 25, 2025, which facilitated dialogue among stakeholders and strategized for the NPO Bill.
These gatherings attracted thousands of CSO representatives, who actively participated in discussions to craft a robust advocacy strategy.
A key outcome of these consultations was the formation of an Advocacy Committee aimed at consolidating vital positions.
This Committee will ensure that the NPO Bill not only regulates the operations of non-profits but also nurtures their growth and sustainability.
The initiative is backed by STAR-Ghana Foundation, with funding from @WINGS and the EU through the Lift Up Philanthropy Fund, along with support from Comic Relief and FCDO through the Civil Society Strengthening Programme.
Feruzah Salisu, Project Officer at STAR-Ghana Foundation, remarked that the formation of the Advocacy Committee represents a significant step toward mobilizing resources for the NPO Bill, which seeks to enhance the contributions of non-profit organizations to Ghana’s national development.
These consultations have provided an essential platform for stakeholders to carefully consider the implications of the NPO Bill draft and strategize cooperative efforts to advocate for its passage in Parliament, positioning Dr. Wemakor and his colleagues at the forefront of this critical initiative.
