The government of Ghana has unveiled plans to collaborate with stakeholders to develop a clear roadmap for enacting the Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) Bill, a significant move to regulate Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the country.
Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang announced this initiative during her keynote speech at the 2025 Ghana Civil Society Forum in Accra. She highlighted the absence of specific legislation to support CSO activities, stating, “We are dedicated to partnering with civil society to foster consensus and pass the NPO Bill into law.”
Held under the theme “Reimagining Development Financing and Civil Action: Opportunities, Challenges, and the Path Forward,” the forum brought together over 500 representatives from civic groups, policymakers, and development partners across Ghana.
The Vice President emphasized that the roadmap will prioritize inclusive consultations to align with the government’s commitment to enhancing transparency and public accountability.
The NPO Bill aims to:
– Establish a legal framework for the registration and operation of CSOs,
– Improve oversight and transparency in funding mechanisms,
– Safeguard civic space while ensuring adherence to national and international standards.
This announcement aligns with broader government reforms to strengthen public financial management, including efforts to expand the tax base and curb illicit activities, such as gold smuggling.
“We will formalize stakeholder engagement through mechanisms like the proposed National Governance Council to promote consensus and drive Ghana’s development forward,” the Vice President added.
