The Coastal CSOs Forum (CCF) is collaborating with the Government of Ghana to implement Phase Two of the West Africa Coastal Area Resilience Project (WACA ReSIP 2).
To enhance the effectiveness of this initiative, the CCF has established working groups comprising Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) engaged in coastal activities that align with the goals and objectives of the WACA project.
These working groups, which serve as the cornerstone of the CCF’s operations, reflect the network-driven approach adopted for WACA project implementation.
Hosted at Brown Hill Residences in Aburi, the workshop built on previous activities and focused on refining plans and strategies to optimise the CSOs’ role in the WACA project, ensuring accountability to both citizens and the state.
The Role of Civil Society in WACA
In an exclusive interview, the Chairman of the Coastal CSOs Forum, Ken Kinney, emphasised the critical role of civil society in the WACA project.
“CSOs act as watchdogs and are deeply involved in both the implementation processes and technical committees where crucial decisions about the project are made,” he said.
He highlighted that CSOs are responsible for compliance and accountability reporting concerning the core state agencies implementing the WACA project.
He noted that effective delivery of the CCF’s mandate requires sustained community engagement and the production of shadow reports on project implementation.
“These reports are not primarily focused on fault finding or to indictments of government activities but as to help align project efforts with its intended goals through cross-fertilisation of ideas, strategies expertise and citizens participation, bringing community potentials to the forefront,” Kinney clarified
Kinney added that the inclusion of CSOs underscores their importance in ensuring government objectives are achieved effectively.
Supporting Accountability and Restoration
Kinney also highlighted the contributions of CSOs to accountability, transparency, and coastal restoration efforts, such as mangrove rehabilitation.
“The WACA project’s impact is evident in the restoration of coastlines, natural resource management, and investments in local economies,” he noted.
Noble Wadzah, WACA Project Coordinator, echoed these sentiments, stressing the value CSOs bring to the initiative.
“This is a World Bank and Government of Ghana initiative, and the CSOs are critical partners in ensuring its objectives are realised,” Wadzah stated.
He underscored the dual role of civil society in advocating for transparency while ensuring the project addresses the needs of local communities, equipping them to withstand climate-induced challenges.
Wadzah also emphasised the need for a compliance monitoring framework aligned with transparency and accountability principles.
“The Coastal CSOs Forum ensures that WACA’s activities are responsive to the needs of citizens,” he said, adding that this participatory process will enhance trust and effectiveness in project implementation
Key Outcomes and Future Vision
The workshop resulted in the formation of working groups to better coordinate efforts across various facets of the project.
These groups are designed to foster collaboration between CSOs and implementing agencies, ensuring a participatory approach to decision-making.
The WACA project seeks to address critical challenges along West Africa’s coastline, including environmental degradation and climate resilience.
By actively engaging CSOs, the initiative aims to restore coastal ecosystems, promote sustainable resource management, and strengthen local economies.
The meeting at Brown Hill Residences marked a significant milestone in the partnership between government entities, civil society, and international stakeholders, paving the way for sustained progress toward WACA’s transformative goals.
Latest Stories
-
Photos: They came, they bonded and had fun at Joy FM’s Party in the Park
7 minutes -
No shipper using a port in Ghana should pay for delays – GSA
11 minutes -
Bongo Naba appeals to Ya Na, Yagbonwura, others to intervene in Bawku crisis
12 minutes -
I fell in love with Ghana during 2010 World Cup – Jeremie Frimpong
50 minutes -
Appoint ‘brutal’ OPK as Whip – Carlos Ahenkorah urges NPP leadership
3 hours -
Ablakwa questions alleged GH₵60m transfer to presidency for ‘special operations’
3 hours -
Dame Judi reveals apple tribute to Maggie Smith
3 hours -
NDC rejects rerun in outstanding polling station in Dome Kwabenya
4 hours -
EC has the power to re-collate results – Ayikoi Otoo
4 hours -
Putin apologises for plane crash, without saying Russia at fault
4 hours -
Footage shows NY officers beating prisoner before death
4 hours -
AngloGold Ashanti equips mastercraft persons at Sanso with tools to train youth apprentices
4 hours -
Okokobioko delivers resounding performance at 1031 Laughs & Music
4 hours -
Fatawu Issahaku’s knee injury a big blow for Leicester – Van Nistelrooy
5 hours -
EC to rerun parliamentary election at outstanding polling station in Dome Kwabenya
5 hours