In Ghana, known as the gateway to Africa, domestic philanthropy is deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric. Rooted in the African philosophy of “Ubuntu,” the act of giving is not merely a tradition but a way of life for the country’s over 33 million inhabitants. A poignant example of this spirit emerged in 2019 during the tumult of the COVID-19 pandemic when the Ghanaian government swiftly mobilised GH¢51.54 million (USD $3,881,119.56) from both individuals and corporate entities within the country to combat the crisis. These funds were instrumental in bolstering pandemic response efforts and mitigating the uncertainties faced by the populace.
The ethos of local giving extends beyond national initiatives to permeate community landscapes, where it serves as a catalyst for positive change. It has been observed to enhance livelihoods, address communal challenges, drive community development, and even save lives. This narrative shed light on the remarkable endeavours of three organisations – Nyankonton Aid Foundation, GMI Global Vision, and Billa Mahmud Community School – each exemplifying the transformative potential of local philanthropy in Africa, epitomising values of compassion, solidarity, and collective action.
In the Ashanti region of Ghana, specifically in the Bekwai Municipality and Atwima Kwanyoma District, the livelihoods of 40 mothers have been significantly improved through the proceeds of local philanthropy. These women, who once relied solely on farming for survival, have acquired vocational skills from a community-led project implemented by the Nyankonton Aid Foundation, a locally-based organisation.
In this part of the country, farming serves as the lifeline for its inhabitants. However, the community has lost its green lands to illegal mining, with over 60% of their farmlands no longer able to bear fruit, plunging them into poverty and hunger. This situation has not only led to increased poverty but has also exacerbated issues such as teenage pregnancy, school dropout rates, and other social vices.
Concerned about these challenges, the Nyankonton Aid Foundation embarked on a journey to find alternative ways of improving the lives of people in this Municipality through a women’s empowerment project. The project aims to train mothers in food preparation and farming, including mushroom farming, beekeeping, and snail rearing. However, the foundation initially lacked funds for the project and had to mobilise resources from the local community, leveraging fundraising techniques learnt from a resource mobilisation training facilitated by WACSI. Despite initial challenges, the community rallied behind the project, contributing GHS 147,000 in cash and kind by 2023, which brought it to fruition.
“We are delighted to have brought this project to life, and the overwhelming support from the two communities has been instrumental in its success,” remarked Prince Afriyie, Executive Director of the Nyankonton Aid Foundation.
One beneficiary, Nyarko Jenifer, expressed her gratitude, saying, “I have truly benefited from the project. I have received training in soap making, cooking, and bakery, which has given me valuable skills.”
Similarly, in the rural enclave of Amanga in the Upper East region of Ghana, where agriculture is the lifeblood of over 800 inhabitants, a new dawn of economic opportunity has emerged, through local philanthropy. With the inception of a Basket Weaving project by the GMI Global Vision Foundation a community-based organisation, this community now boasts an additional income stream beyond farming.
For the residents of Amanga, life oscillates between abundance and scarcity, mirroring the cycle of the seasons. While the rainy months usher in prosperity through farming, the dry spells cast a shadow of uncertainty, particularly felt by the women of the community. Faced with dwindling resources, many are compelled to seek livelihoods in urban centres, leaving behind fractured families and interrupted education.
Despite earnest attempts by local authorities and women’s groups to diversify income sources, meaningful progress remained elusive. Recognising the dire need for intervention, the GMI Global Vision Foundation, took up the mantle to uplift Amanga’s women and families. However, the dream of implementing a Basket Weaving Project seemed like a distant mirage amidst financial constraints.
Undeterred, the foundation seized an opportunity presented by a local fundraising training facilitated by the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) in 2022. Armed with newfound strategies, they rallied the community, garnering GHS 6,700 in less than six months from the local people including traditional leaders and faith-based organisations. Witnessing the grassroots momentum, WACSI offered match- funding support of GHS 15,000, catalysing the project’s fruition.
With a total of GHS 21,700 at their disposal, the GMI Global Vision Foundation launched the Basket Weaving Project, offering vocational training to women in Amanga. From humble apprenticeships to skilled artisans, the project witnessed a transformative journey, empowering over 100 women to achieve economic autonomy.
Samuel Azure, the Foundation’s Executive Director, reflects on the project’s impact: “Today, these women…have been empowered to be economically independent.”
Among them is Awula Frasimi, whose newfound skills have not only bolstered her confidence but also provided a stable income to support her family.
In her newfound job, Frasimi, a young mother in her late 20s, sells her crafts for twelve Ghana cedis (GHS 12.00) per basket. On her lucky market days, she could make a sale of over two hundred Ghana cedis (GHS 200). She uses this money to take care of her child and the family.
With each intricately woven basket, lives are transformed. Frasimi, now a proud provider, shares, “This brings me great joy…I no longer depend solely on farming.”
Indeed, the Basket Weaving Project stands as a beacon of hope, illustrating the profound impact of local philanthropy in fostering community resilience and prosperity.
But the ripple effect of local philanthropy extends beyond rural communities. In urban centers like Accra, underserved community schools like the Billa Mahmud Memorial Future Leaders School find themselves grappling with inadequate resources to provide essential ICT facilities. Despite the ardent desire of over 300 young minds to explore the digital frontier, they face crumbling computers and a shortage of equipment.
“It has been a struggle for us. Sometimes, we are unable to have our computer lessons because we are many and the computer in the laboratory is small – some are even spoilt,” lamented Charles Nketia, a basic two student, reflecting the sentiments of his peers.
Undeterred by these challenges, the school community embarked on a journey of hope, seeking ways to raise funds within the school community to renovate the computer laboratory. Yet, the road proved long and arduous.
“As you know, we target children living in the most deprived communities in Accra. Their parents cannot afford higher school fees, so it is hard for us to take anything from the fees to fix the laboratory for the children,” noted Mabel Akpor, Headmistress of the school.
After several failed attempts, the school community realised they needed new fundraising techniques. Their turning point came in 2022 when they participated in a local fundraising training facilitated by the WACSI. Empowered by newfound knowledge, they devised a strategy to mobilise funds leveraging the Parent Teacher Association Levy (PTA) within their community.
In less than five months, the school raised Two Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHC 2000) from the school community. Recognising their resilience and efforts, WACSI provided a match-funding support of Ten Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHC 10,000) to make their dream a reality.
With a total of Twelve Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHC 12,000) at their disposal, Billa Mahmud Memorial Future Leaders School wasted no time in breathing new life into their computer lab.
Today, the once dilapidated space has transformed into a vibrant hub of learning, teeming with excitement and possibility. Equipped with refurbished computers and new equipment, over 300 children are embarking on a journey of discovery, unlocking doors to endless opportunities.
“We are happy about these new computers because they will allow us to gain hands-on experience that complements what we learn in our computing class,” remarked Priscilla Maamah, a basic two learner, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
For the teachers, the impact is equally profound. Adjei Erasmus, a computing teacher, said renovated computer laboratory will make his work easier and enhance learning outcomes.
“Now my students can practice whatever they learn and apply it in the digital world, unlike previously when everything was taught theoretically,” he said.
From rural villages to urban centers, local philanthropy continues to catalyse positive change, fostering resilience and prosperity for communities across Ghana.
The success stories of Nyankonton Aid Foundation, GMI Global Vision, and Billa Mahmud Memorial Future Leaders School underscore the transformative impact of local philanthropy in Ghana. These initiatives showcase how grassroots efforts can address pressing community needs. One crucial lesson from these endeavours is the power of community mobilisation and ownership in driving sustainable change. By engaging local stakeholders and leveraging resources within the community, these organisations were able to overcome financial constraints and achieve their goals. Furthermore, these stories highlight the importance of capacity building and knowledge sharing in strengthening philanthropic efforts at the grassroots level. Through initiatives like the fundraising training facilitated by WACSI, organisations gained valuable insights and strategies to mobilise funds effectively.
Moving forward, it is essential to continue promoting a culture of giving and solidarity within Ghanaian communities, fostering collaboration between local actors, civil society organisations, and government agencies. By harnessing the collective strength of communities and investing in local solutions, Ghana can further unleash the potential of local philanthropy to drive inclusive development and prosperity nationwide.