ActionAid Ghana to convene National Civil Society Dialogue to demand fair financing for development

Ghana faces a serious development crisis. This crisis is driven by unsustainable debt, illicit financial flows, and reduced donor support. In response, ActionAid Ghana will host a National Civil Society Dialogue on Financing for Development (F4D). This event will take place on May 14, 2025, in Accra.

The Dialogue aims to unite civil society voices. It seeks to address exploitative financial systems and global inequalities affecting Ghana’s progress. Last year, low-income countries paid over US$138 billion in debt servicing. This money could have funded education, healthcare, and climate resilience.

By the end of 2023, Ghana's debt reached GH¢608 billion. This marks a staggering 35.9% increase from the previous year. Public services are underfunded, and inequality is growing. The most vulnerable groups—especially women, youth, and low-income communities—are suffering the most.

John Nkaw is the Country Director of ActionAid Ghana. He stated that Ghana faces a full-blown development emergency. “This Dialogue is about reclaiming our voice,” he said. It aims to reshape our economic future and demand fairness for people over profits.

The Dialogue will feature voices from various civil society organizations like OXFAM and CARE. These groups aim to amplify the concerns of those affected by unjust systems. They will build a shared advocacy platform for accountable governance and people-first fiscal policies.

The Dialogue will focus on four key demands:

1. Progressive tax reforms that are gender-responsive and climate-smart.
2. Urgent action against illicit financial flows and corporate tax abuse.
3. Increased investment in gender-responsive public services like education and healthcare.
4. Innovative funding pathways for civil society to remain independent and impactful.

This dialogue marks the start of a coordinated campaign for economic justice globally. Together, we will challenge systems that impoverish us all.