A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs), led by ActionAid Ghana, is urging the government to intensify efforts to curb illicit financial flows (IFFs), asserting that the recovery of misappropriated public funds is essential for promoting equitable and inclusive national development.
Speaking at a Civil Society Dialogue on Financing for Development (FfD) in Accra, Country Director of ActionAid Ghana, John Nkaw stressed the urgent need for greater fiscal transparency, accountability, and effective resource mobilization to address systemic inequalities.
He called for progressive tax reforms to ensure that the wealthy and multinational corporations contribute their fair share to national revenue, while safeguarding vulnerable populations.
“No nation can thrive when its schools are overcrowded, its clinics under-resourced, and its social safety nets non-existent. We must put people—especially women and girls—at the centre of our development agenda,” Mr. Nkaw stated
He further stressed the importance of climate-responsive fiscal policies that promote green and inclusive growth.
Mr. Nkaw also drew attention to the failings of the global financial system, noting that over 50 countries are currently in a debt crisis, struggling to maintain basic public services such as hospitals, education, and clean water.
“Ghana is not immune. By the end of 2023, our public debt stood at over GH¢608 billion. That number represents more than just a macroeconomic strain. It reflects every stalled school project, every understaffed clinic, and every young person left behind. And, as is too often the case, it is women, girls, and the poorest households who bear the heaviest burden,” he added.
Programme Lead of the Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC), Bernard Anaba warned that IFFs and the escalating debt burden are crippling governments’ ability to finance critical development programmes.
“Debt is increasingly rising around the world. Governments are trapped in a global financial system that encourages borrowing and makes it possible to roll over debts indefinitely. While governments operate in deficits, it is the private sector—multinationals, equity funds, banks, and bond markets—that hold the credit,” he stated.
The dialogue brought together key stakeholders including OXFAM, CARE, Plan International, ISODEC, ABANTU for Development, NETRight, Ghana Integrity Initiative, Amnesty International, WACSI, Catholic Relief Services, Tax Justice Networks, and youth-led groups, all committed to advancing sustainable financing for national development.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm103.5FM/Benjamin Sackey
