In a bold and timely move, ActionAid Ghana is set to host a second high-level National Civil Society–Government Dialogue on Financing for Development (F4D) under the theme: “Reviewing Development Financing for People and Planet: A Civil Society–Government Dialogue for Systemic Reform.”
The Dialogue brings urgent attention to Ghana’s rising debt crisis, climate vulnerability, and
shrinking fiscal space, calling for a total rethink of how the country finances its
development—and at what cost.
“We cannot afford to trade our climate future for unsustainable debt. Ghana’s poorest communities—especially women and youth—are on the frontlines of both debt and climate crises. This Dialogue is not just about policies, it’s about survival. We need financing solutions that work for people, not just creditors,” John Nkaw, Country Director.
Ghana’s debt reached GH¢608 billion (approx. US$52 billion) by the end of 2023—a 36% spike in just one year—while climate-related disasters such as flooding, erratic rainfall, and extreme heat continue to hammer rural livelihoods.
Ghana’s total central government debt reached GH¢608 billion (approximately US$52 billion) at the end of 2023—a 36% increase in one year—while the country faces increased flooding, erratic rainfall, and heatwaves linked to climate change. At the same time, illicit financial flows and regressive tax systems continue to bleed resources that could fund climate adaptation, education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods.
Furthermore, ActionAid Ghana and similar developmental organizations have made numerous calls for a fair climate transition in recent years, with key demands for:
- Gender-responsive, climate-sensitive tax reforms to raise domestic revenue fairly
and sustainably. - To end Illicit Financial Flows, which cost Africa an estimated $88.6 billion annually,
that should be invested in climate resilience and development. - A shift from fossil fuels to a just green energy transition that benefits all Ghanaians.
- Reframing financing for food systems through agroecology—a climate-friendly, debtfree path to food sovereignty
Top Discussion Topics Include:
- Innovative and Practical Solutions to Financing for Development in Ghana-A Civil
Society Perspective - Re-evaluating Financing Government Development Interventions in the face of
dwindling Foreign Aid”. - Financing a Just Green Energy Transition to reduce dependency on Fossil Fuels
- The Cost of Inaction: Why Ghana must Find Bold and New Ways of Financing Climate
Justice Now - Financing Agroecology for Food Sovereignty: A People Powered Alternative for
Climate Resilient and Debt-Free development.
Participants include leading civil society groups such as OXFAM, ISODEC, FIDA Ghana, Activista Ghana, YUWM Ghana, West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), and technical agencies like UN Habitat, Natural Resource Governance Institute. Government actors include the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Gender, NDPC, Bank of Ghana, and the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition.
The National Dialogue seeks to amplify the voices of communities most affected by both debt and climate injustice—particularly women, youth, and rural populations—and push for transformational financing frameworks that prioritize sustainability, equity, and justice.
About ActionAid Ghana (AAG):
ActionAid Ghana (AAG) is a registered Non-Governmental Organization and part of a global
Federation committed to promoting human rights and fighting poverty in over 45 countries.
We believe that people living in poverty can create change for themselves and their
communities, and AAG serves as a catalyst for that change.
