By: Swala Abdul-Wahab
As Ghana stands on the brink of a deepening development crisis fueled by unsustainable debt, illicit financial flows, and shrinking donor support, ActionAid Ghana is convening a National Civil Society Dialogue and Mobilization on the Financing for Development (F4D) on 14th May 2025 in Accra.
A statement issued by the organization said the high-level dialogue is bringing together leading voices in civil society to confront the exploitative financial systems and global inequalities that continue to undermine Ghana’s progress.
With over US$138 billion paid by low-income countries in debt servicing last year alone—money that should have gone into education, healthcare, and climate resilience, the need for action has never been more urgent. Ghana’s own debt reached GH¢608 billion by the end of 2023, a staggering 35.9% increase from the previous year.
Meanwhile, public services are underfunded, inequality is widening, and the most vulnerable—especially women, youth, and low-income communities—are bearing the brunt of a broken system. “Ghana is not just dealing with a fiscal crisis—it is facing a full-blown development emergency,” said John Nkaw, Country Director of ActionAid Ghana.
“This Dialogue is about reclaiming our voice, reshaping our economic future, and demanding a fair share for people—not just profits. We must replace outdated, colonial-era financial systems with bold, inclusive, and locally rooted solutions.”
Reclaiming Development: This Dialogue brings together bold voices from civil society organisations such as OXFAM, CARE, Plan, ISODEC, ABANTU, NETRight, GII, Amnesty, WACSI, CRS, Tax Justice networks, youth coalitions, and many others. Together, these movements will amplify the voices of those most affected by unjust systems and build a shared advocacy platform to demand accountable governance and people-first fiscal policies.
The dialogue will drive Four Key Demands: • Progressive, gender-responsive, and climate-smart tax reforms to increase domestic revenue and reduce inequality as well as Urgent action to stop illicit financial flows and corporate tax abuse that rob Ghana of billions annually.
It will also look at Increased investment in gender-responsive public services, including quality education, healthcare, and social protection for all.
Innovative and sustainable funding pathways for civil society, ensuring movements remain vibrant, independent, and impactful.
This dialogue is not a one-time conversation; it kicks off a coordinated campaign demanding economic justice, climate accountability, and gender equity globally. “
We are uniting to challenge the systems that impoverish us”.
AAG: ActionAid Ghana (AAG) is a registered Non-Governmental Organization and part of a global movement committed to promoting human rights and fighting poverty in over 45 countries. The organisation believes that people living in poverty can create change for themselves and their communities.
