STAKEHOLDERS VALIDATES NPO SECRETARIAT OPERATIONAL DOCUMENTS

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), in collaboration with the Serious and Organised Crime–Ghana (SOC-G) Programme, successfully held a two-day roundtable validation workshop to review and validate the operational documents of the Non-Profit Organisation Secretariat (NPOS).

The workshop brought together key government institutions, civil society organisations, and development partners to strengthen Ghana’s regulatory and supervisory framework for the non-profit sector.

The validation exercise formed part of Ghana’s broader reforms under the SOC-G Programme and contributed to preparations for the country’s Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Mutual Evaluation scheduled for January 2026.

Discussions focused on enhancing transparency, accountability, and resilience within the non-profit sector, while also safeguarding civic space and promoting responsible operations of non-profit organisations.

Addressing participants, the Head of the Non-Profit Organisation Secretariat, Mr. Felix Logah, described the engagement as a strategic and essential step towards strengthening Ghana’s compliance with international standards. He noted that the effectiveness of the NPO Secretariat largely depended on strong policies, clear procedures, and practical supervisory tools.

Mr. Logah explained that the workshop will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to carefully review and improve key operational documents that guide the work of the NPO Secretariat. These includes the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Supervisory Manual, NPO Policy, NPO Directives, and the NPO Guidance Handbook.

He noted that the documents are critical in guiding day-to-day operations, ensuring a risk-based approach to supervision, and preventing the misuse of non-profit organisations for money laundering, terrorist financing, and other organised crimes.

He commended stakeholders for their active participation and technical contributions, describing the roundtable as highly participatory and forward-looking.

adding that the collective inputs from stakeholders would ensure the development of fit-for-purpose operational documents that are ready for printing, dissemination, and official launch ahead of the Mutual Evaluation.

Also addressing the workshop, the Team Leader of the SOC-G Programme, Mrs. Linda Ofori-Kwafo, emphasised the importance of strong standards validated operational frameworks in supporting Ghana’s efforts to meet international anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards.

Source: MoGCSP