Sunyani: Dr Gabriel Gbiel Benarkuu, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of MIHOSO International Foundation, has called on Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) to seek alternative funding methods for their community intervention programmes. He emphasized the importance of social entrepreneurship, networking, and strengthening partnerships as viable options to counteract the reduction in donor funding and grants.

According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Benarkuu, who also serves as the President of the College for Community and Organisational Development (CCOD), a private technical university, expressed concern over the declining support from donors, attributing it to the nation's middle-income status. This shift has significantly impacted the funding landscape, affecting the operations of many NGOs and CSOs.

During an interview at a staff retreat for the Foundation in Fiapre, near Sunyani, Dr Benarkuu highlighted that numerous NGOs and CSOs are on the brink of collapse due to financial constraints. The retreat provided an opportunity for the Foundation to evaluate its performance, set goals for 2024, and develop strategic plans for the future.

Beyond community intervention, Dr Benarkuu suggested that NGOs and CSOs could explore infrastructure development, commercial farming, and other economic activities to ensure sustainability. Addressing youth unemployment, he lamented the decline in voluntarism and communal efforts, urging the youth to adopt a mindset geared towards voluntary service and personal development.

Established in 2003, the Foundation, as explained by Mr Thomas Benarkuu, Deputy Chief Executive Officer in-charge of Operations, focuses on improving conditions for vulnerable groups, particularly women, children, and girls. He praised the staff for their dedication in 2024 and encouraged them to persist in their efforts to fulfill the Foundation's mission of supporting vulnerable communities.

(GNA)