Ghana Philanthropy Conference 2024: Stakeholders call for a National Strategy on Volunteerism for development
Alhaji Ibrahim- Tanko Amidu Executive Director, STAR-Ghana Foundation
The 2024 Ghana Philanthropy Conference has issued a strong call to action, urging the government to develop a national strategy and policy for inculcating the spirit of volunteerism in citizens. This move aims to harness the power of volunteerism to drive sustainable development and social change in Ghana
Stakeholders emphasized the critical role of volunteerism in contributing to community development, social justice, and nation-building.
In a communique issued after the conference, they also urged the government to formalize volunteerism through the national educational system, complete and roll out the Not-for-Profit Organizations Bill, institutionalize a national volunteerism week, and incentivize volunteer support organizations and volunteers through taxes and rewards.
The conference, convened by the STAR-Ghana Foundation in collaboration with the University of Ghana’s Centre for Social Policy Studies, aimed to enhance collaboration in social and economic research and promote volunteerism as a catalyst for nation-building.
To promote volunteerism, they committed to promoting volunteerism through communication, education, and stakeholder engagements.
They also committed to engaging the youth in volunteerism, enhancing access to volunteer opportunities through digital platforms, and strengthening partnerships with private sector organizations.
The two-day conference was a pivotal event that brought together stakeholders from civil society organizations, government institutions, the private sector, and volunteers to deliberate on the theme “Volunteerism as Civic Action”.
Overall, the Ghana Philanthropy Conference 2024 aimed to harness the power of volunteerism to drive sustainable development and social change in Ghana.
