Northern Region Branch of Ghana Coalition of NGOs in Health Holds General Meeting

RUWA-GHANA Conference Hall 22 October 2024 – The Northern Region Branch of the Ghana Coalition of NGOs in Health convened a pivotal meeting on Tuesday, marked by significant discussions and strategic decisions aimed at enhancing the coalition’s impact and visibility.

Call to Order and Opening Prayer

The meeting, initially scheduled for 10:00 a.m., commenced at 10:30 a.m. with the chairman blamed late arrival of participants as the cause of the delay. An opening Islamic prayer set a respectful tone for the proceedings.

Introductions and Previous Minutes

Following a round of introductions, Mr. Prince read the minutes of the previous meeting (General Meeting of 2023), highlighting the election of new executives. Notably, Mr. Abass Abdul Wahab transitioned from treasurer to vice chairman, while Dr. Abdallah Yahaya moved from vice chairman to treasurer. Other key executives, including Chairman Mr. Masud Aziz Rauf, Organizing Secretary Mr. Abdul Fatawu Baako, and Secretary Mr. Gabriel Fiatui, were re-elected.

Update of Third Quarter Board of Trustees (BoTs) Meeting

The chairman provided updates from the National Board of Trustees meeting in Accra which took place on 19th September, 2024, emphasizing the upcoming conclusion of GAVI PSR 2 in November and the need for timely report submissions. He also discussed the GC7 community health project, set to be launched in the Ashanti and Eastern regions, focusing on employing cadres, that is, individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

Future Events and Strategic Initiatives

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Ghana Coalition of NGOs in Health is scheduled for 19-21 November 2024 at AKROMA Hotel in the Western Region, despite a strong bid from the Northern Region. Additionally, Monk Marketing has been engaged to enhance the coalition’s visibility and rebrand its identity.

Membership and Financial Updates

The chairman on behalf the treasurer read the list of paid-up members, urging others to fulfill their dues to increase their chances of securing projects. He stressed the importance of proper registration documentation for project eligibility.

Open Discussions and Resolutions

Members discussed the need for flexibility in sub-grant allocations to build capacity among less active members. Mr. Razak proposed forming a committee to engage international organizations for support, especially, to enable the branch organize regular general meetings. The motion was accepted with the inclusion of two female members to address gender bias concerns.

Membership Engagement and Future Plans

During the open discussions, members emphasized the importance of inclusivity and capacity building within the coalition. Mr. Prince highlighted the need for the national executive to provide more flexible sub-grant opportunities to support members who have not yet secured projects. This suggestion sparked a brief debate, with the chairman reiterating that adherence to Donors’ and the Coalition’s requairements is essential.

International Collaboration and Gender Inclusivity

Mr. Razak proposed that the coalition should seek partnerships with international organizations such as Plan International Ghana, CRS, ActionAid, World Vision, and Care International to address funding challenges. The proposal to form a committee to establish these relationships was well-received, with a consensus that the current executive should lead this initiative, incorporating two female members to ensure gender balance.

Conclusion and Way Forward

The meeting concluded with a strong commitment to enhancing the coalition’s visibility, securing funding, and ensuring gender inclusivity. The chairman’s closing remarks underscored the importance of unity and proactive engagement in achieving the coalition’s goals.

As the Northern Region Branch of the Ghana Coalition of NGOs in Health moves forward, the strategic decisions and collaborative spirit demonstrated at this meeting promise to drive impactful health initiatives across the region.