35 Years of Solidarity, Justice, and Equality: ActionAid Ghana hosts Stakeholders for Impact Celebration.

ActionAid Ghana has commemorated its 35th anniversary with a high-level stakeholder cocktail, bringing together partners, donors, government representatives, traditional leaders, the private sector, and the media. The event highlighted the organisation’s impact over the past three and a half decades while calling for stronger partnerships to address systemic inequalities in Ghana.

Held under the theme “35 Years of Gender Equality and Social Justice in Ghana,” the evening celebration showcased inspiring stories of change from communities, beneficiaries, and partners, while also amplifying ActionAid’s advocacy priorities for its next strategic period.

In her keynote address, the Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to collaborating with ActionAid Ghana in advancing policies that protect the rights of citizens, particularly women, children, and marginalised groups.

“Gender equality and social justice are the foundations of a fair, resilient, and thriving society. As a government institution, we remain committed to fully implementing the Affirmative Action Act, strengthening social protection programmes, and expanding women’s empowerment initiatives such as the School Feeding Programme. Together, we will sustain and accelerate our progress, ensuring that no Ghanaian is left behind.”~” Dr. Lartey reiterated.

35 Years of Impact in Numbers

ActionAid Ghana’s Country Director, Mr. John Nkaw, described the organisation’s journey as one of solidarity, resilience, and transformation. He noted that since 1990, ActionAid Ghana has made significant contributions in areas such as:

• 11 regions of operation out of 16, directly reaching thousands of rural and urban communities.
• Over 200 girls’ clubs and empowerment platforms have been established nationwide, amplifying the voices of young women in decision-making and advocacy.
• Closure of 2 witch camps across Northern Ghana, providing reintegration and support to over 1,000 women formerly accused of witchcraft.
• Support to over 500,000 children through education, child sponsorship, and advocacy interventions.
• Climate resilience programmes that have equipped over 30,000 smallholder farmers, especially women, with sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation skills.
• Emergency response and disaster support for thousands of vulnerable households affected by floods, droughts, and other climate-related shocks.

“From fighting harmful cultural practices to strengthening movements for climate justice and gender equality, ActionAid Ghana has worked hand in hand with communities in their struggles for dignity and fairness,” Mr. Nkaw emphasised.

Honouring Partners and Looking Ahead

The cocktail also recognised the contributions of long-serving individuals who have advanced ActionAid Ghana’s mission. Mrs. Margaret Dunnu, Finance Manager, and Mr. Nana Yaw Okyere-Aduachie, immediate past Board Chairman, were both honoured with plaques for their outstanding service.

The evening featured inspiring impact stories, a symbolic cake cutting, and reflections on the organisation’s transformative work. It gathered a cross-section of stakeholders from government, civil society, international development partners, and the media.

Looking ahead, ActionAid Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to:

• Championing gender-responsive public services such as education, health, and social protection.
• Strengthening youth and women’s movements to hold duty-bearers accountable.
• Expanding climate and livelihood resilience initiatives to protect vulnerable communities.
• Building stronger alliances with government and civil society to deepen democratic governance and social justice.

For 35 years, ActionAid Ghana has stood as a beacon of hope, amplifying the voices of women, children, and marginalised groups. As the organisation steps into a new phase of advocacy and impact, its resolve remains clear: to continue driving inclusive development and ensure that every Ghanaian can live with dignity and equal opportunity.

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