Ghanaian President Mahama unveils new approach to philanthropy — MyJoyOnline

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, at a meeting with representatives of global foundations in New York, United States, presented a new approach to the country’s cooperation with international philanthropy. He called for fragmented short-term projects to be replaced with partnerships that would strengthen state institutions, develop local capacity, and align with Ghana’s priorities.

About 20 major charitable organizations and foundations from the United States took part in the roundtable, including the Gates Foundation, Open Society Foundations, Rockefeller Foundation, Hilton Foundation, and Ford Foundation. The event was organized by Open Society Foundations on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, MyJoyOnline reports.

Focus on state capacity

Mahama said that changes in the global development financing system give Ghana and other Global South countries an opportunity to rethink their relations with international partners. According to him, the goal should be not only to find new sources of funding when traditional financing changes, but also to build institutional capacity that will enable countries to exercise greater control over their own development.

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The president noted that shifts in funding priorities and political decisions made abroad can quickly affect programs, institutions, and communities. He referred to Africa’s Agenda 2063 and stressed that its implementation requires capable institutions, effective resource management, stronger negotiating capacity, and systems for assessing results.

MiDA’s role in grant coordination

The Millennium Development Authority, or MiDA, is to become the central element of the new approach. Mahama designated it as the coordinating state institution for engagement with international philanthropic partners and grant coordination. According to him, MiDA has experience working under international standards in procurement, financial management, program implementation, and accountability.

The institution is to connect foundations with relevant government bodies, also involving the Accra Reset team, civil society, and other program implementation partners. The president urged donors not to limit themselves to traditional financing models, but to offer expertise, research, institutional support, and philanthropic capital capable of attracting additional development financing and private investment.