In a move to align and reinforce the success of the Global Fund’s Community Systems Strengthening (GC7-CSS) grant implementation in Ghana, the first quarterly stakeholder meeting was convened on April 10, 2024, in Accra. The meeting brought together key players (Civil Society Organisations and Networks) in the country’s Malaria, HIV/AIDS and TB response, namely the Ghana Coalition of NGOs in Malaria (GCNM), Stop TB Partnership Ghana, TB Voice Network, Ghana Coalition of NGOs in Health (GCNH), National Association of People Living with HIV &AIDS (NAP+), Centre for Popular Education and Human Rights, Ghana (CEPEHRG) and Ghana HIV & AIDS Network (GHANET).
Hosted at the Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM) Secretariat, the meeting provided a platform for AngloGold Ashanti Malaria Control Program (AGAMal) to outline its mandate and expectations, emphasising the importance of collaboration, openness, effective communication, and accountability among all stakeholders. Malik Kofi Assan, Head of Programs for AGAMal, presented updates on the organisation’s activities, such as introductory meetings with network representatives, worksite familiarisation visits, and the country’s strategy development progress.
The CCM Secretariat, led by Executive Secretary Samuel Hackman, reaffirmed the CCM’s commitment to supporting AGAMal and the networks in achieving success in grant implementation. “We are confident in AGAMal’s capacity and track record, and we are ready to work collaboratively to ensure the effective delivery of this important program,” Hackman stated.
Dr. Nii Nortey Hanson-Nortey, the Technical Assistant (Consultant) engaged in the project, shared insights on the capacity assessment of Civil Society Organisation (CSO) networks and presented the assessment work plan with timelines. This assessment is seen as a crucial step in identifying the needs and strengthening the capacities of the networks to contribute meaningfully to the GC7-CSS program. Representatives from all seven (7) CSO networks provided updates on their first-quarter activities.
Notably, Ernest Ortsin, representing GHANET and serving as the Vice Chair of the CCM, shared the CCM’s plan to introduce toll-free numbers and establish testing and counselling centres to provide accessible and free healthcare services for individuals seeking assistance, especially with HIV/AIDS and TB.
“This meeting has been invaluable in aligning our collective efforts and charting the way forward for the successful implementation of the GC7-CSS grant,” said Samuel Asiedu, the Program Director at AGAMal. “We are committed to addressing the identified challenges and implementing the recommendations discussed to drive meaningful progress in Ghana’s malaria and HIV/AIDS response.”