Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the Northern Zone have held consultation on the Non-profit Organisations (NPO) draft Bill to provide input and shape the future of the non-profit sector in the country.
The consultation forum, held in Tamale, and supported by STAR-Ghana Foundation, was to consult widely with CSOs on the draft NPO Bill and solicit feedback to inform a CSOs position paper on the Bill.
The CSOs in the Northern Zone came out with some input on the Bill, which was read by Madam Teiko Sabah, a Consultant at STAR-Ghana Foundation.
Madam Sabah said there was need to have more NPO representatives in the Board’s composition and the appointment of Board Members should be co-led by NPOs.
She called for a review of the requirements for double registration and to make registration decentralised, digitalised and flexible to enable the CSOs to register without any challenges.
She said the validity of licenses should exceed one year and the law should establish an independent adjudication tribunal separate from the Commission.
She said, “The Bill should provide for tax incentives and other benefits for NGOs.”
The draft NPO Bill seeks to create an enabling environment for NPOs to strive in their development agenda due to their vital role in the country’s development.
