NGOs must leverage Exemptions Act to secure resources for projects — GBA President

Non-profit organisations (NGOs) in Ghana have been encouraged to leverage opportunities presented by legal frameworks such as the Exemptions Act 2022 (Act 1083), to secure more resources for their activities which contribute significantly to nation-building.

Also, taking  advantage of such reliefs would help them save resources to further enhance their works mostly in areas such as healthcare, education, poverty alleviation and environmental protection, which often benefit the vulnerable in society.

The President of the Ghana Bar Association (GBA), Efua Ghartey, who gave the advice, said the Exemptions Act 2022 (Act 1083) harmonises and consolidates tax waivers and identifies donors and charitable organisations as one of the key categories of beneficiaries eligible for waivers and exemptions from the government.

She was speaking at the climax of the 20th Anniversary of Compassion International Ghana, a Christian NGO.

Compassion @ 20

The 20th anniversary was held on the theme: “Celebrating 20 Years of Service in Child Transformation.”

Globally, Compassion International is renowned for its charitable work, particularly with children.

Since its inception in 2005, the Ghana chapter has partnered approximately 480 local churches across all regions to impact the lives of nearly 99,000 children and youth.

The event brought together church leaders, development partners, sponsors, staff, students, alumni and caregivers of the institution.

Present at the event were the Executive Director of Salt and Light Ministries, Reverend Joyce Rosalind Aryee, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority and Osman Abdulai Ayariga, among other dignitaries.

Awards were given to deserving and outstanding members of staff, frontline church partners and project workers.

Partnership

Mrs Ghartey applauded the organisation’s focus on lifting children “not just out of poverty, but into purpose — from uncertainty to vision, from despair to dignity and from abandonment to belonging”.

The GBA, she said, was prepared to partner the NGO to advocate child rights and access to justice.

“We intend to strengthen and grow your corporate structures with governance training for board and committee members.

Only then can we ensure that our work will outlive us, avoiding legal pitfalls and ensuring sustainability,” Mrs Ghartey said.

The GBA President further called on the organisation to have a renewed vision and strategic goals for the next decade.

“By the year 2030, are we aiming to be the best-performing NGO that has eradicated extreme poverty affecting children in Ghana?” she said.

Commendation

The Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, in a speech read on her behalf, lauded the organisation for two decades of unwavering service and life-changing interventions that have transformed the lives of more than 100,000 children and youth across the country.

She said the work of Compassion International aligned with the government’s commitment to the protection and development of every child, regardless of background.

“As a Ministry, we applaud your strategic interventions and commend your steadfast support in reaching children.

Your efforts address both the practical and spiritual needs of children, directly contributing to Ghana’s human capital development and poverty reduction goals,” she said.

The minister also recognised the organisation’s partnership with the National Children’s Parliament and its support to regional offices, adding that such initiatives are vital in amplifying children’s voices and rights.

She encouraged the organisation to remain steadfast in its mission, deepen partnerships and continue to keep Christ at the centre of all its activities.

The Chairman of Compassion’s governing council, Rev. Philip Tutu, reiterated its mission to help children from poverty.

He expressed his appreciation to all present, emphasising the support, collaboration and shared values that have sustained the organisation over the past 20 years.

Rev. Tutu expressed appreciation to frontline church partners, staff and project workers for their instrumental role in expanding the organisation's reach and impact.

The anniversary, he stated, was a moment for reflection, remembering the challenges overcome, successes achieved and lives touched.

He, therefore, encouraged the organisation to renew its commitment, broaden its impact and continue building a more just, compassionate and inclusive world.