Report By: Ishmael Barfi
Accra, Ghana – Philanthropy Ghana’s Executive Director, Yayra Blessing Atisu, has emphasized the importance of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) engaging with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to ensure the effective implementation of projects and programs.
According to Ms. Yayra Atisu, CSOs have a key role to play in monitoring and evaluation, which is crucial to ensuring that funds are used effectively and have the intended impact.
“CSOs must be abreast with the AfDB mechanisms and engage in all means possible to make sure that their voices are heard,” she said.
Ms. Yayra Blessing Atisu made these remarks during a presentation on AfDB mechanisms at the just-ended Africa Development Bank (AfDB) Mechanism Workshop held on 16th May 2025 in Accra, organized by Africa Climate Reality Project in partnership with Strategic Network for Youth Development.
Her presentation focused on understanding AfDB Mechanisms and Operations in West Africa: Structure, Priorities, and Engagement Pathways for CSO engagement.
Philanthropy Ghana’s Executive Director, Yayra Blessing Atisu
During her presentation, she highlighted the need for CSOs to contribute to the project cycle, particularly in ensuring that funds are used for their intended purposes.
Her presentation also touched on the challenges associated with AfDB funding and technicalities but emphasized the importance of CSOs being proactive in their engagement with the bank.
By doing so, CSOs can help ensure that the voices of marginalized communities are heard and that development initiatives are effective and sustainable.
Meanwhile, Nana Mariam Yussif, Community Engagement Campaigner at the Africa Climate Reality Project, Africa branch reiterated the need for CSO and community-based organizations to understand the concepts of climate financing to effectively track and evaluate projects.
“As climate leaders, civil society organizations, community-based organizations, we need to understand the concepts of climate financing, particularly where our community-funded projects are coming from,” she said.
The workshop focused on the AfDB’s mechanisms and operations in Africa, highlighting the need for greater transparency and accountability in project implementation.
Nana Mariam Yussif, Community Engagement Campaigner at the Africa Climate Reality Project, Africa branch
Nana Mariam Yussif noted that many community projects are not properly assessed, tracked, or evaluated, leaving communities more vulnerable to the climate crisis.
“We do not need to finance experience to track these projects and make communities more resilient,” Ms. Miriam said.
“The work of the bank often holds at a higher level, and when it comes to the grassroots level, little or no efforts are made to ensure the sustainability of these projects.”
The workshop aimed to empower CSOs and climate leaders to serve as community watchdogs, ensuring that projects are implemented effectively and mistakes are not repeated.
Some participants at the workshop
Participants also discussed the upcoming AfDB Annual Meetings, where the bank will elect a new president and discuss sustainable development strategies.
To press home their demands, she revealed, “We are joining in the call to action towards the African Development Bank’s Annual Meetings this year, which is happening from May 26th to 30th”.
“We will launch a petition and hold a social media campaign calling on the bank representatives and presidential candidates to fulfill their commitments to sustainable development and climate action.”
The campaign aims to hold the AfDB accountable for its promises and ensure that development in Africa is sustainable, green, and inclusive.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
