Report By: Ishmael Barfi
Accra, Ghana – Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and climate leaders have emphasized the need for greater accountability in climate financing, particularly in projects funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB).
According to Nana Mariam Yussif, Africa Climate Reality Project, Africa branch, CSOs, and community-based organizations must 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.
Ms. Nana Mariam Yussif made these remarks during the Africa Development Bank (AfDB) Mechanism Workshop held on 16th May 2025 in Accra, organized by the African Climate Reality Project in partnership with Strategic Network for Youth Development
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, Africa Climate Reality Project, Africa branch
She further 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 be finance experts to track these projects and make communities more resilient,” Ms. Yussif said.
Adding “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.
Participants also discussed the upcoming AfDB Annual Meetings, where the bank will elect a new president and discuss sustainable development strategies.
“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,” Ms. Nana Mariam Yussif said.
Cross Section of participants
“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.
In addition, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Ghana have been encouraged to embrace a more constructive and solution-focused strategy in their interactions with the government and other stakeholders.
This recommendation was made by Chibeze Ezekiel, Executive Coordinator of Strategic Network for Youth Development (SYND), during his presentation at the Africa Development Bank (AfDB) Mechanism Workshop.
Chibeze Ezekiel, Executive Coordinator, Strategic Network for Youth Development
Mr. Chibeze Ezekiel emphasized that while CSOs are vital in fostering good governance, accountability, and transparency, their impact is often diminished by their engagement methods.
“Instead of merely criticizing government policies, CSOs should aim to provide constructive feedback and practical recommendations”, he admonished.
The Executive Coordinator was of the view that “By adopting this approach, CSOs can enhance their credibility, foster collaboration with government entities, and effectively influence policy decisions.”
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
