Local giving during COVID-19 in Ghana: Uncovering the potential of domestic resource mobilisation in Ghana

The crisis caused by COVID-19 provoked a flood of generosity from Ghanaians and institutions in Ghana. This research report captures the nature and motivations for Ghanaians to give at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study uncovered that Ghanaians, both at home and abroad, were giving in cash and in-kind to support efforts to fight the pandemic. The report highlights that these donations were received mostly from people in the working-age demography, while relatively high-income including celebrities, leaders of religious institutions and members of civil society also donated to the cause.

It is apparent from the report that civil society organizations have garnered the necessary trust and confidence of Ghanaians when it comes to supporting the poor and vulnerable. However, this confidence has not translated into Ghanaians supporting the work of civil society organizations with financial and non-cash resources. Therefore, it has become crystal clear that there is a need for all development stakeholders in Ghana to work towards creating an enabling legal, regulatory, tax and administrative environment for formal giving and philanthropy to flourish. A strong and robust philanthropic culture has the potential to complement government actions in bringing development to Ghanaian citizens.

Published: April 2021

Published by: West Africa Civil Society Institute

Download: ‘Local giving during COVID-19 in Ghana: Uncovering the potential of domestic resource mobilisation in Ghana‘