KEY STRATEGIC AREAS

Objectives

OBJECTIVES

EDUCATION & CIVIC AWARENESS

02 Advocate for improved access to education, quality learning, and supportive policy reforms.

03 Strengthen civic awareness and community participation in local and national development processes.

01 Promote inclusive and quality education for all, particularly for out-of-school children in deprived communities.

Through School for Life (SfL), GDCA has pioneered community-based Complementary Basic Education (CBE) in Northern Ghana, offering functional literacy and numeracy to out-of-school children in their mother tongue. The SfL model has been replicated nationwide and remains a key reference for inclusive and flexible learning approaches.

Sustained advocacy by SfL and GDCA contributed to the Government of Ghana’s adoption of the Complementary Basic Education Policy, supported by development partners. The capacities of Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), School Management Committees (SMCs), and local education committees have been strengthened to enhance school governance and accountability.

Participatory community radio programmes have been produced and broadcast to raise awareness on education, health, agriculture, and governance, fostering civic engagement and dialogue. Adult learning initiatives have also been implemented to improve literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking, enabling broader participation in community development and decision-making.

Results

SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS & CLIMATE RESILIENCE

01 Promote good environmental management practices in deprived communities in Ghana.

02 Improve household income, water, and food security through rural enterprise promotion and cost-effective technologies.

03 Promote climate change adaptation and resilience at the community level.

04 Increase access to finance and support the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) led by women, farmer groups, and enterprising individuals from deprived communities.

Objectives

OBJECTIVES

The knowledge and skills of Farmer-Based Organizations (FBOs) in good agronomic and modern agricultural production and processing practices have improved. GDCA has supported groups and individuals in addressing challenges along the agricultural value chain.

The capacities of young people and women in entrepreneurship have been strengthened, enabling them to start and manage their own businesses. Many have acquired skills in trades and vocations such as dressmaking, metalwork, and artisanship, helping them to earn sustainable livelihoods.

The understanding of climate change issues among CBOs, farmers, and community members has deepened. As a result, several communities now take proactive measures, such as preventing annual wildfires, to protect their environment. Their ability to conduct climate vulnerability analyses and implement adaptation measures has also increased, strengthening community resilience.

Communities have gained greater knowledge and skills in sustainable environmental management. They have adopted practices to safeguard natural resources, including water bodies and forests.

Results

CIVIL PARTICIPATION & LOCAL GOVERNANCE

Objectives

01 Improve community participation in the planning and implementation processes of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in Ghana, while enhancing accountability and the transparent use of resources.

02 Promote the inclusion of marginalized groups, such as Persons with Disabilities, ethnic minorities, women, youth, and children, in local decision-making processes.

03 Strengthen conflict prevention and peacebuilding by engaging community groups, leaders, and other stakeholders in dialogue and collaborative peace initiatives.

04

GDCA continues to advocate for transparency and accountability in the management of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), drawing attention to delayed releases and inequities that hinder the timely completion of local development projects. The organisation also promotes citizens’ right to information through the effective use of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

GDCA works with over 600 community-based organizations (CBOs), Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), School Management Committees (SMCs), and Traditional Authorities. Their capacities to actively engage in MMDA planning and implementation processes have been enhanced. The responsiveness of MMDAs has improved through greater information sharing and the use of dialogue platforms between assemblies and communities.

Women, youth, and disability groups in Savelugu-Nanton, Sagnarigu, and Mion districts prepared action plans for inclusion in the districts’ medium-term development plans.

Peace clubs have been established and are actively promoting peacebuilding, early warning, and conflict prevention. Partnerships have been formed with traditional authorities, community leaders, law enforcement agencies, and WANEP-Ghana to jointly sustain peace efforts at the community level.

GDCA’s sustained advocacy has led to the recovery of unauthorized payments made to a private waste management company, restoring vital funds to local assemblies. The organization has engaged directly with the DACF Secretariat to influence reforms, and trained District Audit Committees, local government staff, and civil society actors on the Public Financial Management Act (2016).

Results

Objectives

ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT & PARTNERSHIPS

01 Enhance organisational learning, knowledge management, and the skills of GDCA’s human resources to improve effectiveness and impact.

02 Strengthen financial sustainability and accountability by expanding the organisation’s funding base and improving resource mobilisation mechanisms.

03 Build and sustain partnerships and strategic alliances with Traditional Authorities, MMDAs, MDAs, and other relevant stakeholders to enhance programme sustainability and advocacy efforts.

An effective Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Documentation (MERD) system has been established to support systematic data collection, analysis, and reporting. Quarterly, semi-annual, and annual reviews are conducted to track progress, make adjustments, and capture lessons learned.
GDCA currently employs a skilled workforce of over 100 staff members who continuously receive capacity-building support to strengthen both their professional competencies and personal growth.

Comprehensive financial and administrative systems are in place to ensure efficient and transparent operations. A financing strategy and annual resource mobilisation plan guide fundraising activities. A dedicated Resource Mobilisation Committee oversees efforts to attract financial and in-kind contributions from individuals, corporate partners, and institutions to support key programmes.

GDCA is an active member of several key networks and coalitions, including the Good Governance Network (comprising CDD-Ghana, the Institute of Local Government–Tamale Campus, LOGNet, and RUMNET). GDCA also serves as the lead CSO for the Civil Society Platform on Oil and Gas in Northern Ghana, mobilising over 100 CSOs from the Northern, Upper East, and Upper West Regions to examine policy positions on the oil and gas sector. Additionally, GDCA is an active member of the Northern Ghana Network for Development and the Northern Network for Education Development.

Results

Objectives

WOMEN & YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

01 Promote gender equality, social inclusion, and protection of vulnerable groups across all programmes.

02 Strengthen entrepreneurial and vocational skills to enhance livelihoods and economic independence.

03 Build the capacity of young people and women to advocate for their rights and engage in governance and peacebuilding processes.

Gender mainstreaming and social inclusion have been integrated across all GDCA programmes, ensuring equitable opportunities for women, men, and persons with disabilities. Awareness campaigns and community dialogues have challenged discriminatory norms and advanced women’s rights and participation in development.

Through targeted vocational and entrepreneurship training, beneficiaries, particularly women and young people, have developed income-generating activities in trades such as dressmaking, metalwork, and agro-processing. Many have accessed finance, improved business management, and achieved greater economic independence.

Women’s and youth groups have strengthened their advocacy capacity and are increasingly engaging local authorities and traditional leaders to influence policies and promote peace and inclusion.

Results

Our strategy

In order to fulfil its mission and reach its objectives, GDCA's steering committee has put in place a five-years strategy for 2022-2025. This strategy is the result of a reflexion from all the staff, board and management members of GDCA. It aims to give a framework for the organisation's work in the upcoming years to foster a sustainable and inclusive development of its activities, for the benefit of deprived communities in Northern Ghana.

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GHANA DEVELOPING COMMUNITIES ASSOCIATION

KEY STRATEGIC AREAS

Objectives

OBJECTIVES

EDUCATION & CIVIC AWARENESS

02

Advocate for improved access to education, quality learning, and supportive policy reforms.

03

Strengthen civic awareness and community participation in local and national development processes.

01

Promote inclusive and quality education for all, particularly for out-of-school children in deprived communities.

Results

SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS & CLIMATE RESILIENCE

01

Promote good environmental management practices in deprived communities in Ghana.

02

Improve household income, water, and food security through rural enterprise promotion and cost-effective technologies.

03

Promote climate change adaptation and resilience at the community level.

04

Increase access to finance and support the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) led by women, farmer groups, and enterprising individuals from deprived communities.

Objectives

OBJECTIVES

The knowledge and skills of Farmer-Based Organizations (FBOs) in good agronomic and modern agricultural production and processing practices have improved. GDCA has supported groups and individuals in addressing challenges along the agricultural value chain.

The capacities of young people and women in entrepreneurship have been strengthened, enabling them to start and manage their own businesses. Many have acquired skills in trades and vocations such as dressmaking, metalwork, and artisanship, helping them to earn sustainable livelihoods.

Communities have gained greater knowledge and skills in sustainable environmental management. They have adopted practices to safeguard natural resources, including water bodies and forests.

Results

CIVIL PARTICIPATION & LOCAL GOVERNANCE

Objectives

01

Improve community participation in the planning and implementation processes of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in Ghana, while enhancing accountability and the transparent use of resources.

02

Promote the inclusion of marginalized groups, such as Persons with Disabilities, ethnic minorities, women, youth, and children, in local decision-making processes.

03

Strengthen conflict prevention and peacebuilding by engaging community groups, leaders, and other stakeholders in dialogue and collaborative peace initiatives.

04

Women, youth, and disability groups in Savelugu-Nanton, Sagnarigu, and Mion districts prepared action plans for inclusion in the districts’ medium-term development plans.

Peace clubs have been established and are actively promoting peacebuilding, early warning, and conflict prevention. Partnerships have been formed with traditional authorities, community leaders, law enforcement agencies, and WANEP-Ghana to jointly sustain peace efforts at the community level.

Results

Objectives

ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT & PARTNERSHIPS

01

Enhance organisational learning, knowledge management, and the skills of GDCA’s human resources to improve effectiveness and impact.

02

Strengthen financial sustainability and accountability by expanding the organisation’s funding base and improving resource mobilisation mechanisms.

03

Build and sustain partnerships and strategic alliances with Traditional Authorities, MMDAs, MDAs, and other relevant stakeholders to enhance programme sustainability and advocacy efforts.

Results

Objectives

WOMEN & YOUTH EMPOWERMENT

01

Promote gender equality, social inclusion, and protection of vulnerable groups across all programmes.

02

Strengthen entrepreneurial and vocational skills to enhance livelihoods and economic independence.

03

Build the capacity of young people and women to advocate for their rights and engage in governance and peacebuilding processes.

Women’s and youth groups have strengthened their advocacy capacity and are increasingly engaging local authorities and traditional leaders to influence policies and promote peace and inclusion.

Results

Our strategy

GHANA
DEVELOPING
COMMUNITIES
ASSOCIATION