Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC)

26/05/2024

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20/05/2024

The Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC) and the Global Financial Integrity (GFI) have set out to investigate the supply chain challenges in the mining sector in Ghana that adversely affect domestic resource mobilization for national development.

Join via the link below as we unpack the report:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84471679473?pwd=R3phNjRUcTNXZXhCZlo1MWtqSUNoQT09

13/05/2024

ISODEC engages Northern Ghana Stakeholders to kick-start ‘SHIFT the Power’ Project

The Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC) has held a day’s consultative meeting with diverse stakeholder in Northern Ghana to help shape its focus, provide input to enable the organization address its institutional and financial sustainability whilst repositioning itself to respond to the priorities of its constituents.

The meeting was part of STAR Ghana Foundation’s eight-year Civil Society Strengthening Fund – Shift the Power (CSSP – StP) project, which seeks to build sustainable partnerships with community-Based Organizations and less formalized networks, alliances and with social movements to effectively represent their constituents, and to improve access to social services and public goods by members of underserved population networks and associations’.

The convening brought together Stakeholders including, Savanna Signature, NORSAAC, GCDA, NOYED, NNED, RAINS Basic Needs, among others.

Speaking to participants, the Executive Director of ISODEC Mr Sam Salifu Danse explained, that. “this is part of a series of consultations being planned to engage diverse stakeholders to enable ISODEC design and implement an initial two-year programme.”

Mr DANSE urged the Networks and Coalitions present at the meeting to work closely with ISODEC to reimagine its structure, processes and ways of working so as to amplify its collective impact on poverty, inequality and injustices in the society.

ISODEC engages Northern Ghana Stakeholders to kick-start ‘SHIFT the Power’ Project

A section of participants at the consultative meeting
ISODEC engages Northern Ghana Stakeholders to kick-start ‘SHIFT the Power’ Project
in Breaking News, Development Agenda, top stories 3 mins ago 1 Views

The Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC) has held a day’s consultative meeting with diverse stakeholder in Northern Ghana to help shape its focus, provide input to enable the organization address its institutional and financial sustainability whilst repositioning itself to respond to the priorities of its constituents.

The meeting was part of STAR Ghana Foundation’s eight-year Civil Society Strengthening Fund – Shift the Power (CSSP – StP) project, which seeks to build sustainable partnerships with community-Based Organizations and less formalized networks, alliances and with social movements to effectively represent their constituents, and to improve access to social services and public goods by members of underserved population networks and associations’.

ISODEC’s Executive Director, Mr Sam Salifu Danse

The convening brought together Stakeholders including, Savanna Signature, NORSAAC, GCDA, NOYED, NNED, RAINS Basic Needs, among others.

Speaking to participants, the Executive Director of ISODEC Mr Sam Salifu Danse explained, that. “this is part of a series of consultations being planned to engage diverse stakeholders to enable ISODEC design and implement an initial two-year programme.”

Mr DANSE urged the Networks and Coalitions present at the meeting to work closely with ISODEC to reimagine its structure, processes and ways of working so as to amplify its collective impact on poverty, inequality and injustices in the society.

Mr Bernard Anaba, a Policy Analyst at ISODEC making a submission at the consultative meeting.

The Executive Director indicated that because of the changing development landscape which is rapidly evolving, organizations like ISODEC need to be nimble, and adaptable to stay relevant and drive meaningful change.

A former Country Director for Action Aid and IBIS Ghana, Mr. Charles Wontewe, facilitated the meeting and his depth of knowledge provided content and input for the design process. He stressed the need to “shift power to the people to be in the driving seat of their development and transformation.”

By Mohammed Suleman/Publicagenda.news

https://www.publicagenda.news/isodec-engages-northern-ghana-stakeholders-to-kick-start-shift-the-power-project/

08/05/2024

https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ghana-news-stakeholders-discuss-ghanas-preparedness-for-energy-transition.html
Stakeholders discuss Ghana's preparedness for energy transition
Emelia Ennin Abbey
Mar - 15 - 2024 , 08:27
A review of Ghana's preparedness for energy transition has revealed gaps in policy implementation and highlighted the risk of falling short of set targets.

The study —which recognises that the call for action on energy transition was more eminent now than ever as the adverse impacts of increasing greenhouse gases (GHS) was devastating on the lives of people and biodiversity globally — recommended a just energy transition, emphasising inclusivity and addressing energy poverty.

The comprehensive study was conducted by the Integrated Social Development Agency (ISODEC), a civil society organisation committed to social justice and human rights, in collaboration with Publish What You Pay, a global civil society coalition.

To review the report, a validation workshop, themed: “Ghana’s energy transition strategy, policies, opportunities and challenges”, was held in Accra, which attracted representatives from government agencies, civil society organisations, academia, media and the private sector; they engaged in constructive dialogue to address the challenges and opportunities associated with Ghana's energy transition.

The Executive Director of ISODEC, Sam Danse, underscored Ghana's rich endowment of natural resources, historically pivotal in driving industrial growth, creating employment opportunities and generating revenue.

However, he acknowledged the environmental and social repercussions of extraction of these minerals on particularly local communities.

Mr Danse emphasised the importance of assessing the sector's impact while striking a balance between economic development and responsible mining practices.

Report
Taking participants through the report on the review of the mineral extraction and energy transition in Ghana, the Policy, Programmes and Projects Coordinator at the Institute for Energy Security (IES), Adam Yakubu, began by addressing the global significance of energy transition, highlighting its emergence during the adoption of the Paris Agreement.
He emphasised the need for countries, including Ghana, to adopt alternative strategies to keep global temperatures below two degrees
Ghana, he said, was a signatory to various agreements and had made substantial efforts towards energy transition, with over 15 policy documents developed since 2010.

As the world witnesses a paradigm shift from fossil-based systems to renewables, he said Ghana could not afford to lag behind.

However, he said Ghana would need over $500 billion to transition to renewable energy but “we currently do not have the funds to transition even though we have the policies”.

The report recommended incorporation of just transition and energy poverty into policies, frameworks and strategies, striking a balance between leveraging potentials in extractive resources against energy transition commitments and mainstreaming energy transition into the decentralised local government structure. The Special Advisor to the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Benjamin Aryee, stressed the need to increase investment in research and development in Ghana’s approach to energy transition to ensure a sustainable and equitable future for its citizens.

A Geologist with the Ghana Geological Survey Authority, Seidu Ali, said besides lithium Ghana was endowed with significant reserves of other green minerals crucial for the energy transition such as bauxite, manganese, iron ore among others.

Lead Negotiator for Just Transition and Response Measures in Ghana, Angelina Mensah, called for a consideration of the impact of energy transition on communities, citing threat to livelihoods. The programme Officer at the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), Mabel Acquaye, stressed the importance of contextualising the energy transition, particularly in rural areas where fossil fuels were not primary fuel.

She pointed out that discussions often neglected the rural areas where fossil fuels were not a primary energy source and called for a focus on addressing root causes such as deforestation and biomass issues as a crucial step towards achieving net zero emissions.

A review of Ghana's preparedness for energy transition has revealed gaps in policy implementation and highlighted the risk of falling short of set targets

08/05/2024

Mineral resources rich economies in West Africa have been asked to deal with inequalities in the Ex...

08/05/2024

https://www.publicagenda.news/deal-with-inequalities-in-extractive-sector-to-minimize-poverty-isodec/

Deal with inequalities in Extractive sector to minimize poverty –ISODEC.

Mineral resources rich economies in West Africa have been asked to deal with inequalities in the Extractive sector in order to prevent poverty and repel the growing violent extremism in the sub-region.
According to the proponents, policies relative to Extractive sector must be all encompassing and beneficial to all.
The call was made recently at a natural resources meeting held at Ouagadougu, Burkina Faso. The conference was put together by ORCADE, with Support from FORD Foundation through ISODEC. It brought together Civil Society Organizations, Public and Private sector workers and some selected interest groups. The meeting was opened by the Minister of Natural Resources and Mining.
In his remarks, the Executive Director the Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC) Mr. Samson Salifu Danse, urged civil society to work hard to influence the policies regarding the extractives sector of the country and the continent as a whole for the benefit of all.

Mr Danse said the meeting was focused on the extractive industry and the existing inequalities, violent extremism within the context of within the context of energy transition in Burkina Faso.

The conference was meant to build on an earlier Sub-regional Conference held in Ghana where the nexus between extractives and inequalities were explored to influence national and regional policies.

He thanked the Minister representing the new government for making time to attend the meeting and encouraged them to always maintain the cordial relationship with civil society to help develop Burkina Faso for the ordinary citizen.

Dr. Moses Kambour, Executive Director, ORCADE noted that inequalities in the sector has led to increase in poverty level bringing violence and uprising in Burkina Faso and other countries in the sub region.

Dr Kambour said there is “the need to work together as Burkinabes and Africans to reduce the inequalities so as to prevent the violence extremism, maintain peace and therefore development of our country.”

He was of the view that the presence of the Minister to grace the programme indicated the willingness of government to work with CSOs and all citizens to make the nation better.

On his part, Mr .Jonas Hien, Programmes Manager of ORCADE implored the Minister to use his office to influence government strategies and policies for the extractives sector.

By: Mohammed Suleman/Publicagenda.news

Mineral resources rich economies in West Africa have been asked to deal with inequalities in the Ex...

08/05/2024

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR LOCAL CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS AS SUB SUB-RECIPIENT TO THE ZWE-M-MOHCC GRANT 2024-2026

GLOBAL FUND FUNDING CYCLE 7 (GC7) GRANT
Deadline: 14 May 2024

FOCUS GROUP: LOCAL CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATIONS
TYPE OF RECIPIENT: SUB SUB-RECIPIENT – SSR (GRANTEES)
SIZE OF GRANT: Subject to Grant Signing and Approved Budgets
GEOGRAPHICAL COVERAGE: 10 Districts, 2 Provinces

1. Background Information

About Plan International
We strive for a just world that advances girls' rights and equality for girls. Our Ambition for 2027 is to see All Girls Standing Strong and Creating Global Change. Working together we will create:
- A world where all girls know and exercise their rights and live the life they choose.
- A network of supporters, communities, staff, partners, and donors, all supporting girls and young women to stand strong as they learn, lead, decide, and thrive.
- Global change through breaking down the barriers and discrimination girls and young women currently face every minute, every hour, every day.
We aim to improve the lives of 200 million girls by 2027. When girls thrive in a more equal world, we are all stronger for it. Our objectives are Increased Impact, Strengthened Legitimacy, and Improved Sustainability. Our values create a mind-set which aligns with our work, brings them to life. Plan International’s global values are, we work well together, we are open and accountable, we strive for lasting impact and we are inclusive and empowering.

About Plan International Zimbabwe
Plan International started operating in Zimbabwe in 1986 and has expanded its operations to all the 10 provinces in the country supported by 5 Program Areas (PAs). Our ambition at a national level is “By 2030, we are unique, innovative, known and recognized as the leading child rights-based organization in Zimbabwe, delivering proven impact for the most vulnerable, especially girls and young women.” Our focus and energy is on strengthening civil society and building strategic partnerships to enhance our influencing potential and increase reach at the national level.

Grant structure
The Global Fund (GF) has selected the Ministry of Health and Child Care as the Principal Recipients (PR) and Plan International Zimbabwe (PIZ) as the Sub-Recipient (SR) for the Grant Cycle 7 (GC7) malaria program ZWE-M-MOHCC that will run from 1st January 2024 to 31st December 2026. The malaria prevention and control program consists of four pillars: case management, social and behavior change, surveillance, vector control, monitoring and evaluation. The case management pillar aims to diagnose and treat all malaria cases promptly. Social and behavior change activities promote the proper and consistent use of malaria prevention and control measures. Surveillance, monitoring, and evaluation activities ensure effective program implementation. Vector control includes indoor residual spraying (IRS) and the distribution of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), aimed at reducing vector density and interrupting malaria transmission. The target population comprises women, men, girls, and boys living in malaria-endemic areas in Zimbabwe.

2. Scope of Work
PIZ is seeking to award one local civil society organization as a Sub Sub-Recipient (SSR) to implement various activities under the Social Behaviour Change (SBC) component June 2024 - December 2026. The SSR will be expected to receive funding from the Plan International Zimbabwe and directly implement the SBC activities related to malaria vector control, malaria case management and malaria elimination in the following districts:
Masvingo Province: Zaka, Bikita, Chiredzi and Mwenezi Mashonaland West Province: Hurungwe, Kariba, Makonde, Zvimba, Sanyati and Mhondoro-Ngezi

Objectives of the SBC
Malaria SBC Strategy Vision Statement
- To have a malaria free Zimbabwe through empowered communities who have the knowledge, positive attitude, and skills to protect themselves from malaria.

Malaria SBC Strategy Goal (NMCESP Objective 4)
- To increase utilization of malaria interventions to at least 85 percent of the targeted population by 2026.

Malaria SBC Strategy Priority Behaviour Objectives
1. Maintain at least 85 percent IRS acceptance in targeted populations for the period 2021 to 2026.
2. Increase the proportion of individuals who use LLINs correctly and consistently throughout the year to 85 percent by 2026.
3. Increase the proportion of the population who seek care from a community health worker (CHW) or health facility within 24 hours to 85 percent by 2026.
4. Increase the proportion of pregnant women who receive recommended doses of IPTp from 13 percent to 85 percent by 2026.
5. Increase the proportion of community members who actively participate in community-based surveillance activities to at least 85 percent by 2026.
6. Increase the proportion of special populations (i.e., border communities, truck drivers, traders, and travellers) who use malaria preventive measures to at least 85 percent by 2026.
7. Increase the participation in malaria programming of all segments of the population through gender equity, diversity, and inclusion mainstreaming to at least 85 percent by 2026.

It is expected that the selected SSR will provide the following activities:
1. Orient and sensitize CSOs, stakeholders and community on malaria prevention, control and elimination strategies
2. Develop a gender responsive community volunteer toolkit
3. Implement SBC Community dialogues
4. Design and conduct Community based campaigns to drive demand for malaria prevention and treatment services and products
5. Implement the Community Action Cycle
6. Ensure the engagement of special populations (faith groups, people involved in farm and non-farm enterprises, women involved in s*x work, informal traders)
7. Advocacy amongst interfaith networks
8. Before and after implementation assessment surveys

3. Application Eligibility Criteria:
Plan International Zimbabwe is therefore seeking suitably qualified local Civil Society Organisation (CSOs) to apply as Sub Sub–Recipients (SSR) who meet the following requirements:
- Registered local civil society organisation with proven track record and operations in Masvingo and Mashonaland West
- Demonstration of the experience in Global Fund grant management
- Experience at national or sub national level in implementing SBCC programmes
- Demonstrated experience in organisational development and capacity building
- Demonstrated experience in implementing activities targeting key/vulnerable populations
- Demonstrated experience in implementing gender equality and inclusion activities
- Reliable human and financial resource management systems
- Have a good reputation and a proven level of credibility with beneficiary communities and government structures

4. Application and Submission Information
Submissions should be made electronically in PDF format and signed by an authorized representative of the applicant to the following email: [email protected] Only one application per organisation will be accepted. In the case of questions/clarifications, interested organisations can reach out on [email protected] before the 7th of May 2024 with the subject heading: CLARIFICATIONS: ZWE-M-MOHCC GRANT 2024-2026

The deadline for submission of applications is Friday the 14th of May 2024 at 4:30pm. Submissions received after this date will not be considered.

For full details including the proposal template, click the link below:

https://bit.ly/44ABvzy

07/05/2024

The Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC), a Policy and Advocacy Think Tank in Ghana, in co...

07/05/2024

ISODEC, NMJD discuss Natural Resource Governance in Sierra Leone
in Breaking News, Development Agenda, top stories 9 days ago 31 Views

The Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC), a Policy and Advocacy Think Tank in Ghana, in collaboration with the Network Movement for Justice and Development (NMJD) have jointly held a National Policy Roundtable on Natural Resource Governance in Sierra Leone.

The event, which was financed by Ford Foundation, featured the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources of Sierra Leone as the keynote speaker.

The roundtable was a follow-up to a previous regional conference organised by ISODEC in Accra, Ghana, during which it was agreed to hold similar country-level sessions to delve deeper into the findings of the case study (Natural Resource Extraction and Inequalities), evaluate policy recommendations, and foster the exchange of ideas to strengthen natural resource governance in both West African Countries.

The meeting also sought to explore effective Natural Resources management for developmental purposes, with emphasis on the need to look at the Natural Resources as way of solving inequalities and not to heighten it.

It further provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss their country’s energy transition commitments within the context of natural resource governance.

In his keynote address, the Minister for Mines and Mineral Resources, Mr Julius Mattai underscored the importance of effective governance and stakeholder collaboration in the mining sector. He highlighted the challenges and opportunities in resource management, while emphasizing the need for balanced policies that consider both economic benefits and environmental concerns.

The Executive Director of ISODEC,Mr. Samson Salifu Danse, Acknowledged the significant role of the extractive industry in Sierra Leone’s development, while also stressing the existing inequalities and challenges it poses to society, including environmental degradation and marginalization of communities.

Mr. Samson Salifu Danse addressing participants at the event

Mr Danse spoke on the importance of leveraging initiatives like the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) process to address inequalities and promote sustainable development, particularly in the context of energy transition towards renewable sources.

He told participants to intensify their advocacy for transparent and accountable legal and regulatory frameworks governing the extractive industry, with a focus on domestic revenue management, community engagement, and environmental protection.

Civil Society must increase “advocacy for a multi-stakeholder approach involving government, civil society, private sector, and marginalized communities to ensure a just and equitable transition to renewable energy, with a call for collaboration at regional and global levels to promote better natural resource governance.”

He called for constructive dialogue and collective action at the national level to drive positive change in policy and practice towards a more inclusive energy future in Sierra Leone, with the ultimate goal of reducing inequalities and ensuring equitable development for all citizens.

The discussions during the event highlighted the initial excitement surrounding mineral discoveries and the subsequent disappointment and regret felt by communities due to the unequal distribution of benefits. The prevalence of visible signs of adverse conditions in affected communities, juxtaposed with the benefits reaped by a few high-profile individuals, has led to widening inequalities in Sierra Leone, particularly in rural areas where multinational companies are actively involved in mineral extraction.

Three key Highlights gathered from the National Policy Round table include,

Low Awareness of Legislation, Inconsistent Government Priorities, Mineral Ownership and Benefits Distribution.

The convening recommended among others the need to improve monitoring mechanisms in mining communities, while enhancing human rights considerations in policy formulation.

By: Mohammed Suleman/Publicagenda.news

The Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC), a Policy and Advocacy Think Tank in Ghana, in co...

25/04/2024

18/04/2024

The Network Movement for Justice and Development, in collaboration with the Integrated Social Development Centre and funded by the Ford Foundation, hosted a National Policy Roundtable on Natural Resource Governance in Sierra Leone. The event featured the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources as the keynote speaker.
The discussions during the event highlighted the initial excitement surrounding mineral discoveries and the subsequent disappointment and regret felt by communities due to the unequal distribution of benefits. The prevalence of visible signs of adverse conditions in affected communities, juxtaposed with the benefits reaped by a few high-profile individuals, has led to widening inequalities in Sierra Leone, particularly in rural areas where multinational companies are actively involved in mineral extraction.
This event is a result of a previous regional conference organised by the Integrated Social Development Centre in Accra, Ghana, during which it was agreed to hold similar country-level sessions to delve deeper into the findings of the case study (Natural Resource Extraction and Inequalities), evaluate policy recommendations, and foster the exchange of ideas to strengthen natural resource governance. These sessions also provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss their country's energy transition commitments within the context of natural resource governance.
Three key Highlights we gathered from the National Policy Roundtable are as follows:
1. Low Awareness of Legislation: Communities lack knowledge about key policies like the Customary Land Rights Act and the Mines and Minerals Development Act, hindering their ability to assert their rights.
2. Inconsistent Government Priorities: The government's shifting focus undermines national development and favours short-term gains over long-term benefits for all citizens.
3. Mineral Ownership and Benefits Distribution: There is a call for mineral ownership by affected communities and reflection of benefits on their socio-economic well-being. Especially the need to have a fair model for surface rent payments and distribution.