ROLE OF PLAN GHANA INTERNATIONAL IN THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE SISSALA WEST DISTRICT OF THE UPPER WEST REGION

Abstract

Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) are important allies in the socio-economic development agenda of countries across the globe. This study therefore sought to identify the roles played by one NGO called Plan Ghana International to enhancing the livelihood patterns in the socio-economic development of people. The objectives of the study were first of all to identify the focus and coverage of the activities of Plan Ghana and the laws governing the operations of NGOs in the study area. Again the study sought to identify the stakeholders and their roles in promoting the activities of NGOs as well as the challenges that are faced by Plan Ghana in undertaking its day to day operations. The case study approach was adopted in undertaking the study because it gives more insight about the phenomenon under study. Both primary and secondary sources of data were sourced in undertaking this study. Major stakeholders were purposively selected due to the knowledge they are assumed to have about the topic while community members who are the beneficiaries of the programmes of the NGO were randomly selected. The study revealed that Plan Ghana has undertaken many development activities including the building of schools, institution of savings and loans schemes which gives loans to the respondents including training on how to expand their businesses. So far about 4,000 men and women have benefited from this scheme. However, Plan Ghana is challenged in many ways including inadequate staff, finance and delay in release of funds. This greatly impacts negatively on the activities of the organization. It is recommended that Plan Ghana should incorporate management structure which in this case is non-existence in order to attract funding from corporations internally. Again, there should be enhanced participation in the activities of Plan Ghana. This will go a long way to ensure acceptance and sustainability of the projects of Plan Ghana in the study area.