Govt unveils new guidelines to improve regulation of non-profit organisations

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection in Ghana, through its Non-Profit Organisations Secretariat, has unveiled new guidelines to bolster the regulation and support of non-profit organisations (NPOs). The launch, held on September 18, 2026, emphasized a renewed approach for the sector, bringing together government entities, NPOs, development partners, and stakeholders to discuss governance and regulation improvements.

Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, highlighted the importance of effective regulation, transparency, accountability, and collaboration to maintain public trust in NPOs. She acknowledged the crucial role NPOs play in national development by supporting communities, providing essential services, and addressing the needs of underserved populations.

Lartey advocated for a risk-based and proportionate regulatory approach that considers the diverse sizes, activities, and environments of NPOs, avoiding unnecessary burdens on legitimate organisations.

The launch featured practical guidance on registration, licensing, compliance monitoring, supervision, post-registration services, and collaboration with relevant institutions. The new documents provide a roadmap for implementing the framework, with a focus on capacity building, transparency, accountability, and information sharing.

The stakeholders, including representatives from the Financial Intelligence Centre, Ghana's Serious and Organised Crime unit, GIZ, UNODC, the FATF, and Spaces for Change, stressed the need for institutional capacity building and sustained cooperation to ensure the reforms' success. The event concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the NPO Secretariat and key partners, aiming to enhance collaboration and strengthen governance and regulation within Ghana’s non-profit sector.