The Coastal CSOs Forum (CCF) is collaborating with the Government of Ghana to implement Phase Two of the West Africa Coastal Area Resilience Project (WACA ReSIP 2).

To enhance the effectiveness of this initiative, the CCF has established working groups comprising Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) engaged in coastal activities that align with the goals and objectives of the WACA project.

These working groups, which serve as the cornerstone of the CCF’s operations, reflect the network-driven approach adopted for WACA project implementation.

Hosted at Brown Hill Residences in Aburi, the workshop built on previous activities and focused on refining plans and strategies to optimise the CSOs’ role in the WACA project, ensuring accountability to both citizens and the state.

The Role of Civil Society in WACA

In an exclusive interview, the Chairman of the Coastal CSOs Forum, Ken Kinney, emphasised the critical role of civil society in the WACA project.

“CSOs act as watchdogs and are deeply involved in both the implementation processes and technical committees where crucial decisions about the project are made,” he said.

He highlighted that CSOs are responsible for compliance and accountability reporting concerning the core state agencies implementing the WACA project.

He noted that effective delivery of the CCF’s mandate requires sustained community engagement and the production of shadow reports on project implementation.

“These reports are not primarily focused on fault finding or to indictments of government activities but as to help align project efforts with its intended goals through cross-fertilisation of ideas, strategies expertise and citizens participation, bringing community potentials to the forefront,” Kinney clarified

Kinney added that the inclusion of CSOs underscores their importance in ensuring government objectives are achieved effectively.

Supporting Accountability and Restoration

Kinney also highlighted the contributions of CSOs to accountability, transparency, and coastal restoration efforts, such as mangrove rehabilitation.

“The WACA project’s impact is evident in the restoration of coastlines, natural resource management, and investments in local economies,” he noted.

Noble Wadzah, WACA Project Coordinator, echoed these sentiments, stressing the value CSOs bring to the initiative.

“This is a World Bank and Government of Ghana initiative, and the CSOs are critical partners in ensuring its objectives are realised,” Wadzah stated.

He underscored the dual role of civil society in advocating for transparency while ensuring the project addresses the needs of local communities, equipping them to withstand climate-induced challenges.

Wadzah also emphasised the need for a compliance monitoring framework aligned with transparency and accountability principles.

“The Coastal CSOs Forum ensures that WACA’s activities are responsive to the needs of citizens,” he said, adding that this participatory process will enhance trust and effectiveness in project implementation

Key Outcomes and Future Vision

The workshop resulted in the formation of working groups to better coordinate efforts across various facets of the project.

These groups are designed to foster collaboration between CSOs and implementing agencies, ensuring a participatory approach to decision-making.

The WACA project seeks to address critical challenges along West Africa’s coastline, including environmental degradation and climate resilience.

By actively engaging CSOs, the initiative aims to restore coastal ecosystems, promote sustainable resource management, and strengthen local economies.

The meeting at Brown Hill Residences marked a significant milestone in the partnership between government entities, civil society, and international stakeholders, paving the way for sustained progress toward WACA’s transformative goals.