By Mohammed Suleman
The Executive Director of the Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC), Mr. Sam Danse, has encouraged Civil Society Organisations to intensify their advocacy for the responsible management of Ghana’s natural resources and ensure that the wealth they generate translates into tangible benefits for all Ghanaians.
Mr Danse also rallied civil society to reignite the spirit of togetherness and cohesiveness, the only way “we can engage and demand companies to publish what they pay.”
He made the call while delivering an opening statement at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Publish What You Pay (PWYP) Ghana.
The convening was put together ‘by PWYP- Ghana, in collaboration with the Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC) under the theme, ‘Building Together.’
Held in Accra on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, the meeting brought together members of the PWYP Ghana coalition to reflect on the progress made and to discuss the challenges ahead in advocating for transparency and accountability in the country’s extractive sector.
Executive Director of ISODEC, Mr. Sam Danse
Mr. Danse emphasized the crucial role of PWYP Ghana in advocating for the responsible management of the nation’s natural resources. He praised the coalition for its ongoing efforts to ensure that the wealth generated from the extractive sector translates into tangible benefits for all Ghanaians.
“This gathering is a testament to our collective commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in Ghana’s extractive sector,” he said. “Over the years, PWYP Ghana has played a pivotal role in ensuring that companies operating within the sector publish what they pay, thereby allowing for public scrutiny and ensuring these resources benefit every citizen.”
Mr. Danse also underscored the importance of unity, collaboration, and shared responsibility in achieving the coalition’s goals. “As we convene today, we are reminded of the importance of our unity of purpose,” he said. “We must continue to work together to promote accountability by holding duty-bearers to account. The challenges we face in the extractive sector are complex and ever-evolving, but through individual commitment and collective partnerships, we can continue to drive meaningful change for our people.”
Acknowledging the challenges faced by the coalition in the past, Mr. Danse highlighted the resilience and determination that have allowed PWYP Ghana to continue its advocacy. “Our coalition has faced its fair share of challenges, but with unwavering fortitude and a clear focus on our collective mission, we are confident that we will overcome these obstacles and emerge even stronger,” he said.
He concluded his remarks with a call to action, urging everyone to rekindle the spirit of togetherness. “Let us reignite the spirit of cohesiveness, the only way we can engage and demand that companies publish what they pay,” Mr. Danse said.
Mr Bernard Anaba, Acting Coordinator of PWYP-GHANA
In his remarks, the Acting Coordinator of PWYP-Ghana, Mr Bernard Anaba told participants that, the meeting offers a valuable opportunity for members to reflect on the achievements of the past year, address ongoing challenges, and strategize on the way forward for ensuring greater transparency and inclusivity in Ghana’s natural resource sector.
Mr Anaba noted that the meeting was also to strengthen the efforts of the coalition to ensure that the country’s resources benefit all citizens.
Some key activities at the AGM included, reading and adoption of previous minutes, Annual Report of PWYP Activities, Approval of New Members, Nominations and Election of New officers.
Publish What You Pay (PWYP) is a group of civil society organizations that advocates for financial transparency in the extractive industry. It is a registered charity in England and Wales and operates globally. The group wants companies to declare the amount of money being paid to governments for the rights to extract oil, gas, and other natural resources.
