Accra: Madam Elham Mumuni, Gender and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Advisor for the Strengthening Investments in Gender-Responsive Climate Adaptation (SIGRA) project, emphasized the need for enhanced budgetary allocations towards gender equality and climate change initiatives. Despite recent improvements, she noted that current spending levels remain insufficient.
According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Mumuni addressed these concerns during the SIGRA-Ministry of Finance budget consultation workshop. The workshop included women-led and climate-focused CSOs, aiming to contribute to Ghana's 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review and the preparation of the 2027 national budget. Approximately 30 national-level CSOs participated, focusing on gender equality, women's empowerment, and climate adaptation.
Participants engaged in discussions to improve understanding of budgeting processes and strengthen evidence-based advocacy for gender-responsive climate adaptation. The workshop facilitated dialogue between CSOs and the Ministry of Finance on budget priorities and trade-offs. Madam Mumuni highlighted the limited financial allocations towards gender-focused interventions, despite requirements for gender inclusion in planning and budgeting by the Ministry of Finance.
An analysis by SIGRA and the KASA Initiative showed progress in budgetary allocations for climate and gender-related programs. However, a review of the 2026 budget indicated the need for further action despite new initiatives addressing climate and gender challenges. The consultation was part of SIGRA's broader efforts to empower women-led and climate-focused CSOs in national budget processes and policy influence.
A significant outcome of prior engagements was the establishment of a gender platform under the KASA Initiative, led by ABANTU for Development and KASA, to coordinate advocacy on climate change and women's leadership in adaptation programs. Recommendations from the consultation will be compiled into a communiqu© for the Ministry of Finance, outlining expectations for the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review and the 2027 national budget.
Madam Mumuni stressed the importance of fully implementing the Climate Finance Access and Tracking Initiative (ACTIVATE) to improve transparency and provide accurate information on climate financing in Ghana. She advocated for stronger collaboration between government and CSOs to ensure budget decisions reflect the needs of women and vulnerable communities affected by climate change.
Mr. Jonathan Goka, Coordinator for KASA Initiative Ghana, urged CSOs to actively engage in the budget preparation process to ensure their priorities are included in national development plans. He emphasized that influencing budgets before finalization is more effective than monitoring implementation and addressing gaps afterward.
Mr. Goka explained that KASA's partnership with SIGRA seeks to equip CSOs with the necessary knowledge and skills to engage authorities on fiscal issues and budget planning. Strengthening CSOs' capacity to participate in budget formulation will facilitate tracking of implementation and ensure alignment with citizens' needs.
He described the workshop as an essential platform for empowering organizations in natural resource governance, climate change, and environmental sustainability to participate more effectively in national budget discussions.