The Sangu Delle Foundation, based in the Nandom constituency of the Upper West Region of Ghana, has recently become the center of discussion among the local electorate. Many residents are questioning the true mandate of the Foundation, raising concerns about whether it is a genuine Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) or a political tool for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Nandom.
These suspicions have been fueled by the activities of the Foundation’s CEO, Dr. Sangu Delle. Notably, Dr. Delle was recently seen accompanying the NDC’s flagbearer during a visit to the Nandom Naa’s Palace. This has led some to question the timing of his philanthropic efforts, which have often coincided with election years. For instance, in 2020, the Sangu Delle Foundation provided boreholes to several communities in Nandom, with Dr. Delle frequently appearing alongside the NDC Parliamentary Candidate, who also took credit for the projects.
More recently, in 2024, the Foundation organized a program at Chalice Hall in Nandom, ostensibly to support local women. However, it has been alleged that both Dr. Delle and the NDC Parliamentary Candidate used the event to appeal for political support, raising further concerns about the Foundation’s true intentions.
While Nandom undoubtedly needs development, and contributions from individuals and organizations are welcomed, such efforts must be conducted with transparency and integrity. The public should not be left in doubt about the true nature of these initiatives.
It is worth noting that the legal framework governing NGOs in Ghana does not explicitly prohibit or permit NGOs from engaging in partisan activities. However, NGOs are generally expected to remain non-partisan and focus on social, economic, and environmental development, humanitarian aid, or advocacy for human rights and good governance.
International standards, such as Article 12 of the Fundamental Principles on the Status of Non-Governmental Organizations in Europe, suggest that any NGO supporting a political candidate or party should be transparent about its motivations. Such support should also comply with laws governing political party funding.
In Ghana, various legal frameworks, including the 1992 Constitution and the Companies Act of 1963, provide for the establishment of NGOs. However, the Political Parties Law Act 574 (2000) explicitly states that “No member of any organization or interest group shall be required to join any particular political party by virtue of his membership of the organization or group”.
Given the concerns raised, it is incumbent upon the Sangu Delle Foundation to clarify its position and ensure that its activities are conducted in a manner that is transparent and free from any political bias.
