Mohammed Awal Alhassan with Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John and stakeholders
Norsaac, an organization committed to enhancing the quality of life for empowered women, youth, and marginalized groups, has held its mid-year review meeting in Tamale in the Northern Region.
During the meeting, Executive Director, Mohammed Awal Alhassan, indicated that from January to June 2025, Norsaac has directly impacted the lives of 54,539 individuals through its various programmes.
According to him, the appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi has resulted in a 30% reduction in external funding, compounded by global aid cuts that necessitate difficult decisions.
He noted that the significant impact of USAID’s withdrawal from the development sector, leading to over 70% budget cut, staff reductions, and a scaling back of both geographical and thematic operations.
“However, let me be clear: we are not retreating. We are adapting by cutting overhead costs by 15%, utilising digital tools to save essential staff hours, and implementing local solutions, such as the community-led renovation of Gbangu Primary School. We are turning constraints into opportunities for innovation,” he stated.
Mr. Alhassan hinted that the challenges Norsaac faces are pressing and persistent noting that in Tamale and throughout Ghana, many young people are struggling with the devastating effects of opioid addiction, while alarming rates of defilement continue to highlight deep seated societal issues.
The Norsaac Executive Director, disclosed that through their programmes like Power to Youth, Power to Choose, and the Promoting Adolescent Safe Spaces (PASS) project, the organisation is empowering girls to challenge harmful gender norms and reclaim their agency.
“These initiatives, along with others across Norsaac’s five thematic areas, are equipping youth, women, and persons living with disabilities with the knowledge and tools necessary to report abuse and seek justice,” he revealed.
He announced that in September 2025, Norsaac will launch the Northern Ghana Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Conference for Young People (NORGHA) aimed to introduce transformative strategies informed by the experiences and voices of the community.
“As development budgets continue to tighten, there’s the need for a smarter response rather than a smaller one. “We must advocate for evidence-informed policies that ensure every child has access to education, every survivor can seek justice, and every community can thrive with dignity,” he added.
The Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John, said Norsaac has been at the forefront of championing youth empowerment, women’s advancement, and inclusive development for those too often left behind and commended them for implementing great initiatives.
“Norsaac and its partners have played a critical role in localising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), making them real and relevant by focusing on populations that often remain invisible in policy, young people, rural women, persons with disabilities, and other marginalised groups. Your efforts in community monitoring and social auditing have significantly improved transparency, from improving educational outcomes to social protection,” he said.
FROM Eric Kombat, Tamale