Accra, April 13, GNA - The Department of Social Welfare in consultation with its stakeholders is reviewing a draft bill to ensure effective regulation and accountability of the operations of non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

The bill, which would address lapses in the current legal framework, is also advocating the establishment of a commission that would clearly spell out administrative issues for the NGOs. Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in Accra, Mr Harrison Tete-Donkor, Assistant Head of NGOs Desk at the Department of Social Welfare, said among issues to be reviewed are registration procedures, accountability and the tax relief they were expected to enjoy. He said when the bill was approved it would halt what "public misconception" about the work of a few NGOs whose operations tarnished the image of their competitors.

"We must acknowledge that some NGOs are doing well to complement the role of government to cater for the needy and vulnerable, but just like any human institution, some are bound to go contrary to the laws." Mr Tete-Donkor said although the Department had instituted various measures to ensure accountability, NGOs ought to be responsible to guarantee continuous funding for their projects.

He appealed to Government to provide more funding and infrastructure to enable both the Department and NGOs to play their expected roles well.