First NGO Conference ends in the United Kingdom

Accra, Aug.16, GNA- The first International non- governmental organizations (INGO) conference, aimed at networking for donor support and finding solution to common problems, has ended in the United Kingdom (UK).

The consensus at the conference dubbed: "INGO 2004" was that Third World-based Non -governmental organisations (NGO'S) lacked the infrastructure and financial capability required to operate effectively, hence the need for donor support.

Against this backdrop, most donor organizations expressed their commitment to support these organisations to enable them meet their set objectives.

Stakeholders at the conference which was chaired by Mr Hosea Mohlabane of the African Institute of South Africa, agreed on the need to organised a follow-up meeting dubbed: "African Third Sector Roundtable Discussion", in Ireland later this year.

Ghana High Commissioner to the UK, Mr. Isaac Osei who addressed the opening session, underscored the importance of the conference in tackling poverty and HIV/AIDS in Africa.

He said a free, equal and open world trade system would allow Africa to develop to wean itself from donor support.

"Africa is capable of reversing its image of a continent that relies on donor assistance and handouts from the developed nations." Bishop Dr. Henry Kontor, Head of the Apostolic Congress, UK, expressed the need to highlight the rich expertise of Africans to facilitate a wider benefit to mankind and help build a strong, confident, and an all- inclusive and prosperous world.

Eminent Africa head of states comprising Mr John Agyekum Kufuor, Thabo Mbeki of South Africa and Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, were among personalities that were awarded at the conference, for their immense contributions towards the development of Africa.