The new executives of the Ghana Network Association of People Living with HIV (NAP+) have committed to protecting beneficiaries of the association from any further exploitation.
The organisation was reported to have been sexually exploiting beneficiaries receiving HIV/AIDS support in the country.
The Global Fund assisted Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) led by its executives allegedly requested sexual favours and cash before granting participants of the program what was due them.
This was contained in an 18-page investigative report by the Global Fund titled “Misconduct affecting Global Fund grants”.
According to the donors, executives of the NGO abused their powers that fostered a culture of sexual and financial exploitation.
The NGO subsequently removed its subject executives and later held elections to replace them in February 2020.
A statement signed by the new president of the NGO, Elsie Ayeh, condemned “the corrupt and coercive practices, including sexual exploitation and abuse in all forms and at all levels”.
“The report that was released on Friday, March 19, 2021, serves as an eye-opener to deficiencies in our constitutional and Governance systems, especially as this was the first time the current executives learnt of the extent of the allegations,” it added.
The new executives assured that they will continue the process of reviewing and strengthening the constitution and other governance structures in order to address the issue.
“NAP+ Ghana and other organisations and institutions stand to learn from our experience in order to ensure that workable structures are in place and that these are adequately implemented so as to detect and curb such unhealthy activities and protect potential victims. This is a pivotal moment for us to institute a process of learning and change to ensure a safeguarding policy that protects the rights of people living with HIV especially, and the population at large.”
The new executives committed to good governance, transparency and accountability and to “take whistleblowing, including safeguarding whistleblowers’ rights seriously”.
Below is the full statement:
