E/R: NGOs refund misapplied money

Three local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that misapplied funds provided by the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) for HIV/AIDS activities have been made to refund the amount involved.

They are Tajaaf Foundation of New Juaben Municipality, Child Education Assistance Project of Akuapem North District and Riverstone Foundation of the Yilo Krobo District.

This was revealed by Ms Rita Ntoso, Project Officer of Drama Network, a lead NGO supervising local NGOs working to promote safe sexual life styles and the reduction of HIV.

It was at a review meeting of the Eastern Regional AIDS Committee with stakeholders and NGOs operating in HIV prevention activities in the region.

Ms Ntoso did not give details of the amounts involved but said her organization had recommended the abrogation of the contract of Riverstone Foundation for non performance and for lack of a stable office.

Another NGO, Klo Drivers Alliance, involved in the project in Upper Manya Krobo District, also had its contract terminated for non performance.

Ms Ntoso said during the second half of last year, the project was able to establish 79 non traditional condom distribution centres in the districts where it operated like akpeteshie bars, lotto kiosks and fast food joints.

She noted that during that period, the local NGOs engaged in the project were able to sell 98,475 male condoms and 3,917 female condoms.