Posts in category: News & Updates

In a significant step toward deepening collaborative climate resilience efforts, HATOF Foundation has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Southern Volta Development Group (SOVODEG).

The MoU, signed on the 8th of July, 2025, formalizes the cooperation between HATOF and SOVODEG with a long term vision to support the protection and improvement of the marine and coastal environment, enhance the active and effective participation of the Southern Volta communities in national and global climate action and promote sustainable socio-economic development by leveraging business opportunities.

This partnership reflects a mutual commitment to strengthening environmental governance and advancing inclusive development models tailored to local contexts through joint projects focused on:

• Climate change adaptation and mitigation,
• Sustainable livelihoods,
• Community-led conservation, and
• Knowledge-sharing and advocacy.

“This is more than a formal agreement; it is a promise to communities that we are working together to ensure they thrive in the face of climate risks,” said by Dr. Samuel Dotse (PhD), speaking on behalf of HATOF Foundation.

We look forward to the impactful journey ahead with SOVODEG and remain committed to scaling solutions that bridge environmental protection with social and economic transformation.

Honourable Guests, Distinguished Partners, Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is both an honour and a profound responsibility to speak today on behalf of Civil Society Organisations as we mark the launch of the Accelerating Solar Action Program (ASAP)— a milestone not only for Ecobank Ghana but for Ghana’s sustainable development journey.

ASAP is not merely another development intervention. It represents a bold, strategic step forward in Ghana’s climate and energy transition journey – signalling Ghana’s readiness to align policy, finance, and implementation to expand access to clean, affordable energy—especially for underserved households, MSMEs, and productive sectors.

Like many developing economies, Ghana faces a dual challenge: reducing the growing impacts of climate change while ensuring that all citizens enjoy equitable access to reliable energy. Our reliance on fossil fuel-based thermal generation continues to expose us to GHG emissions and economic volatility. Renewable energy—though rich in potential—still lags in mainstream deployment.

ASAP marks a turning point, seeking to scale distributed solar power solutions, enable productive energy use, and unlock new opportunities for growth, resilience, and low-carbon development.

But ladies and gentlemen, beyond policy and infrastructure, people remain at the heart of this mission.

For the micro-entrepreneur facing high energy costs, for the irrigation cooperative dealing with power reliability issues, and for the youth pursuing green job opportunities—ASAP provides potential solutions and opportunities.  And it is here that civil society’s role becomes critical.

As CSOs, we are the bridge between planning and participation, between financing and lived experience. We play a vital role in ensuring that awareness creation, capacity building, and local engagement are inclusive and effective. We must also champion transparency—ensuring that the program is implemented with strong environmental and social safeguards, and that vulnerable groups, particularly women and off-grid communities, are not left behind.

I am particularly proud to reflect on the long-standing collaboration between Ecobank and HATOF Foundation. I had the opportunity to support the development of the Bank’s GCF Accredited Entity Work Programme—a pivotal instrument that has helped shape its climate finance direction and align with national priorities. I also had the privilege of providing pro-bono advisory services during the Bank’s accreditation process, which successfully positioned Ecobank as Ghana’s first GCF-accredited financial institution.

Moreover, I was pleased to recommend and facilitate the participation of civil society organizations in the Bank’s maiden Sustainability Week Celebration in March 2024—an event that reflected Ecobank’s openness to inclusive dialogue and reinforced the critical role of CSOs in climate governance and policy influence.

I wish to commend Ecobank Ghana for the deliberate inclusion of community voices and local context in this journey. Looking ahead, HATOF Foundation and our civil society partners remain committed to supporting the rollout of ASAP in collaboration with Ecobank Ghana, the Energy Commission, the Ministry of Finance, and other stakeholders.

Together, we must ensure this becomes a replicable model that not only contributes to our NDCs and the Renewable Energy Master Plan but also accelerates progress toward universal energy access by 2030.

Let me conclude by saying this: the climate crisis demands more than policy—it demands partnerships, leadership, and sustained commitment. ASAP represents all three. I encourage all stakeholders—government, private sector, CSOs, and communities—to rally behind this landmark initiative and ensure its success across Ghana and beyond.

Thank you, and congratulations once again to Ecobank Ghana on this historic achievement.

HATOF Foundation invites qualified consulting firms to submit proposals for the Licensing and Setup of a Complete Financial Management System to strengthen financial management, transparency, and IFRS-compliant reporting.

Assignment Overview

Project: Financial Management System Setup
Location: HATOF Foundation, Tema-Ghana
Duration: August 25 – October 11, 2025

The selected firm will deliver a fully functional, customized financial management system supporting fund and grant management, donor reporting, budgeting, multi-currency transactions, project tracking, and automated financial reporting.

Scope of Work (Summary)

The Consulting firm will be responsible for delivering a complete and fully functional financial management system for HATOF Foundation, in line with the scope of work. This will include:

• Conducting a detailed kick-off meeting with HATOF Foundation to understand current accounting processes, operational needs, and reporting requirements.
• Reviewing existing financial records and recommending the most suitable setup and configuration.
• Installing, configuring, and customizing financial management modules to meet HATOF’s requirements.
• Setting up a system within the financial management system for HATOF to manage and disburse funds, and act as an intermediary for sub-grantees when required.
• Migrating historical financial data into the system so that HATOF can generate key financial statements, including income statements, statements of financial position, equity statements, cash flow statements, and notes to accounts.
• Configuring automated financial reports to meet IFRS and donor requirements.
• Setting up and managing user permissions to ensure data security.
• Providing training sessions to equip HATOF staff with the skills to independently operate and manage the system.
• Testing the system for accuracy, completeness, and functionality before handover.
• Offering post-implementation technical support to resolve any issues and ensure smooth operation.
• Download TOR

Key Deliverables

• Inception Report outlining the agreed setup plan and timeline.
• Fully functional financial management system customized to HATOF’s needs.
• Migration of agreed historical data.
• User training sessions for HATOF staff.
• User manual for basic system operations.
• Post-implementation technical support.

Eligibility

Firms should demonstrate experience in financial system implementation, IFRS-compliant reporting, and NGO or donor-funded project accounting.

How to Apply

Submit a technical and financial proposal, and sample work

Deadline & Submission

Deadline: 31st July 2025
Email: ghanainfo@hatof.org
Subject: Proposal – Financial Management System Setup

Washington, D.C., June 4, 2025 — Global environmental financing is taking center stage this week at
the 69th Session of the Global Environment Facility (GEF 69) Council Meeting, where USD$261
million is being allocated to innovative, transformative programs addressing biodiversity
conservation, pollution remediation, and locally led environmental actions. Amid the high-level
gathering of environmental leaders and decision-makers, Dr. Samuel Dotse, CEO of HATOF
Foundation and Laureate of Distinction in Climate Change, is making strategic waves.
Attending the Council meeting at the invitation of Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, the GEF CEO and Chair
of the Secretariat, Dr. Dotse is actively advocating for ambitious climate financing, forging
important international partnerships, and elevating Ghana’s visibility within the global
environmental financing dialogue. His presence underscores the importance of inclusive,
transparent, and well-financed environmental governance in addressing both national and global
environmental challenges.
Beyond the Council floor, Dr. Dotse is officially invited to speak at the Climate Investment Funds
(CIF) 2025 Observer Onboarding Workshop at the World Bank Office in Washington, where he will
deliver insights on enhancing transparency in the governing bodies of Multilateral Climate Funds
and the crucial role observers play in strengthening accountability and institutional transparency.
In a series of high-level bilateral meetings, Dr. Dotse is also engaging with the Adaptation Fund
Secretariat, CIF leadership, and Multilateral Accredited Entities and development partners to
secure targeted funding for climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable land
management in Ghana.
Out of the $261 million up for disbursement at the Council, $195 million is earmarked for projects
focused on eliminating toxic substances from from cosmetic products and industrial
processes, support collaboration across international waterways, and propel a variety of
locally led environmental efforts, including through microfinance. Additionally, the Global
Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) is considering $26 million in grants to scale up biodiversity
protection efforts and community well-being programs across multiple countries.
Dr. Dotse’s strategic engagement comes at a pivotal time, as the GEF Council reviews progress
toward key global environmental goals and aligns funding strategies with the evolving mandates of
multilateral environmental conventions.

About the Global Environment Facility (GEF):
The GEF is the world’s largest multilateral fund supporting developing countries, including Ghana in
meeting global environmental commitments. It serves as the financial mechanism for several key
environmental conventions, including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
Convention, UN Convention on Biological Diversity, Convention to Combat Desertification,
Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, Minamata Convention on Mercury, and the
Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ). The GEF comprises 186 member countries, and its
Council—made up of 32 representatives from developed, developing, and transitional
economies—meets twice yearly to set policies, review progress, and approve funding for
environmental projects.
About the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF):

Launched in 2023, the GBFF supports developing nations in implementing the Kunming-Montreal
Global Biodiversity Framework with strategic focus on strengthening national-level biodiversity
management, planning, policy, governance, and finance approaches. With $202 million already
committed across 41 countries, the GBFF aims to drive national-level biodiversity policies and
planning to meet the ambitious goal of living in harmony with nature by 2050. Ghana is yet to
benefit from the GBFF.

Kumasi, Ghana – May 9, 2025 – Dr. Samuel Dotse, Founder and CEO of the HATOF Foundation, has
been awarded the prestigious Millennium Excellence Award for Climate Change Excellence at a
grand ceremony held at the Manhyia Palace, the seat of Asantehene in Kumasi.
Conferred by the Millennium Excellence Foundation under the auspices of its Life Patron, His
Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, the award recognises Dr. Dotse’s
outstanding contributions to sustainable development, environmental conservation, and climate
action.
Selected as the Laureate of Distinction from among 49 high-profile nominees——including leading
figures from government, academia, private sector, and civil society—Dr. Dotse stood out for his
exceptional leadership in climate change advocacy.
In a citation read in his honour, the Foundation praised Dr. Dotse’s work, stating:
“We are proud to celebrate your advocacy for biodiversity conservation, capacity building for climate
change action, climate finance mobilization, policy influence and research. Your efforts reinforce your
commitment to addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development in Ghana and
beyond.”
The citation further reads, “This award is a testament of our collective appreciation, and a reminder
that the similitude of positive impact is like that of a bright glowing lamp in the depth of darkness; it
serves its immediate surrounding whilst giving hope and direction to many across the entire horizon.”
It concluded with a quote from Nelson Mandela: “Your profound impact will be forever immortalized
by the giant footprint of your exemplary life. As H.E. Nelson Mandela once said, ‘The greatest glory
in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. And in the end, it’s not the years in
your life that count, it’s the life in your years.’”
At a grand dinner later that evening, His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II personally
conferred Gold Medals of special recognition on Dr. Dotse and other awardees, further celebrating
their achievements and outstanding contributions in their fields.

About Dr. Samuel Dotse
Dr. Samuel Dotse is a distinguished climate expert, environmentalist, and diplomat with over two
decades of experience in climate policy worldwide.
As Founder and CEO of HATOF Foundation, he has championed initiatives that secured over $150
million grants in climate finance for Ghana, addressing urgent environmental challenges.
An influential figure on the global stage, Dr. Dotse is an accredited observer to the UN Framework
Convention on Climate Change, serves as Africa’s Special Envoy on Climate Change for the
International Society of Diplomats, and sits on the Climate Investment Funds’ Stakeholder Advisory
Network on Climate Finance Board in Washington, D.C., and the Green Climate Fund’s National
Designated Authority Technical Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Finance in Ghana.
His past leadership within the African Union ECOSOCC has strengthened regional and global
diplomatic engagement and bridged grassroots action to address climate change.
From Ghana to the global arena, Dr. Samuel Dotse continues to drive collaboration and sustainable
solutions for a better planet.

About the Millennium Excellence Awards
The Millennium Excellence Awards is a prestigious ceremony held every five years to celebrate
excellence and outstanding personalities across various sectors.
Held every five years since 2000, the Millennium Excellence Awards celebrate individuals and
institutions demonstrating leadership and impact. Over the years, the awards have recognized over
100 honorees for exceptional achievements and service to society, with this year’s ceremony marking
the fifth edition.
The evening was a celebration of excellence, with distinguished guests, dignitaries, and past awardees
gracing the occasion.

Rome, 28 February 2025 – Dr. Samuel Dotse, the Chief Executive Officer of the HATOF Foundation, has welcomed the historic launch of the Cali Fund, a financial mechanism designed to ensure fair and equitable benefit-sharing from digital sequence information (DSI) on genetic resources.
This groundbreaking move took place on the sidelines of the resumed session of the 16th UN Biodiversity Conference in Rome, setting the stage for a more sustainable and cooperative approach to biodiversity protection.
The Cali Fund is set to receive contributions from private sector entities that use DSI for commercial purposes, representing a transformative shift in how biodiversity is financed. A key feature of the Fund is its commitment to direct at least 50% of its resources to Indigenous and local communities who are important stewards of the world’s biodiversity.
Dr. Samuel Dotse expressed his excitement at the launch, emphasizing the importance of compensating local communities for their ongoing contributions to biodiversity protection: “I am particularly excited about the Cali Fund seeing the light of day at this resumed session. Compensating local communities for their contribution to biodiversity protection is long overdue. With the launch of this Fund, our local communities, which are at the forefront of biodiversity protection, will receive support for their conservation efforts.”
The commitment to channel resources from the Cali Fund to local communities is a significant development in the evolving approach to biodiversity conservation. By securing funds from the private sector, the Fund represents a new frontier of biodiversity finance, ensuring that those closely connected to nature and land receive support for their invaluable role in safeguarding biodiversity for global benefit.
HATOF Foundation reaffirms its commitment to empowering local communities and advancing a more sustainable and suitable future for biodiversity protection.

Rome, 28 February 2025 – Governments have agreed on a comprehensive strategy to secure the necessary funds for biodiversity protection and achieve the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) targets. The agreement reached in Rome marks the successful conclusion of the 16th UN Biodiversity Conference of Parties (COP16), which resumed after being suspended in Cali, Colombia, in 2024.

The agreement focuses on a multi-faceted resource mobilization approach to closing the global biodiversity finance gap. This includes a commitment to mobilizing at least $200 billion annually by 2030, including $20 billion annually in international flows by 2025, rising to $30 billion by 2030. A key element is the establishment of permanent financial mechanisms to support the Convention on Biological Diversity, alongside improvements to existing financial instruments.

According to Susana Muhamad, COP16 President, discussions in Rome have demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing the Global Biodiversity Framework and creating lasting solutions for biodiversity protection.

Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity, recognizes the crucial role of multilateral cooperation in achieving this goal.

The meeting also resulted in adopting a new Strategy for Resource Mobilization, tapping into diverse funding sources, including public finance, private investment, and philanthropic contributions. This strategy complements the ongoing work of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), which has already approved over $3 billion in support for biodiversity initiatives, leveraging an additional $22 billion in co-financing, including significant private-sector involvement. COP16 also agreed on key steps for ongoing collaboration and establishing a multi-year program of work, which will be discussed further at COP17. The global commitment to biodiversity, coupled with the development of new financial mechanisms and enhanced monitoring frameworks, provides a solid foundation for achieving the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

Accra, Ghana – February 19, 2025: The HATOF Foundation, with support from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Ministry of Finance, is proud to announce the upcoming Proposal Writing Bootcamp as part of Ghana’s Green Climate Fund Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Readiness Programme. The first phase of the boot camp focused on the basic level, commenced on February 19-21, 2025, at Forest Hotel, Accra. The intermediate and advanced levels will continue and conclude in March 2025.

Over the past two decades, Ghana has made significant strides in climate change initiatives. However, technical capacity and coordination gaps have hindered the full engagement of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in critical climate project planning and implementation. The Green Climate Fund’s support aims to address these gaps by strengthening the technical and institutional capacities of Ghanaian CSOs, particularly in climate change adaptation, mitigation, and project proposal development.

The Proposal Writing Bootcamp will empower 40 representatives from 10 CSO networks to build the skills necessary for developing high-quality climate change proposals aligned with national policies and GCF criteria. Participants will better understand climate finance, national policies, and project design.

Workshop Objectives

To build the capacity of CSOs in Ghana to develop high-quality proposals for climate change projects, increasing their chances of accessing funding from the Green Climate Fund and other climate finance mechanisms. Specifically,

• Enhancing knowledge of climate change and Green Climate Fund policies.
• Developing practical skills in climate project development, implementation, and monitoring.
• Facilitating collaboration among stakeholders to support the implementation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Expected Outcomes:

• Increased understanding of global climate change, adaptation and mitigation concepts, national climate change policies and initiatives, and climate finance.
• Mastery of GCF, its policies and procedures (such as ESS, gender policy and action plan, monitoring, reporting and evaluation, compliant and grievance mechanisms, the NDA’s operations manual, and no-objection procedures.

• Strengthened capacity to develop bankable proposals for climate change funding, enhancing access to GCF and other financial mechanisms.
• Improved collaboration in planning and executing Ghana’s climate change initiatives and NDCs.

Training Areas:

• Understanding Multilateral Environmental Agreements
• The Rio Conventions and associated national policies, strategies, and plans
• Multilateral Financial Mechanism (i.e., Green Climate Fund (GCF), Global Environment Facility)
• Project Development, Implementation, and Monitoring
• Development of High-Quality Concept Notes

This initiative aligns with the broader goal of enhancing CSO engagement in national and international climate change efforts, ensuring that non-governmental actors contribute effectively to Ghana’s climate resilience strategies.

The Proposal Writing Bootcamp is pivotal to realizing Ghana’s climate ambitions and fostering a more inclusive, informed, and collaborative approach to climate change solutions.

For more information about the programme or to schedule an interview, please contact: [Ms. MaryJane Enchill on +233246346698 or ghanainfo@hatof.org]

About the HATOF Foundation
The HATOF Foundation is a Ghanaian-based International environmental NGO promoting sustainable development and human well-being through policy advocacy and influence, capacity building, technical assistance, and project development and management in climate change and environmental sustainability. The foundation fosters collaboration and drives impactful climate action through strategic partnerships and training initiatives.

Accra, Ghana – January 21, 2025: Dr. Samuel Dotse, CEO of HATOF Foundation and a
climate change expert delivered a comprehensive presentation on the Global Climate Forum
at the Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies (IESS) in Accra, Ghana.
Dr. Dotse’s presentation, titled “Navigating the Intersection of Climate Change and
Sustainable Development: Critical Reflections on the Outcomes of COP29 and Implications
for Future Research,” took the audience on a journey through the origin of climate change
negotiations, the objectives of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change (UNFCCC), and the Conference of Parties (COP) negotiation process.
He also explored the critical nexus between climate change and sustainable development,
highlighting the urgent need to rethink economic growth and ways to integrate scientific
research findings into national policy.
He emphasized that research needs to be conducted now, more than ever, to refine the
country’s climate modeling frameworks, inform Ghana’s negotiation position, and enhance
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports on Ghana and the continent.
Dr. Dotse’s presentation also delved into the outcomes of COP29, emphasizing the
implications for research and academic communities. His presentation was met with
enthusiasm and appreciation from the audience, comprising students, lecturers,
policymakers, and researchers across the country.
Emphasizing the need for collective action in addressing climate change, he invited students
and researchers to collaborate with the HATOF Foundation and explore opportunities for
mobilizing climate finance.
The HATOF Foundation is a Ghanaian-based international environment NGO promoting
sustainable development and human well-being through policy advocacy, knowledge
exchange, project management, capacity building and training, and technical assistance.

HATOF Foundation is pleased to announce a call for applications for the 2025 Proposal Writing Bootcamp, designed to enhance the capacity of Ghanaian civil society organizations (CSOs) to access climate finance. The boot camp is a key component of the Green Climate Fund CSO Readiness Project for Ghana, implemented by the HATOF Foundation and the Ministry of Finance.

Objective:

The boot camp aims to build the capacity of CSOs in Ghana to develop high-quality proposals for climate change projects, increasing their chances of accessing funding from the Green Climate Fund and other climate finance mechanisms.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be based in Ghana and employed in an NGO in climate change, biodiversity, sustainable land management, energy, agriculture, and water.
• Applicants must have at least a first degree.

Selection Criteria:

A total of 12 individuals will be selected for the boot camp based on their:

• Relevance of work experience to climate change and sustainable development
• Quality of expression of interest and employer’s statement
• Academic qualifications and achievements

Benefits:

• Enhanced capacity to develop high-quality proposals for climate change projects
• Increased chances of accessing funding from the Green Climate Fund and other climate finance mechanisms
• Networking opportunities with other CSOs and climate change experts

Bootcamp Duration: 1 month (February- March 2025)

Location: Forest Hotel, Accra

How to Apply:

• Download and complete the expression of interest and employer’s statement as their organization’s endorsement of the applicant.
• Attach the applicant’s CV.
• Submit the application package (expression of interest, employer statement, and CV) here

Application Deadline: February 5, 2025

For more information, contact ghanainfo@wp.picturethisproduction.ca between now and January 31, 2025.