The concept of FOSDA originated from a group of Africans in the diaspora passionate about the security and development of the their continent. Their pre-occupation was to change the African narrative in relation to peace and security, at a time when Africa was in the news for mostly negative reasons including war and conflicts. The group consisted of Africans from various countries including Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, South Africa, Kenya among others. Most of them were exiled from their respective countries for typically political reasons.
The concept of FOSDA originated from a group of Africans in the diaspora passionate about the security and development of the their continent. Their pre-occupation was to change the African narrative in relation to peace and security, at a time when Africa was in the news for mostly negative reasons including war and conflicts. The group consisted of Africans from various countries including Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, South Africa, Kenya among others. Most of them were exiled from their respective countries for typically political reasons.
From afar, the group of exiled Africans started thinking about how to consolidate the democratic development that had started to emerge on the continent and began pushing for reforms such as Ghana return to civilian rule in 1992. This paved the way for the emergence of Civil Society organisations in Ghana by which time FOSDA was only an idea.
FOSDA was eventually established in Ghana in September 2001, at a time when West Africa was home to many violent conflicts. The Foundation was established based on research finding that proliferation of illicit arms in the region was fuelling the conflicts and had to be addressed if there was going to be a proper consolidation of democracy in West Africa.
Over the years the organisation has adopted the Human Security Approach toward peace and security as well as the Human Right Based Approach to development, as strategic and proactive strategies towards ensuring the freedom and safety of the individual leading to peaceful communities and states.
To promote peace and human security by supporting the potentials and capacities of communities and individuals through systematic capacity-development, effective knowledge-sharing, representation
OUR VISION
To be an internationally recognised centre of excellence for pursuing secure livelihoods, dignity and self-worth with partner communities, entities and individuals
CORE VALUES
Commitment to our vision and mission. Transparency in our work and dealings with all stakeholders. Respect for our constituents, partners and funding partners
OUR APPROACH
FOSDA focuses on minimizing the vulnerabilities that underpin and drive human security indicators. These include youth unemployment and under-employment, deepening inequality, Chronic and persistent poverty, low participation of marginalised groups in decision making and governance processes at local and national levels and inequitable access to quality education and decent employment, among others. Security, governance and development challenges persist in Ghana and the West African sub-region. Increasing awareness of the interlinkages between these three thematic areas points to the need for a more human-centred and integrated approach to security, beyond the traditional security approaches.
FOSDA focuses on minimizing the vulnerabilities that underpin and drive human security indicators. These include youth unemployment and under-employment, deepening inequality, Chronic and persistent poverty, low participation of marginalised groups in decision making and governance processes at local and national levels and inequitable access to quality education and decent employment, among others.
Security, governance and development challenges persist in Ghana and the West African sub-region. Increasing awareness of the interlinkages between these three thematic areas points to the need for a more human-centred and integrated approach to security, beyond the traditional security approaches.
We therefore use a human security approach, working with people and communities, especially women and youth to reach peace and security goals and targets. We strive to promote participation of youth and women in decision making, promote gender equality, equity and inclusion, advocate and influence sensitive policies on youth development, local governance, inequality, access to quality public services, accountable governance among others as core to our peace and security outcomes.
Our biggest assets are the people we work with, including youth and women groups and networks, We value our partnerships with civil society organisations, public institutions and international NGOs and agencies. We are passionate about contributing to realised International obligations such as the SDGs, the Agenda 2063 and the ECOWAS Security Agenda and national commitments under the Directive Principles of State Policy and National Medium Term Development. these frameworks also provide an extensive agenda for FOSDA and its partners.
Our spirit of adaptability to change makes the organisation resilient, always learning.
