The Regional Advisory Information and Network Systems (RAINS) on 16 December, 2025 successfully organized its first-ever Results and Accountability Fair, under the theme “Celebrating Impact, inspiring change through partnerships,” marking a significant milestone in the organization’s commitment to transparency, learning, and stakeholder accountability. The event also provided the platform for the official launch of RAINS’ Strategic Plan for 2025–2029.
The fair brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, including Programme participants from various communities, civil society and NGO partners, youth groups, and representatives from key public institutions such as the Ghana Education Service (GES), Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies. Participants engaged with programme results, shared experiences, and reflected on lessons learned from RAINS’ interventions across Northern Ghana.
Launch of the 2025–2029 Strategic Plan
A major highlight of the event was the presentation and launch of RAINS’ new Strategic Plan for 2025–2029, which sets out the organization’s vision and priorities for the next five years. The strategy is anchored on five strategic priorities: Good Governance and Gender Responsive Public Services; Building Community Resilience and Social Cohesion; Biodiversity and Climate Resilience; Green Livelihoods and Decent Jobs for Youth and Women; and Institutional Strengthening.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Chrysogonus Anab, Head of the Department of Sustainable Development Studies at the University for Development Studies (UDS), commended RAINS for its long-standing contribution to development in Northern Ghana and the clarity of its new strategic direction.
“RAINS’ Strategic Plan for 2025–2029 is both bold and realistic. It reflects a deep understanding of the development challenges in Northern Ghana and places communities, equity, and sustainability at the centre of development action,” Dr. Anab noted.
He further emphasized the importance of accountability in development work, stressing that meaningful results must be shared openly with stakeholders.
“Accountability is not just about reporting results; it is about building trust with communities and ensuring development interventions respond to real needs,” he added.
Commitment to Accountability and Governance
The event was chaired by Prof. Alhassan Musah, Board Chair of RAINS, who highlighted the importance of institutional accountability and strong governance systems in sustaining impact. He described the Results and Accountability Fair as a demonstration of RAINS’ values in practice.
“This Results and Accountability Fair demonstrates RAINS’ commitment to transparency and responsible stewardship of resources entrusted to us by communities and partners,” Prof. Musah stated.
He reaffirmed the Board’s dedication to ensuring that RAINS continues to operate with integrity and credibility.
“As a Board, we remain committed to providing strong governance oversight to ensure RAINS continues to deliver impact with integrity and accountability,” he said.
Looking Ahead
The Executive Director of RAINS also addressed participants, reflecting on the organization’s 32-year journey and reaffirming its mission to work with communities, social movements, and development partners to improve the quality of life of people facing barriers, especially young people.
“For over three decades, RAINS has worked alongside communities to address inequality and improve access to opportunities. Our 2025–2029 Strategic Plan builds on these foundations while responding to emerging challenges,” the Executive Director remarked.
He emphasized that the Results and Accountability Fair is central to RAINS’ approach to development.
“This fair is a reaffirmation of our belief that development works best when communities are informed, engaged, and empowered to hold institutions accountable,” he added.
Strengthening Partnerships for Impact
Discussions during the fair focused on programme sustainability, collaboration, and the role of communities and institutions in driving inclusive development. The maiden Results and Accountability Fair sets a strong foundation for future editions and reinforces RAINS’ identity as a learning organization committed to transparency, results, and continuous improvement as it implements its 2025–2029 Strategic Plan.
