Governance and Leadership Workshop (February 2026) – Society of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists of Ghana (SOGOG)

March 10, 2026

Date: 24–26 February 2026

Venue: AH Hotel, East Legon, Accra

Prepared by: Dr. Charles Takyi, General Secretary

Date of Report: 6 March 2026

1. Introduction

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Ghana (SOGOG) held a three-day Governance and Leadership Workshop from 24–26 February 2026 at AH Hotel, East Legon, Accra.

The workshop brought together current and former SOGOG executives, regional representatives, members of key committees, SOGOG secretariat staff, and representatives from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) and Oxfam Ghana.

The primary objective of the workshop was to:

• Review and validate the SOGOG Governance and Operations Manual (SOGOG-GOM)

• Strengthen organizational governance structures

• Review strategic priorities and implementation progress

• Enhance leadership and board effectiveness

• Define practical actions to improve institutional sustainability

A total of 20 participants attended the workshop.

2. Participants

Participants included:

Current Executive Committee

• Prof. Thomas O. Konney – President

• Dr. Kwame Anim-Boamah – Vice President

• Dr. Charles Takyi – General Secretary

• Dr. Francis Wuobar – Deputy General Secretary

• Dr. Nana Yaa Asaah-Aboagye – Treasurer

• Dr. Akwasi Baafour Opoku – Organizing Secretary

Former Executives

• Dr. Ali Samba – Former President

• Dr. Promise Sefogah – Former General Secretary

• Dr. Ama Kaki Ghunney – Former Treasurer

Committee Representatives

• Dr. Naa Baake Armah – CPD Training and Development Committee

• Dr. Augustine Demah-Teye Nuertey – Publicity and Advocacy Committee

Regional Representatives

• Dr. Abraham Babatuiamu Titigah – Upper East Region

• Dr. Zach Osman Aldrin – Brong Ahafo Region

Institutional Partners

• Representatives from SOGOC and Oxfam Ghana

Secretariat Staff

• Two members of the SOGOG Secretariat

3. Day One: Governance Foundations and Global Context

Opening and Workshop Orientation

The workshop began with introductions and clarification of expectations. The consultant outlined the objectives, agenda, and expected outcomes, emphasizing the importance of strengthening SOGOG’s governance systems.

Participants were introduced to the SOGOG Governance and Operations Manual (SOGOG-GOM), which is intended to guide the Society’s governance, strategic direction, and operational management.

Presentation: SOGOG Governance and Operations Manual

The consultant highlighted the importance of:

• Clear governance structures

• Defined roles and responsibilities

• Effective decision-making processes

• Practical use of governance documents

Participants discussed how the manual should remain adaptable to the evolving needs of the Society.

Learning from International Experience

Representatives from SOGC shared insights on their organizational structure and activities, including:

• Publication of 12–18 clinical guidelines annually

• Continuing professional development courses

• Digital educational platforms and video libraries

• Public engagement events

• Organizational restructuring to improve efficiency

These examples provided useful lessons for strengthening SOGOG’s institutional capacity.

Global Challenges Affecting Professional Societies

A session on global geopolitical changes and their impact on civil society organizations highlighted several issues affecting professional societies:

• Declining global health funding

• The impact of the Global Gag Rule

• Reduced support for sexual and reproductive health programs

• Shrinking civic space in many countries

Participants emphasized the importance of professional societies advocating for women’s health and reproductive rights, while encouraging governments to increase funding for key health programs.

Governance and Team-Building Sessions

The afternoon focused on strengthening board effectiveness through discussions on:

• Fiduciary responsibilities of boards

• Governance best practices

• Roles and responsibilities of board members

• Strategic leadership within professional associations

Participants also discussed SOGOG’s strategic priorities and institutional direction.

4. Day Two: Strategic Planning, Compliance and Institutional Management

Regulatory Compliance in Ghana

A presentation by the General Secretary reviewed SOGOG’s legal and regulatory obligations as a registered professional body and NGO in Ghana.

Key requirements include:

• Annual audited financial statements

• Submission of annual returns to the Office of the Registrar of Companies

• Maintenance of updated membership records

• Compliance with provisions under the Companies Act 2019 (Act 992)

The discussion emphasized the need for consistent compliance and proper administrative systems.

Strategic Plan Implementation

The Executive reviewed the SOGOG Strategic Plan (2024–2029), including:

• Strategic priorities

• Communication strategy

• Monitoring and evaluation framework

The Immediate Past General Secretary presented progress made in the first year of implementation and highlighted key challenges.

Financial Status of SOGOG

The Treasurer presented an overview of the Society’s current financial situation and its alignment with strategic priorities.

The discussion focused on:

• Financial sustainability

• Strengthening financial management systems

• Linking budgeting to strategic priorities

5. Key Strategic Decisions

During a strategic breakout session between former and current executives, several important decisions were taken:

Institutional Strengthening

• Development of an Executive Committee operational calendar

• Annual Executive strategic retreat

• Recruitment of an Accountant/Administrative Officer

• Training on QuickBooks and financial management systems

Secretariat Management

• Revision of the Terms of Reference of the Executive Secretary

• Introduction of performance monitoring and KPIs

• Engagement of National Service personnel to support the Secretariat

Communications and Visibility

• Recruitment of a Social Media Content Creator

• Activation of a WhatsApp announcement platform for members

• Establishment of an official communication channel for reporting professional conduct concerns

Planning for the 2026 AGSM

• Date: 30 July – 1 August 2026

• Location: Kumasi

• Early communication to members

• Pre-conference workshops

• Outreach activities in collaboration with Ghana Health Service

6. Day Three: Leadership Development and Organizational Alignment

The final day focused on leadership development and team cohesion.

Discussions explored:

• Leadership qualities required for professional societies

• Leadership within the African context

• Strengthening collaboration among board members

• Improving organizational accountability

Participants also reviewed the final draft of the SOGOG Governance and Operations Manual, which was validated during the workshop.

7. Key Outcomes of the Workshop

The workshop achieved several important outcomes:

1. Validation of the SOGOG Governance and Operations Manual (SOGOG-GOM)

2. Strengthening of governance structures and board responsibilities

3. Review of the Strategic Plan implementation progress

4. Identification of priority actions for institutional strengthening

5. Development of strategies to improve financial management and compliance

6. Strengthened collaboration with SOGC and international partners

8. Conclusion

The workshop successfully met its objectives and provided a strong foundation for improving governance, leadership, and institutional sustainability within SOGOG.

Participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Society’s role in advancing women’s health and reproductive health services in Ghana.

The meeting ended with a debriefing session between SOGOG, SOGC, and Oxfam Ghana representatives to discuss future collaboration beyond the current partnership period ending in 2027.

Submitted by

Dr. Charles Takyi

General Secretary

Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Ghana (SOGOG)