Our impactful projects
Discover the projects GSS has championed, focusing on sustainable development, climate action, and effective policy planning. See how our work translates into tangible, positive change in communities and governance systems.
Integrating WASH into local development planning
Gertrude M. Mongkuma led research during her MA in Development Studies, focusing on the integration of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) priorities into local development planning in Ghana. This critical work examined how WASH is incorporated into district development plans, identifying gaps between national policies and local implementation practices.
The main problem addressed was the insufficient integration of WASH priorities in many local development plans in Ghana, despite national commitments. This led to service delivery gaps, limited funding, and weak coordination. Gertrude's contribution involved policy and institutional analysis of development plans in two districts in Ghana's Eastern Region, examining WASH reflection and engaging local stakeholders.
Results included identifying significant gaps, producing evidence-based recommendations for improved WASH integration, highlighting the need for cross-sector collaboration, and contributing research to support more inclusive and sustainable local development planning.
District development planning & policy implementation
As a District Planning Officer, Gertrude M. Mongkuma actively contributed to translating national development policies into effective district-level strategies. This role was crucial in addressing the challenges local governments often face, such as limited data, coordination issues, and weak monitoring systems.
Gertrude's contribution involved coordinating the preparation of Medium-Term Development Plans and Action Plans. She ensured these plans were robust, based on thorough socio-economic data, and incorporated valuable stakeholder input, guaranteeing they met the specific needs of the communities.
The positive changes and results from this work included improving the quality and evidence base of district development plans. This strengthened collaboration between various government departments and local communities, ensuring plans aligned with national policy frameworks and guided essential investments in infrastructure, social services, and local economic development.
Evidence-based climate and policy insights
Gertrude M. Mongkuma leverages her expertise to contribute to evidence-based development planning and climate-sensitive policy implementation. Her work focuses on bridging the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical application, particularly within local government systems in Ghana.
The core problem addressed is the need for more robust, data-driven approaches to climate governance and policy, ensuring that interventions are effective and tailored to specific local contexts. Gertrude's specific contribution involves conducting in-depth analyses, engaging with diverse stakeholders, and formulating actionable recommendations that resonate with both national objectives and local realities.
This commitment has led to significant results, including strengthening local capacities for climate adaptation and mitigation, enhancing the resilience of communities to environmental changes, and fostering a more integrated approach to sustainable development. Her insights help ensure that policies are not only well-intentioned but also implementable and impactful on the ground.