[EDITORIAL] Soliciting Funds for the Less Privileged: A Noble Cause or a Clever Scam?

In recent years, fundraising for the less privileged has become a common feature of Ghana’s social landscape. Whether on the streets, on the radio, or through social media live streams, there’s no shortage of appeals for help. These campaigns often tug at the heartstrings, showcasing the suffering of individuals and urging the public to step in. At first glance, such efforts appear noble and an opportunity for citizens to extend a helping hand to the forgotten members of society. But beneath the emotional appeals, a pressing question lingers: Are all these initiatives genuinely about helping the needy, or are some simply clever schemes for personal gain?

Cases That Sparked Public Debate

One recent high-profile instance involved Kofi Adoma’s fundraising for a mentally ill man. The well-known broadcaster rallied his followers to contribute, attracting donations from across the world. While many lauded the gesture, others quietly questioned the follow-up: What systems ensure that such funds reach the beneficiary and are used for their stated purpose?

As it stands now, the mentally ill man is still on the street. The question remains, was the donation worth the cause?

Similarly, the DL F.M. crew made headlines after they solicited donations for another mentally challenged man. Once again, the public responded generously, but murmurs arose about how such funds are handled and whether the beneficiaries truly receive the full measure of support promised.

Then there’s the Okomfour Kwadee saga. The legendary hiplife musician battling mental health and addiction issues is another striking example. Over the years, multiple fundraising drives have been launched in his name, yet there remains a cloud of uncertainty about whether these campaigns deliver sustained help or simply vanish into thin air after the money is raised.

Beyond these notable instances, countless similar stories unfold daily across Ghana. Street collectors appeal for money for alleged medical emergencies, often without providing proof. Social media campaigns for “urgent hospital bills” disappear without updates once contributions roll in. Community radio appeals gather funds for accident victims whose identities are never confirmed.

The lack of formal oversight means that these initiatives operate in a largely unregulated space. While many organisers are genuine and committed to helping, the rise in questionable appeals has made the public increasingly wary. The truth is uncomfortable: the act of giving is only as noble as the honesty of those entrusted to collect and manage the funds. Without proper accountability, generosity risks becoming just another profitable venture for the unscrupulous.

In a society where empathy runs deep, the challenge lies in balancing the instinct to give with the need for verification and transparency. If fundraising for the less privileged is to retain its credibility, there must be structures in place to ensure that those who give and those who receive can both trust the process.

The Transparency Problem

Part of the issue is that fundraising in Ghana’s informal space is almost entirely unregulated. There is no requirement for fundraisers to publish receipts, keep audited accounts, or even identify themselves formally. Once money changes hands — whether through mobile money, cash, or crowdfunding platforms — the trail often goes cold.

Social media has made this even easier. On platforms like Facebook and TikTok, emotional live videos can draw hundreds of donors in hours, with little to no verification. In 2023 alone, the Ghana Police Service reported over a dozen cases of “false representation for donations,” warning the public to be cautious.

Where Do We Go from Here?

This is not to suggest that all fundraising is fraudulent. Many community-led campaigns have changed lives, from funding life-saving surgeries to rebuilding homes destroyed by floods. But the rising number of questionable cases threatens to erode public trust, making it harder for genuine causes to get support.

The solution lies in accountability:

• Fundraisers should provide documented proof of need before going public.
• Independent oversight from NGOs, religious bodies, or local authorities should verify and monitor campaigns.
• Donors should insist on regular updates and receipts before contributing.

In a society where compassion runs deep, the challenge is to protect generosity from becoming a lucrative side hustle for the dishonest. If we fail, the losers will not just be the donors, but also the truly vulnerable, whose voices will be drowned out by growing cynicism.

After all, giving is noble, but only when it truly reaches the hands it was meant for.