"Our dependency on funds could render us vulnerable as some terrorist organizations come in with a lot of money."

Dr. Emanuel Akwetey, Executive Director, Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), said this in Accra at the launch of the 2017 Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Report.

He said NGOs could now be found in almost every aspect of the country's socio-economic sector.

Dr. Akwtey said it was of great importance, therefore, to have a clear definition of the relationship between NGOs and the public sector, which should be in the form of a law.

He noted that NGOs comprised a constructive force, and had attracted funding on their own towards supporting developmental programmes in the country, "which makes it important for us to fight for a law that facilitates our work and help us serve better."

Dr. Akwetey observed that NGOs deserved some recognition and support from the government, because they were an important force in Ghana's democracy, adding, "Our politicians consume our research, which compliments policy making, peace and stability."

He, however, cautioned that in seeking support from the government, there was the need to ensure that the much-needed autonomy of NGOs was not compromised in the least.

Mr. Douglas Quartey, Development Consultant and Author of Ghana CSO Sustainability Index report, said the dependency of CSOs on foreign donors without a frame work for local support was a major challenge.

He noted that there was the need for a law that would enable NGOs source funding from the private sector.

"We need to look at the legal regime we have and the way forward, with regard to how we can ensure that our CSOs are sustained from local philanthropists and local businesses," Mr Quartey said.

The report scored CSOs on their sustainability in terms of their financial viability, services they render, the legal environment they thrive in, their organizational and advocacy capacity, and their public image.

The report also highlighted the major funding challenges CSOs faced, as the country geared towards self sustainability.