About Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development Ghana

Who We Are

Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development Ghana Team

The Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development, Ghana (VAST-Ghana) is a registered civil society organization based in Accra, Ghana. We are dedicated to promoting sustainable health and development through evidence-informed advocacy, health promotion, social justice, community empowerment, and inclusive participation in Ghana and beyond.

Founded with the vision of creating a society where all people enjoy optimal health standards, we work at the intersection of public health, policy advocacy, and community development to address pressing health challenges facing Ghana and the African continent.

Vision & Mission

Our Vision

A society where all people enjoy optimal health standards and sustainable development through inclusive participation and evidence-based interventions.

Our Mission

To promote sustainable health and development through evidence-informed advocacy, health promotion, social justice, community empowerment, and inclusive participation in Ghana and beyond.

Years of Impact

+ Publications

Our Story & History

Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development Ghana was founded in 2016 by a group of passionate public health advocates, researchers, and community development practitioners who recognized the urgent need for coordinated civil society action in addressing Ghana's health challenges.

2016

Foundation

Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development Ghana was officially registered as a non-governmental organization in Accra, Ghana, with initial focus on tobacco control advocacy.

2018

Expansion

Expanded scope to include alcohol control, climate justice, and health promotion, establishing ourselves as a comprehensive health advocacy organization.

2020

Regional Impact

Began regional collaborations across West Africa, contributing to policy changes and capacity building initiatives.

2022

Research Excellence

Published landmark studies on tobacco industry interference and alcohol policy, establishing thought leadership in the region.

2024

Global Recognition

Recognized internationally for contributions to public health policy and advocacy, with expanding partnerships across Africa and beyond.

Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development Ghana History

What We Do

Our comprehensive approach to sustainable health and development encompasses multiple focus areas and intervention strategies.

Research & Evidence Generation

Conducting rigorous research to generate evidence on health challenges, industry practices, and policy impacts to inform advocacy and policy development.

Policy Advocacy

Advocating for evidence-based health policies at local, national, and international levels to protect public health and promote sustainable development.

Community Empowerment

Building community capacity for health advocacy and supporting grassroots movements to ensure inclusive participation in health governance.

Health Promotion

Implementing comprehensive health promotion programs focusing on tobacco control, alcohol harm reduction, and healthy lifestyle adoption.

Social Justice & Equity

Addressing health inequities and promoting social justice through targeted interventions that address structural determinants of health.

Climate & Health

Advocating for climate action that protects health and promoting understanding of the health impacts of climate change and environmental degradation.

Governance

Our organizational structure ensures transparency, accountability, and effective leadership in achieving our mission.

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors provides strategic oversight and governance, comprising experienced professionals from public health, law, academia, and civil society sectors. The Board meets quarterly to review organizational performance and strategic direction.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic planning and oversight
Financial governance and accountability
Policy development and approval
Executive leadership supervision

Secretariat

The Secretariat is the operational arm of Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development Ghana, led by the Executive Director and supported by a team of dedicated professionals across program areas including research, advocacy, communications, and administration.

Key Functions:

Program implementation and management
Research and policy analysis
Stakeholder engagement
Financial and administrative management

Organizational Structure

Board of Directors
Strategic Oversight

Executive Director
Leadership & Management

Programs
Implementation

Research
Evidence Generation

Advocacy
Policy Influence

Admin
Operations

Membership & Partnerships

We believe in the power of collaboration to achieve sustainable health and development goals.

Strategic Partnerships

We collaborate with diverse organizations across sectors to amplify our impact and reach. Our partnerships span government agencies, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and international development partners.

Key Partnership Areas:

Government Agencies: Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, Food and Drugs Authority
Academic Institutions: Universities and research centers for evidence generation
Civil Society: Health-focused NGOs and community-based organizations
International: WHO, UN agencies, and global health networks

Network Memberships

As active members of regional and global networks, we contribute to collective advocacy efforts and benefit from shared knowledge and resources.

Network Affiliations:

ATCA: African Tobacco Control Alliance
Ghana NCD Alliance: Non-Communicable Diseases advocacy coalition
AFRO: WHO African Region civil society networks
Global Health Networks: International tobacco control and alcohol policy networks

Partner With Us

Interested in collaborating with Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development Ghana? We welcome partnerships that advance our shared goals of sustainable health and development.