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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE TRAINING WORKSHOP FOR CIVIL SOCIETY

ACTORS IN TOGO

WORKSHOP EVALUATION REPORT

Prepared by Adama Bah

11-14 May, 2009- Lome, Togo

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction 3

2. Overall Course Delivery 3

3. Course Content 4

4. Recommendations on How the Handbook can be Improved 5

5. Course Duration 5

6. Assessment of Resource Persons 6

7. Challenges 6

8. Immediate Impact 6

9. Recommendations from Participants. 6

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1. INTRODUCTION

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) supported by the Open Society Initiative for

West Africa (OSIWA) organised a “Corporate Governance” training workshop for 30

representatives of civil society organisations in Togo. The overall objective of the workshop was

to provide participants with knowledge and skills in strengthening accountability mechanisms,

maximising the Board’s role and efficiency, developing effective reporting structures, and

enhancing financial management. The evaluation outcomes of the workshop are highlighted

below.

2. OVERALL COURSE DELIVERY

Areas of Assessment Percentage Rating Outcomes of Participants

Very Satisfied

Satisfied Not Satisfied

1. Workshop Objectives 63% 37%

2. Course Handbook 26% 74%

3. Course Delivery 63% 37%

4. Workshop Methodology (lectures, discussions and exercises)

44% 56%

PARTICIPANT EXPLANATIONS FOR RESPONSES

1. Workshop Objectives

The workshop enabled the participants to have clear understanding of good governance, the role of a Board and its members and the relationship between the Board and Management.

Key Corporate Governance theories and concepts were highlighted in a simple and applicable manner;

The concept of the Good Governance was practically explained by the resource person; The methodology of the workshop enabled the participants to appreciate the theoretical

and contextual nature of good governance and its implications in the region. This process was eminated by practical examples.

The workshop was designed to facilitate the replication of the course in their various organisations/associations.

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2. Course Handbook

The handbook contained a rich blend of theory and practice. The handbook contained comprehensive learning exercises serves as a reference document. The handbook needs to be upgraded periodically so that it can become a timeless learning

resource for all Civil Society Organisations in Togo. Certain aspects of the handbook need to be reviewed due to improper translation. 3. Course Delivery

The lectures were interactive and allowed for participants to ask questions and made contributions.

The resource persons had a firm grasp of their various subject areas; The subject areas were explained in a simple and practical manner. Although the PowerPoint presentations were in English supported by simultaneous

Interpretation, it was very satisfactory. 4. Workshop Methodology The discussions facilitated peer learning and experience sharing; The combination of lectures, discussions and exercises facilitated a better understanding of

the concept of corporate governance; The exercises were very engaging, educative and context specific; The participants were given the opportunity to ask questions and share their individual

experiences. The discussions highlighted the problems and realities of CSOs in Togo. In future training, more case studies should be discussed such as “Gbese Case Study”.

3. COURSE CONTENT Topics Covered Percentage Rating Outcomes of Participants

Very useful, am very satisfied

Satisfied with this topic, may

be useful

Not satisfied, may not be useful

1. Introduction to Corporate Governance 67% 33%

2. What is Corporate Governance 85% 15%

3. Boards & Management 56% 44%

4. Legal & Regulatory Issues 41% 59%

5. Board Meetings & Committees 44% 52% 4%

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6. Accountability, Transparency & Legitimacy for NGOs

85% 15%

7. Financial Statements & Reporting 70% 30%

8. Internal Controls & Audits 63%

33% 4%

9. Budgetary Control and Financial Management

56% 44%

10. Budgeting 44% 56%

11. Budget Cycle 44% 52% 4%

12. Financial Management 67% 33%

13. Directorship Failures 67% 33%

14. Duties & Responsibilities of a Board 52% 48%

15. Board Management Relationship 52% 48%

16. Training Evaluation &Action Points 56% 44%

4. RECOMMENDATIONS ON HOW THE HANDBOOK CAN BE IMPROVED

1. The handbook can be improved by adding additional learning outcomes that emanated from the workshop.

2. The handbook can be revised by improving the translation of various aspects. 3. The handbook should be updated periodically to take into consideration global, continental,

regional and national developments. 4. The exercises enabled the participants to network and share ideas.

5. COURSE DURATION

Percentage Rating Outcomes of Participants

Too Long Too Short About Right 7% 11% 82%

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6. ASSESSMENT OF RESOURCE PERSONS 1. The resource persons were patient, courteous and took into consideration participants

concerns. 2. Determination of resource persons for CSOs to make a change did not pass unnoticed 3. The resource persons were well-versed with their various subject areas. 4. The resource persons were able to articulate the various components of the course in a

clear, concise and contextual manner. 5. The high level of engagement and quality of discussions were as a result of the training

competencies of the resource persons. 6. The resource persons provided an adequate platform for participants to share ideas and

experiences. 7. The resource persons were open-minded and had good listening skills.

7. CHALLENGES

Most participants do not have basic knowledge of Finance, Budgeting and the role of the Board.

8. IMMEDIATE IMPACTS

Participants formed a networking association on the last day of the workshop. They agreed to meet frequently to exchange experiences and revisit how far they have practiced what they have lent during the Corporate Governance workshop. Also these meetings will be used as a platform to discuss How CSOs in Togo can move Togo forward.

Mr. Koffi TOUSSA volunteered the use of his office for the next meeting. Mme Claire WILDAF Togo Executive Director has been nominated to be the head of the Association.

Before the training, the participants lacked confidence. They confessed that they did not believe that CSOs in Togo could make a difference by acting as check on government.

9. RECOMMENDATIONS FROM PARTICIPANTS More Corporate governance and leadership trainings should be organised for Civil

Society Organisations in Togo.

WACSI should do an extensive follow-up of the development of the newly formed Association.

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WACSI should show the Pray The Devil Back to Hell at its future trainings. This was recommended by one of the participants, who had benefited from WACSI’s Corporate Governance and Leadership Training Workshop held in Accra in November, 2008.