Complaint Procedure

Complaints and Whistleblower Reporting Mechanism

Short Intro:

GIIF is committed to ensuring that concerns relating to its projects, programmes, staff, consultants, contractors, and implementing partners are addressed fairly, confidentially, and without retaliation. Individuals, communities, organizations, sponsors and project stakeholders may submit complaints, grievances, or reports of misconduct through this platform. Complaints may be submitted in English or in any local language spoken by the complainant.

Definition of Complaints

The GIIF acknowledges that complaints from affected stakeholders may pertain to either:

  • Type 1 complaint: Noncompliance with GIIF regulations, rules, policies, or procedures as perceived.
  • Type 2 compliant: Disputes concerning the appropriateness of project technical design and implementation, as well as the necessary safeguards, regardless of compliance with GIIF regulations, rules, policies, or procedures.

Buttons:

  • File a Complaint
  • Report Misconduct Anonymously

Subsection 2: What Can Be Reported?

Project-Related Complaints

  • Environmental impacts
  • Social impacts
  • Community concerns
  • Resettlement issues
  • Labour and working conditions
  • Stakeholder engagement concerns
  • Gender-related concerns
  • Indigenous Peoples concerns
  • Project implementation concerns

Integrity and Misconduct Reports

  • Fraud
  • Corruption
  • Abuse of authority
  • Conflict of interest
  • Misuse of project funds
  • Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (SEAH)
  • Retaliation against whistleblowers

Subsection 3: Who Can Submit a Complaint?

Complaints may be submitted by:

  • Individuals
  • Communities
  • Community groups
  • Civil society organizations
  • Project beneficiaries
  • Project Sponsors
  • Contractors and consultants
  • Employees
  • Representatives acting on behalf of affected persons

Anonymous complaints are accepted. Confidentiality will be protected to the fullest extent possible.

Subsection 4: How Complaints Are Resolved

GIIF encourages concerns to be addressed at the level closest to the project whenever possible. This helps ensure that issues are resolved quickly, fairly, and efficiently.

Step 1: Engage the Project Team

If your concern relates to a GIIF-supported project, you are encouraged to first discuss the matter with the project management team (Executing Entity) or the local project implementation committee. Many issues can be resolved directly through dialogue and mutual agreement at the community level.

Step 2: Contact the GIIF Project Representative

If the issue is not resolved through the project team, you may escalate your concern to the designated GIIF field officer or project contact person. They will review the matter and work with the relevant parties to seek a resolution.

Step 3: Submit a Complaint to GIIF

If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of Steps 1 and 2, or if the issue remains unresolved, you may submit a formal complaint directly to GIIF through this platform. [Insert link to submission form]

You may also submit a complaint directly to GIIF without following Steps 1 and 2 where:

  • The matter is highly sensitive;
  • You require confidentiality;
  • You wish to remain anonymous;
  • You fear retaliation or adverse consequences; or
  • The complaint involves fraud, corruption, misconduct, sexual exploitation, abuse or harassment (SEAH), or other serious wrongdoing.

All complaints received by GIIF will be reviewed and screened by the appropriate department and handled in a fair, confidential, and timely manner.

Subsection 5: Before You Submit

Please Provide:

  • Name (optional)
  • Contact information (optional for anonymous reports)
  • Project name/location
  • Description of the issue
  • Actions are taken to resolve the issue, including previous contacts with the executing entity and the GIIF and reasonably detailed explanations why these stages have not provided a satisfactory solution
  • Date(s) of occurrence
  • Individuals or entities involved (if known)
  • Supporting documents, photos, videos, or other evidence
  • Actions already taken to resolve the issue (if applicable)

Subsection 6: Submit a Complaint (Main Online Form)

Basic Fields

Complaint Type [Drop Down list]

  • Project Grievance
  • Environmental Issue
  • Social Issue
  • Gender Issue
  • SEAH Complaint
  • Fraud/Corruption
  • Whistleblower Report
  • Other

Are you submitting anonymously?

  • Yes
  • No [If no is clicked, provide field for entering contact information such as name, email, phone number, address]

Project Name

Project Location

Description of Complaint

Supporting Documents Upload

Consent to Contact

  • Yes
  • No

Submit Button

Subsection 7: What Happens After Submission?

Subsection 8: Confidentiality and Non-Retaliation

GIIF prohibits retaliation against any person who raises a concern in good faith. Anonymous reporting is permitted. Information provided will be treated confidentially and shared only with those responsible for reviewing and resolving the complaint.

Subsection 9: Other Reporting Channels

Contact Information

  1. Email: complaints@giif.gov.gh [recommended dedicated email. Please create it]
  1. Postal Address:
    GIIF Risk & Sustainability Department
  2. O. Box CT 9300 Cantonment,

Ministry of Finance Building Complex

Tumu Avenue, Kanda

Accra

  1. Telephone Hotline: +233 3039 83885
  1. Physical Address:
    4th Floor, Tower 1, Ministry of Finance Building Complex,

Tumu Avenue, Kanda

Accra