It was a quiet morning when Emmanuel Akuffo, the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) President of the KoforiduaTechnical Secondary, first heard about the Nokofio platform. At the time, his administration was wrestling with a persistent challenge—how to provide meaningful support for struggling students.
Some couldn’t afford food; others were burdened with overdue tuition fees. Emmanuel and his team knew they needed a solution that was innovative, sustainable, and inclusive.
They had already introduced the “Food Bank Policy,” a noble initiative that sourced donations from shops, philanthropists, and individuals to provide food for students in need. It was a lifeline for many. “Some of our colleagues find it difficult to feed themselves,” Emmanuel recalled.
But while the Food Bank addressed hunger, a more significant challenge loomed: financial hardship. How could they ease the burden of tuition for struggling students?
As Emmanuel pondered the problem, fate—or perhaps grace—intervened. He was introduced to Nokofio, a locally developed digital platform designed for fundraising and resource mobilization.
“We registered on the Nokofio policy.The platform generated QR codes and other tools that made it easier for us to solicit funds during events.The process was straightforward. At programs where dignitaries were present, QR codes were displayed, allowing attendees to scan and donate instantly,” he explained.
The system was designed with transparency at its core. “The platform is monitored by at least three people. Any transaction that goes on is seen by all of us, so there’s no room for mismanagement,” Emmanuel emphasized.
“It’s a very good initiative. “With increased awareness, I believe donations will grow significantly in the coming years,” he advised.
Susana Ankomah Konadu, founder of the Serene Aid Foundation, who used the Nokofio to fund her organization’s initiatives shared that “before establishing my foundation, I was very confused about how to go about it, a friend recommended Nokofio to me, and I decided to give it a try.”
Madam Susana explained how easy it was to set up her Nokofio account. “I asked my friend about creating an account, and he took care of it for me. Within a few days, he sent me my account name and password. I then posted the link on my social media handles, and plenty of people donated through the Nokofio link,” she said.
“When it was time to withdraw money from the account, it was so fast and convenient. Thanks to the funds raised on Nokofio, my colleagues and I were able to renew the National Health Insurance for 20 individuals in their community.
For Susana, Nokofio is more than just a platform; it’s a game-changer for anyone looking to mobilize funds. “Nokofio is the best platform that can help promote one’s business or foundation,” she stated.
Nokofio Platform
The Nokofio platform is an example of how local talent can harness technology to address pressing challenges, particularly in revenue mobilization. Designed and built with Ghana’s unique needs in mind, Nokofio provides a transparent, seamless, and inclusive way to manage donations and internal revenue mobilization activities.
This innovative platform leverages local payment systems such as Mobile Money (MoMo) and integrates USSD codes, making it accessible to virtually anyone, regardless of the type of device they use. Whether on a basic feature phone or a smartphone, users can easily engage with the platform to raise or contribute funds for various campaigns.
Already embraced by universities, churches, and charity organizations, Nokofio demonstrates how digital solutions rooted in local realities can deliver efficient and user-friendly services.
In an interview with this reporter, the co-founder of Nokofio, Micheal Ofori shared insights into the platform’s design and impact.
“We ensure the platform is accessible to both smartphone and feature phone users by integrating the USSD system. With this, feature phone users can, without the internet, dial a short code to make donations or crowdfund for a purpose,” he said.
He also explained that the platform incorporates advanced security measures in partnership with the MTEK Bank of Ghana.
“We use MTEK CBDC, a package provided by the bank, which incorporates blockchain technology to secure transactions and data. We also monitor accounts that receive or donate substantial amounts, conducting background checks to ensure funds are used for the intended purpose,” he explained.
Mr. Ofori explained that Nokofio’s transparency sets it apart from other platforms.
“If you’re raising GH¢100,000, everyone can see how much has been donated. Donors receive SMS confirmations, and the account owners are notified too,” the co-founder added.
The platform’s flexibility also extends to its QR code and USSD services. “Once you create a campaign, we can generate a QR code or assign a USSD code linked to your account, making it easy for others to contribute,” the co-founder said.
Looking ahead, he disclosed that the platform aims to integrate cryptocurrency and digital currencies such as Bitcoin, ECD, E-Naira, and PESA. “This will allow users to donate using these options, broadening our reach,” he revealed.
Despite being relatively new, Nokofio has achieved impressive results, generating total revenue of over GH¢230,000.
Expert View
According to Julius Gyimah, an Economist Analyst and Executive Director of the Centre for Public Policy & Economic Analysis who commended the Nokofio platform he highlighted key strategies that an organization like this can adopt to enhance its transparency and accountability in digital fundraising.
“Financial management strategies are essential for the sustainability of any organization. Budgeting and planning should be the cornerstone. Organizations like this must quantify their plans in monetary terms, break them into achievable milestones, and continuously review them to ensure alignment with objectives”, he explained.
One of the challenges financial platforms are likely to face is cybersecurity. The experts warn that hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in online platforms to steal donor information or redirect funds.
To address these threats, he suggested that such organizations are advised to implement encryption, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems. Regular data backups and security audits are also essential for maintaining a robust digital infrastructure.
Fraud and Scams
He explained that fraudsters and scammers present another significant challenge. Bad actors often pose as donors or beneficiaries to exploit systems. “These fraudsters might misdirect donations or steal sensitive information,” the expert noted.
He emphasized the importance of leveraging data analytics to verify donor identities and maintain secure communication.
“They must adhere to cybersecurity protocols and upgrade their IT systems regularly. Continuous updates to firewalls and antivirus software are necessary to meet regulatory standards and protect IT infrastructure,” the expert stated.
Moreover, Mr. Gyimah noted that issues such as unauthorized deductions during mobile money or card transactions can affect donors.
“Ensuring secure payment protocols and staying updated with the latest software is key to mitigating these risks,” the expert advised.
In an interview, an economic expert emphasized the critical role platforms like Nokofio could play in enhancing the efficiency of public revenue mobilization. “The government can leverage Nokofio’s technology to simplify and secure revenue collection processes,” he said. “Platforms like this integrate Mobile Money (MoMo) and USSD codes, making it easy for even those in remote areas without internet access to contribute.”
He highlighted Nokofio’s emphasis on transparency as a significant advantage. “One of the biggest challenges in tax collection and public fundraising is the issue of trust. When citizens can track their contributions in real-time and receive confirmations, it builds confidence in the system. The government could replicate this model to improve compliance and accountability,” the expert added.
The expert further suggested that Nokofio’s blockchain-backed security measures could be utilized by government agencies to prevent fraud and ensure proper use of funds. “The government’s partnership with a platform like Nokofio would reduce leakages, strengthen financial auditing processes, and ultimately enhance the credibility of public revenue collection,” he explained.
To maximize the potential of these partnerships, the expert recommended that the government establish a formal framework for engaging local technology platforms.
“By collaborating with local innovators like Nokofio, the government not only improves revenue collection but also supports homegrown solutions that align with our socio-economic realities,” he concluded.
“This report is produced under the DPI Africa Journalism Fellowship Programme of the Media Foundation for West Africa and Co-Develop.”
