Somewhere in Ghana, a country known for its vibrant democracy, culture and rich history, a Foundation was birthed out of the STAR Ghana Programme.
Driven by the vehicle of Convening inclusive dialogues, catalysing active citizenship, Coordinating, and supporting strategic partnerships and Learning, STAR-Ghana Foundation continues to work diligently in supporting civil society to engage with government and drive forward a development agenda that leaves no one behind through Local Philanthropy and Active Citizenship for meaningful change.
Staff of the Foundation during the launch
For Five years, the Foundation has been making significant difference in shaping national policy and promote development in education, rights, and security, among other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
On Tuesday 22nd August, STAR-Ghana Foundation launched a series of activities to commemorate its fifth anniversary at a ceremony in Accra. The anniversary is being celebrated on the theme; “5 years of Promoting Active Citizenship and Local Philanthropy for Inclusive Development.”
Members of the Governing Council of the Foundation, subscribers, partners, the media, and stakeholders turned out for the 5th anniversary launch.
Dr. Esther Ofei-Aboagye, Chair of the Governing Council
Convinced that it has made progress in establishing itself as a viable organisation and relevant player in the Ghanaian civil society space within five years, STAR-Ghana Foundation is therefore positioning itself to strengthen work around four thematic areas which are rights to services, strengthening of civil society, peace and security, as well as inclusive and accountable governance.
The organisation transitioned into a Foundation in November 2018, from a 10-year multi-donor funded STAR Ghana Programme, which focused on the strengthening of Parliament and civil society for increased transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in governance at local and national levels.
Activities lined up to mark the 5th anniversary from now to November 2023, include media engagements, a mini launch in Tamale in the Northern region, a speaker’s breakfast forum, a stakeholder dialogue, the launch of a volunteerism programme and a soiree. The anniversary celebration will be climaxed with an annual general meeting.
Beth Cadman (left), Development Director, FCDO and Kathleen Addy, Chairperson, NCCE
Launch
Speaking at the launch in Accra, the Executive Director of STAR-Ghana Foundation, Ibrahim-Tanko Amidu, said the significance of the milestone lies in the lessons the Foundation’s journey holds for the strengthening and sustainability of the civil society sector in Ghana in particular, and Africa in general given that its transition is the first of its kind in Ghana and the 3rd in Anglophone Africa.
He noted that the Foundation’s response to issues such as poverty, exclusion, civic space threats and climate emergency which have shaped the journey persist and give a sense of the work that needs to be done.
“We are coordinating the northern Ghana security forum that brings together the regional coordinating council, the communities, the traditional authorities. The second is that the Foundation is a centre for active citizenship, so, we have started promoting volunteerism. Currently, we are working to enable people who want to volunteer to support community groups. We are also going to provide support to civil society organisations who want to launch volunteerism initiatives at the level so that citizens get connected to the spirit of volunteerism that gave us our independence,” he said.
He added, “We are also looking at local philanthropy and how we can support communities to generate the resources that they need for their development.”
Ibrahim-Tanko Amidu, Executive Director, STAR-Ghana Foundation
Deepening collaboration
In a statement, the Chairperson of the Governing Council of the Foundation, Dr. Esther Ofei- Aboagye, said the Foundation remains committed in ensuring Ghana achieves democratic, inclusive, and sustainable society considering the sub-regional tensions.
She said that in pursuit of its three C’s and L mantra, namely as a convener, catalyst, and coordinator of actions towards systemic and transformational change, the Foundation sees the need to explore wherever it can build winning coalitions to foster the systemic shifts that are necessary to build the Ghana expected.
“Fortunately, some of the new assistance we are getting may allow us to venture in these directions and broaden our perspectives on systems change approaches. We have undertaken an institutional review and strengthening exercise, with a view to charting the course for the way into the future and embodying this in our new Strategic Plan for 2024 to 2029,” she said.
Dr. Ofei-Aboagye encouraged citizens to actively take interest in ensuring improvement in social, economic and governance architecture of the country.
She said the Foundation has found new partners and strengthened old relationships going forward.
Some dignitaries at the launch
“The Foundation will continue to work and collaborate with key government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and independent institutes like Parliament, National Council for Civic Education (NCCE), the Electoral Commission (EC), and Commission of Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), and donor partners.
She reiterated the need to have stronger civil society organisations and well-informed citizens as the sub-region faces political instability.
Prof. Akilagpa Sawyerr, a subscriber of the Foundation, urged the Foundation not to rest on its oars in developing the country.
The renowned academic said the Foundation was formed based on the idea and process of developing the country and urged them to continue their commitment to tackling evolving socio-economic concerns that plague Ghana’s developmental agenda.
The Development Director at the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), Beth Cadman, highlighted ongoing challenges in Ghana including concerns about civil society contraction and corruption control.
She encouraged STAR-Ghana Foundation to continue its efforts to address these issues.
“As you celebrate the incredible achievements you are right to look to the future. You have built the platform upon which you continue to help civil society not only survive but thrive.
“You have created a network of contacts that allow you to contribute a national debate on building a stronger Ghana. You have developed a strong and enduring model that will continue for five years and beyond,” she said.