The STAR Ghana Foundation, a Ghanaian owned non-profit organisation has been launched in Accra, Ghana. As a Ghanaian-led, independent organisation, STAR Ghana Foundation is an example of Ghana going beyond dependence on aid, supporting locally-grown solutions to advance Ghana’s development and contributing to sustainable and inclusive change. The STAR Ghana Foundation builds on the successful STAR-Ghana programme, a multi-donor civil society initiative established in 2010.
Speaking ahead of the declaration of the launch of the new entity, Professor Akilagpa Sawyerr, former chairman of the STAR-Ghana programme, recounted some of its key achievements. “
‘We need to be proud of our integrity, particularly how we manage our funds, we have 100% record of fund integrity,’ he said. Prof Sawyerr further urged STAR Ghana Foundation to take responsibility for its future sustainability. He added: ‘Autonomy is wonderful but we all have a responsibility to sustain it. I have no doubt that if we do our work properly we shall get contributions from all sources.’
Prof Sawyerr proceeded to launch the new STAR Ghana Foundation with pride, passion and emotion by declaring:
Statements and solidarity messagesSolidarity messages from STAR-Ghana programme grantees were presented by Francis Ashong and Peter Yaro.Jemima Gordon-Duff, Acting Country Manager of UKAid Ghana, spoke on behalf of the STAR-Ghana’s funders (UKAid, DANIDA, UK). She referred to some of the key achievements of the programme and lauded STAR-Ghana for delivering its mandate as an honest broker. She spoke of the President of Ghana’s Ghana beyond Aid agenda and emphasised the relevance of the role of civil society in achieving this.
On her part, the CEO of Christian Aid, Amanda Khozi Mukwashi, extended her congratulations to the new Ghanaian owned organisation and expressed Chrisian Aid’s unflinching support for the Foundation as it develops.
Inaugural Public LectureThe launch of the new STAR Ghana Foundation was immediately followed by an Inaugural Public Lecture delivered by Charles Abugre, Executive Director of TAMA Foundation Universal and former CEO of Savannah Accelerated Development Agency (SADA).Speaking on the theme: ‘Active Citizenship in a changing Ghana: Context, Challenges and Opportunities’ Mr Abugre defined active citizenship from various perspectives. He highlighted the ‘cost’ of active citizenship but was quick to add the consequences of not having it. Mr Abugre said the environment for the financing of CSOs is becoming increasingly harsh.’There is less and less to go around. Some donors are withdrawing completely from traditional aid and redirecting their resources into private sector and investment activities while others cut their aid budgets severely. How do we finance active citizenship and civil society organisations?’Charles AbugreMr Abugre shared suggestions on maximising the mobilisation of resources to the new STAR Ghana Foundation, and where these might come from. This included: a basket fund agreement; participation in open competitive processes; engagement with philanthropic organisations; support for the growth of local philanthropy; a special fund to support public interest litigation; and an active citizenship training fund, that can be jointly shaped with NCCE.
ClosingDr Esther Ofei Aboagye, Chairperson of the STAR-Ghana Steering Committee chaired the event. In her closing remarks, Dr Ofei Aboagye appealed to all Ghanaian citizens to come onboard and be part of this new adventure.
She hailed the efforts of all whose contribution had brought the STAR Ghana Foundation this far. She made particularly mention of our donors, other members of the Steering Committee, grant partners as well as the programme management team, whom she charged to brace themselves to operationalise the new STAR Ghana Foundation.
Smiles all round: STAR-Ghana staff celebrate the launch.
Leave a Comment