STAR- Ghana supports 45 Civil Society Organizations

Accra, Feb.28, GNA – STAR-Ghana, a multi-donor organisation has supported 45 Civil Society Organisations and non-state actors with a total grant of 4,837,562 dollars to enable them ensure a peaceful, transparent, and fair elections.

The initiative, the first in that thematic area is also to assist the organizations to ensure a smooth transition to the next Parliament.

Ms Lawrencia Adams, the Programmes Manager, who disclosed this at a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, said the initiative was underscored by the recognition of the critical role that civil society and non-state actors played in consolidating Ghana's democracy to ensure a successful election devoid of intimidation and conflicts.

She said the intervention was in line with STAR-Ghana's goal of improving the accountability and responsiveness of government, traditional authorities and the private sector to the Ghanaian citizenry.

The STAR-Ghana, which aims at increasing the influence of civil society and parliament in the governance and management of public resources, is being funded by DFID, the European Union and DANIDA.

Ms Adams said in November last year, STAR-Ghana put out a competitive call for proposals from civil society organizations and non-state actors interested in undertaking interventions aimed at enhancing transparency of activities around the electoral cycle and increasing the accountability and responsiveness of key stakeholders such as the Electoral Commission, the Judiciary, Security Services and Political Parties.

“Applicants were invited from but not exclusive to the key areas of the election value chain (voter registration, campaigning, voting and counting/tallying of results) identified by the political economy analysis conducted, “she said.

She said the application was opened to any legally registered Ghanaian Civil Society Organization or non-state actor, with at least a three year proven track record in election or good governance related activities or interventions.

“A total of 99 applications were received out of which 45 organizations were short listed and approved by the grants-sub-committee and the steering committee for funding.

“The organizations short listed range from community-based groups to national level organizations; media to research and policy advocacy organizations; civil society coalitions and private sector associations spread all across the country, “she added.

Ms Adams said Ghana had made significant gains in its democratic governance and had been praised for meeting key international and regional standards for elections in respecting fundamental electoral freedoms and conducting presidential and parliamentary elections in an open, transparent and competitive environment.

She said STAR-Ghana is seeking to support the consolidation of those gains through the critical involvement and participation of civil society.

She called on other qualified organizations and the media to put in their proposals for future applications.

GNA