By Rukuyiatu Musah
STAR-Ghana Foundation says it has made good progress in establishing itself as a viable organisation and relevant player in the Ghanaian civil society space within five years.
It is therefore positioning itself to work around four thematic areas: rights to services, strengthening of civil society, peace and security, and inclusive and accountable governance.
Chairperson of STAR-Ghana Foundation’s Governing Council, Dr. Esther Ofei-Aboagye, said the Foundation remains committed to ensuring Ghana achieves a democratic, inclusive, and sustainable society, taking into account the sub regional tensions.
Speaking during the launch of its 5th anniversary in Accra, Dr. Ofei-Aboagye encouraged citizens to actively take interest in ensuring improvements in the social, economic, and governance architecture of the country.
Reflecting on the past five years, STAR-Ghana Foundation said it has chalked up successes, learnt lessons, and has a clearer sense of direction for the organization.
In 2018, the STAR Ghana programme transited to the STAR-Ghana Foundation with high hopes, but just a year into its operations, COVID-19 set in, and this demanded agility, creativity, responsiveness, and a reduction in donor fundings.
Chairperson of STAR-Ghana Foundation’s Governing Council, Dr. Esther Ofei-Aboagye, said it has found new partners and strengthened its old relationships. Going forward, Dr. Ofei-Aboagye said it will continue to work and collaborate with key government agencies and ministries and independent institutions like Parliament, NCCE, CHRAJ, EC, and donor partners.
She reiterated the need to have stronger CSOs and well-informed citizens as the sub-region faces political instability.
The Executive Director of SGF, Alhaji Aminu Ibrahim-Tanko, said issues of internal and external security in the five regions of the North have been taken seriously.
Prof. Akilagpa Sawyer congratulated SGF and challenged them not to rest on their oars but to give voice to the most vulnerable and salient issues in society.