The STAR-Ghana programme was established as a multi-donor pooled funding mechanism in 2010 supported by UK aid, DANIDA, the EU and the USAID (2010-2015). Since then, STAR-Ghana has supported 233 grant partner organisations to articulate citizens’ concerns to the state, resulting in positive changes to policy, services and practice.
These positive changes have translated into transformed lives – including children in school learning; women taking control of their livelihoods; rural communities getting a fairer share of development gains; citizens participating in inclusive and peaceful elections; and citizens and businesses taking a stand against corruption. Many of the 439 projects that have been supported by STAR-Ghana continue to produce results even after the end of funding.
A key component of STAR-Ghana phase 2 (2015-2020) is our transition from a donor-funded programme into an Independent National Entity with a diversified and sustainable funding stream – a Ghanaian owned, strategic and fundable organisation. On our journey towards this new autonomous institution we have undertaken a series of consultations with civil society and other stakeholders to gather views on the nature and design of the entity, and to ensure buy-in and broad national ownership.
In 2017, we began the process by consulting directly with 700 people nationwide – through regional meetings open to public participation – and an additional 1500 people indirectly through social media surveys and other submissions. The consultations focused on five key areas, related to the establishment and sustainability of the new entity: Relevance and demand for the entity; Nature, orientation, structure and functions of the entity; Relationships with national-level actors; Relationships with development partners and international development organisations; Financing and resourcing options
A strong consensus emerged among all stakeholders, endorsing the establishment of an Independent National Entity that would coordinate civil society voice and action on good governance, transparency, accountability and social inclusion across a range of thematic areas and sectors.
Led by the Steering Committee, this event is the realisation of the ambitions and commitment of many people and diverse organisations, including the Funders’ Committee representing our core donors, the programme management consortium led by Christian Aid and, most importantly, the citizens of Ghana.