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New Juaben South Youth Leaders Empowered for Change Through Mobilization and Advocacy Training
As the 2024 general elections approach, calls for accountable leadership grow louder across Ghana. In response, STAR-Ghana Foundation, with support from Fondation Botnar, is empowering the youth to take action through its KofKro Project.
This week, youth leaders from New Juaben South Municipality participated in a three-day Advocacy and Mobilization Skills Training workshop. The workshop was aimed to equip youth leaders and young advocates with the necessary tools they need to promote issue-based, violence-free elections and foster active citizenship in their community.
Participants engaged in hands-on activities, learning how to develop powerful advocacy plans, conduct stakeholder analysis, and map out strategies to mobilize their communities. Divided into groups, they collaborated to define advocacy goals and create joint strategies for addressing key local issues.
L/Cpl Bennet Kpobi, a participant of the workshop shared his insights from the workshop “what I’ve learned from this is stakeholder mapping in advocacy. I now understand that some people have influence over certain issues, so you must know who to talk to if you want your issues to go far and be addressed”. L/Cpl Kpobi is part of the Youth Professional Network, an initiative of Divine Mother and Child Foundation (DMAC).
Roseline Enyonam Cosmos-Ganza Ives, a member of Bibiaa Beye Fine (BBF), echoed these sentiments stating, “There are skills to acquire in community mobilization and advocacy if you want to be heard”. “I know there are channels one needs to go through in the community in order to be heard” she added. The enthusiasm and energy in the room was profound as the young leaders embraced their role in championing change.
Funded by Fondation Botnar, the workshop provided these youth leaders with the confidence and skills to take ownership of their future, empowering them to lead meaningful change in their communities. As they prepare to make their voices heard in the upcoming elections, one thing is clear: the future of New Juaben South is in capable hands.
With a focus on empowering young people, STAR-Ghana Foundation is helping to create a new wave of active citizens ready to advocate for accountability and transparency in governance.
STAR-Ghana Foundation Launches Inclusive Elections Project to Champion Fair and Equal Voting for All.
As Ghana approaches its pivotal 2024 elections, the nation is increasingly focused on ensuring inclusive and accountable governance. In line with this commitment, STAR-Ghana Foundation has launched the Inclusive Elections & Accountable Governance Project. This initiative focuses on working with downstream partners to collaborate and implement interventions by creating spaces for disadvantaged, vulnerable and marginalized groups to have a voice in the upcoming elections through engaging political parties and the election management body. In addition, the project aims to ensure accessibility in the electoral processes, and to influence political party’s policies and programming in their manifestoes.
An orientation session, designed to establish a foundation for this important work, equipped participants with the knowledge and tools necessary for making a meaningful impact. Partners engaged in discussions on critical topics, including contracts and compliance, gender and social inclusion, and mutual accountability—key factors for the project’s success.
To maximize impact, partners were encouraged to leverage collaborations within the Inclusive Elections and Accountable Governance project. Eunice R. Agbenyadzi, Head of Programmes, emphasized the need to address exclusion and marginalization systematically. “There is legitimacy in advocating for the rights and opportunities of communities and individuals experiencing exclusion; building their capacity to do so is a critical priority for the Foundation,” she stated.
The Head of Programmes also highlighted the importance of safeguarding when working with vulnerable groups and communities, asserting that safeguarding should be a top priority for all project partners.
Mary Sabbah, Head of Finance and Operations, provided an overview of financial management, outlining the Foundation’s policies and regulations governing project expenditures. Throughout the day, participants worked to develop a robust framework for performance, ensuring that all actions remain transparent and aligned with the overarching goal of inclusive governance.
With a shared vision and collaborative effort, STAR-Ghana Foundation and its partners are laying the groundwork for a fair and transparent electoral process, fostering democratic progress in Ghana.
This project is funded by the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), reinforcing its global commitment to supporting inclusive and democratic governance. Together, STAR-Ghana Foundation and its partners are striving for elections that are not only free and fair but also fully inclusive of all voices.
STAR-Ghana Foundation and KofKro Partners Foster Stronger Collaboration with Assembly Members in New Juaben South Municipality
In a significant step towards fostering stronger partnerships, STAR-Ghana Foundation, under its KofKro Project, convened a meeting with assembly members and key stakeholders in the New Juaben South Municipality. The gathering aimed to enlighten assembly members about the project’s objectives and solidify the working relationship between local authorities and the project's implementing partners: Bibiaa Beye Fine (BBF), New Juaben South Youth Parliament (NJSYP), AFES Ghana, and Divine Mother and Child Foundation (DMAC).
A key highlight of the meeting was the screening of a video documentary showcasing the progress made under the KofKro Project so far. The documentary illustrated the remarkable work being done by the project partners in empowering youth, promoting civic engagement, and advocating for good governance in the municipality.
Assembly members expressed their appreciation to STAR-Ghana Foundation for recognizing the importance of involving local authorities in the project. They commended the Foundation for its commitment to inclusive development and pledged their support to the project partners to ensure the successful implementation of initiatives aimed at driving youth involvement and improving governance in the area.
Raymond Danso, the Rights to Services Portfolio Manager at STAR-Ghana Foundation, challenged the assembly members to take an active role in supporting the project. He urged them to identify areas where they could contribute and outline concrete steps to help the partners achieve their goals. Mr. Danso also assured the assembly members of the Foundation's ongoing commitment to assisting both the assembly and the project partners in achieving their shared objectives.
This meeting marks a crucial moment in strengthening the collaboration between the duty bearers and project partners, ensuring that the KofKro Project continues to make a lasting impact in the New Juaben South Municipality.