STAR-Ghana

Introduction and Background

STAR-Ghana is a five-year multi- donor pooled funding mechanism (Funded by DFID, DANIDA and EU) to increase the influence of civil society and Parliament in the governance of public goods and service delivery, with the ultimate goal of improving the accountability and responsiveness of Ghana’s government, traditional authorities and the private sector. STAR-Ghana builds on previous programmes such as the Rights and Voice Initiative (RAVI) (2004-2010); the Ghana Research and Advocacy Programme (G-rap) (2005-2011); KASA (2008-2010); and the Civil Society Governance Fund (CSGF) (2004-2010).

Rationale

STAR-Ghana has commenced at a very critical time in the country’s progress towards middle income status. Oil revenues are likely to influence foreign aid flows, particularly allocations to budget support. Windfall oil revenues typically strain political institutions and reduce accountability incentives. Effective momentum to bring about real pro-poor policy change requires the mobilisation of sustained constituencies external to government. In recent years civil society organisations have moved away from a welfare approach towards a rights-based approach to helping the poor. There is a new emphasis on empowerment, advocacy and other actions to support poor people’s rights. There is therefore the need to institutionalise, strengthen and improve further the role that CSOs and Parliament play in influencing the way government does business.

Output

It is designed to deliver the following outputs:

• Increase the capability of CSOs to enable citizens, particularly women and excluded groups, to claim rights
• Enhance civil  society engagement in policy formulation, implementation, and monitoring
• Increase the use of civil society evidence in policy and practice
• Improve the representative, oversight, and lawmaking functions of selected Parliamentary committees

Eligibility

Civil society organizations which are eligible to apply include Registered Ghanaian civil society organisations (CSOs); community based organisations, media organisations, research and policy advocacy organisations, trade unions/labour organisations, private sector associations, registered coalitions/networks/platforms secretariats, faith-based organizations, and various other bodies. CSOs who wish to apply must satisfy the following conditions:

1. Should be able to state clearly the results and outcomes that will be achieved from the project.
2. Must demonstrate a track record in managing grants, including delivering results and timely reports;
3. Must demonstrate standards of good organisational governance;
4. Should have linkages with other Civil Society Organisations at national, district and local levels, thus leveraging existing capacities;
5. Must be legally registered in Ghana;
6. Proposals must practically demonstrate gender and social inclusion;
7. Must show at least two previous annual statements of accounts audited by a suitably certified person(s) or body.