Takoradi, Nov. 21, GNA – Mr Peter Yaro, a Steering Committee Member of the Star Ghana Programme, said it was important for the country to concentrate on home grown developmental policies and priorities to realise the vision of Ghana beyond Aid.
He said though there was a growing private sector involvement in development process, dwindling donor support made it imperative for civil societies to coordinate actions locally bearing in mind inclusiveness of all citizenry.
Mr Yaro also a subscriber to the Star Ghana Foundation was speaking at the launch of the Foundation in Takoradi.
He said the need for local entities such as Star Ghana Foundation was therefore critical to convene, catalyze, coordinate more and more in country activities and priorities rather than relying so much on external support to function.
The Star Ghana Foundation, which would become fully operational in 2020 would create a well informed and active Ghanaian citizenry who are able to contribute to transformational change that advances democracy, accountability and social inclusion.
The Foundation would become Ghanaian led, independent to propel Ghana beyond dependence on aid, support locally grown solutions to advance Ghana’s development and contribute to sustainable and inclusive change.
Mrs Harriet Asamoning, Head of Finance at STAR Ghana said the Foundation was being built on the successes of the former to chart a new course of social change and inclusiveness with civil society in ensuring a self reliant society.
She said the foundation would continue working with civil society to connect their interest with others and help to ensure all voices were heard by decision makers, locally and nationally.
« Our goal is to create a state that is responsive and accountable to its citizens by promoting constructive dialogue at district, regional and national levels ».
Obrempong Himaa Dekyi XIV, Paramount Chief of Upper Dixcove who chaired the ceremony, entreated all to positively respond to the call of change for the overall benefit of the country’s development.
