The Dutch Ambassador to Ghana has told JoyNews donor dependency will reduce enormously if the domestic resource becomes larger and thereby making it possible for Ghana to own its development.

Ronald Strikker believes the quest is possible through local private donations and philanthropy at the national and community levels.  

In a conversation with JoyNews on the back of a partnership between the Dutch Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Star Ghana Foundation to implement the ‘Giving for Change Project’, Mr Strikker is optimistic, local initiatives such as taking advantage of local resources will among others eventually make President Akufo-Addo’s vision of Ghana Beyond Aid a reality in a long term. 

He revealed that "when it was launched in 2017, I have always admired and been a big fan of the Ghana beyond Aid agenda’ despite its broad and long term nature."   

He observed that "it will be heartwarming to eventually see Ghanaian taking responsibility for their own development without any external support" which he emphasises is a good thing.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo unveiled the ‘Ghana Beyond Aid’ drive during his first term in office, to basically promote nationally-engendered development devoid of donor support and to also send a message to the world at large that, as country, Ghanaians are capable of spearheading their own development at all levels without having to depend on the international community for handouts which has been the norm since time immemorial.

The Giving for Change programme sets out a bold vision for transforming how “development is done” by focusing specifically on the recognition and importance of domestic resources in increasing local  ownership, unlocking agency and strengthening communities’ ability to claim entitlements from different actors, especially government.

The Project is implemented through an Alliance, and covers eight countries in Africa, Asia and South America. It is funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Star Ghana Foundation is the Anchor Institution for Ghana, with West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) as a Strategic Partner.

The ‘Giving for Change Project’ has a dual focus to promote first, a civic and civil society space and strengthen communities’ ability to claim rights and entitlements from different actors, particularly government.

The second is to mobilize domestic resources, through philanthropy, including local giving for transformational social change.

A total of one million, eight hundred and ninety-nine euros will be expended on the five year long project in Ghana.