November 3rd marks the 50th anniversary of U.S. President John F. Kennedy’s creation of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Whether it is vaccinating children against preventable diseases, improving crop yields, or responding to disasters, USAID has been a quiet force for progress not only in Ghana, but in 100 other countries, fostering a more peaceful and secure world. STRENGTHENING INSTITUTIONS USAID has worked together with Ghanaians for 50 years, and today, USAID is proud to see Ghana becoming a model for good governance and development in Africa. USAID is working hand-in-hand with the Government of Ghana to build sustainable systems for delivering essential services in health, education, and local economic development. IMPROVING HEALTH To address malaria, USAID and the Government of Ghana coordinated efforts with other donors to promote the use of treated nets. As a result, the proportion of the families using treated nets rose from just 3 percent to 33 percent in four years. Ghana has built on this momentum, rallying both the private sector and civil society to help achieve large scale impact with malaria interventions such as treated nets and indoor residual spraying. SUPPORTING SUSTAINABLE GROWTH On the economic side, USAID has supported sustainable and broad-based growth. Ghana’s non-traditional exports amounted to just $68 million in 1991. Over the years, USAID has helped with a range of business sector reforms and private enterprise development – and by 2010, Ghana’s non-traditional exports were bringing in $1.6 billion, creating more than 50,000 jobs. The greatest impact was among small-scale enterprises. BUILDING STRONG PARTNERSHIPS Today, we stand at an important turning point. In partnership with the Ghanaian people, USAID is transforming from a traditional aid agency into a modern development enterprise that is unleashing a new spirit of innovation and results-based development. Our success depends on listening and connecting with local leaders and communities to focus on priorities set by Ghana. This will allow us to stand by Ghana on the path out of poverty. USAID/Ghana is working with new partners and in new ways to achieve greater impacts. Through a Global Development Alliance with Rotary International and Coca Cola, USAID is bringing clean water to both urban and rural communities. USAID also worked with Ghana’s Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service to design, pilot, and roll-out a primary-level mother-tongue instruction program nationwide, and supported the development of School Report Cards for public schools nationwide. USAID is providing assistance to school construction and rehabilitation in 48 districts across Ghana, and working closely with education sector development partners to promote aid effectiveness and coordination, including in financial management activities, and to address girls’ education challenges. Ghana is an important U.S. partner in Africa. We are proud of the work that we have done together over the past 50 years to support Ghana’s trajectory toward being a prosperous, self-reliant country, with government systems that deliver essential public services to its people. On this Golden Anniversary we thank the Ghanaian people for your partnership and friendship. USAID will continue to bring an entrepreneurial approach to our focus on food security, health, education and local economic development. We look forward to working with Ghana as it becomes a catalyst for good governance and sustainable development in Africa.