The Government of Ghana and the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung of Germany signed an agreement of collaboration on 19th December, 1969, to formalise ties of cooperation. Considered then as one of the three most important countries in Africa, besides Zambia and Kenya, the Ghana office soon became a comprehensive example of the working philosophy of the Foundation in a rapidly shifting political environment.
The first programmes the FES Ghana office embarked on were centred around its support for trade unions, media institutions and cooperative movements. Collaboration with the Centre for Civic Education and a development programme for the Ejisu-Bosomtwi-District formed the next step consolidating its presence in Ghana. The current continuous successful national contributions of NAFTI and the Labour College are further indications of achievements made during the infancy of FES-programmes in Ghana.
In the early 1980s FES interrupted its presence in Ghana for five years, returning in 1987. After reopening the office in Ghana, FES continued its cooperation with NAFTI and TUC but added new partners including the National Board for Small Scale Industries, Ghana News Agency, Ghana Journalists Association, the Department of Political Science of the University of Ghana, and the Electoral Commission.
Support towards the Consultative Assembly and the Committee of Experts became a major focus in the early 1990's and during the constitution making process. For instance, approximately 700 officials of the Electoral Commission and roughly 16.000 voter registration assistants were trained in 1992. Given that the 1992 election marked a turning point for Ghana's democracy, it became a logical conclusion for FES to embark on a support programme for the First Parliament of the Fourth Republic in 1993.
Upon reflection, it can be said that development cooperation today must include a much stronger reliance on Ghanaian expertise and Ghanaian partners, given that there are now a remarkable number of well-qualified Ghanaians; another basic reflection of successful capacity building during the past decades. That the Foundation still considers Ghana as one of the more important countries in the Sub-region and indeed in Africa is certainly due to the fact that Ghana is still seen as a model of successful development trends in Africa. And in spite of all difficulties characterising developing countries, there are without a doubt a large number of Ghanaian partner organisations that are strong, independent and equipped with formulating new areas for collaboration.
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