USAID/Ghana : strategic objective no. 4 -- enhanced civic participation and accountable governance

USAID"s objectives will be implemented through two mutually supportive results packages (RPs): (1) civil society; and (2) governance. USAID"s major objective in the civil society RP is to strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations (CSOs) as an essential component of a democratic society. Efforts will focus on increasing the effectiveness of CSOs, building capacity to engage in public policy analysis and debate, and establishing linkages and synergies with other elements of civil society. This will be accomplished through four integrated activities: (1) increasing the management capacity of CSOs; (2) increasing collaboration and communication with government decisionmakers; (3) improving the capacity of CSOs to represent the organization"s interests; and (4) improving coordination among CSOs. Activities to be supported under the governance RP include: (1) increasing the effectiveness of Parliament by improving the professional skills of members and officers, increasing access to and use of information resources, and improving oversight capacity; (2) fostering a more competitive political process by improving the management of electoral processes, strengthening political parties, decentralizing the political process, and improving the flow of information to citizens; and (3) strengthening local government by increasing its exercise of authority, its planning and management capacity, its capacity and willingness to represent constituents" interests, and improving its coordination with the national government.