The Australian High Commission has launched the 2016-17 Direct Aid Program (DAP) to support the vulnerable in the society.
The project seeks to work with local communities to develop meaningful projects to help reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development.
Mr Andrew Barnes, the Australian High Commissioner, speaking at the event attended by beneficiaries of the grant, expressed the hope that through the DAP initiative, the Australian government would be able to support the provision of many life-transforming interventions for the deprived in the community.
He said since the commencement of DAP in 2004, hundreds of communities in Ghana and other African countries have benefited from high-quality initiatives implemented by local development partners.
Mr Barnes said the DAP projects have been successful over the years because they are organic, home-grown initiatives, implemented by local organisations who are conversant with the needs of communities and know how best to address them.
“The missing ingredient is funding, and that’s where we are happy to come in to support these projects,” he said.
Mr Barnes said this year 24 high quality projects would be supported from eight countries with a total budget of $1,030,000 Australian dollars.
He urged the beneficiaries to utilise the grants for its intended purpose to effect change in the lives of the vulnerable in society.
Ms Vicentia Kotia, DAP Program Manager, said there is the need for the beneficiaries to be mindful on the way they brand their efforts and ensure that the grants are effectively administered.
Ms Justine Townsend, the Second Secretary and Consul of the Commission, also took beneficiaries through acquittal- financial reporting requirements to ensure accountability and transparency in their efforts.
The DAP is a small grants program funded by the Australian Government. This year the various beneficiaries of DAP include nongovernmental organisations involved in the environment, education, disability, agriculture and Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector.