Accra, Nov. 14, GNA - The World Bank on Friday presented a total of 35,000 dollars to 10 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to undertake social and economic projects aimed at complementing its assistance operations. Majority of the beneficiaries, this year, would focus on implementing programmes geared towards empowering the citizens to reposition themselves appropriately for the December 7 general elections. The grant was disbursed from the Bank's Civil Society Fund, formerly known as the Small Grants programme, funded by the Development Grant Facility (DGF).

Mr Kofi Marrah, Coordinator of the Fund, at a ceremony to present the cheques to the CSOs in Accra, explained that the DGF instituted in 1983 provided grants to CSOs for global and regional development initiatives that enhanced and influenced development outcomes. "This is in line with the Bank's social development agenda to empower the vulnerable and marginalized in society through enhanced support for social inclusion, cohesive societies and accountable institutions."

Mr Marrah indicated that Ghana had so far received allocations of 458,000 dollars and a total of 102 CSOs had benefited. He said access to the Fund was solely based on competitiveness and the ability of applicants to provide their track record that would attest their capability. Mr Marrah therefore urged CSOs to be very competitive in their proposal writing in order to enhance their chances of accessing the Fund.

He also entreated the beneficiaries to stick to objectives of their proposals and said the Fund through its local partner, the Centre for Development Partnership, would monitor their performance. The World Bank Country Director, Mr Isach Diwan, said the support marked the beginning of a relationship between the Bank and the beneficiaries.

He tasked the CSOs to ensure that the Bank was connecting to fieldwork as expected. The beneficiaries were the Ghana Society for the Physically Disabled, Ga Mashie Centre for Education and Environment Development, Civic Foundation, Challenging Heights and Rhythms of Africa Music Foundation.

The others were Life Bridge 68 Foundation, International Centre for Enterprise and Sustainable Development, Centre for Development and Inter-cultural Communication, E-Life Development Agenda and Link Community Development. 14 Nov. 08