Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung@ 40 in Ghana Fraternity Message from the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana(NALAG) to the Friedrich- Ebert- Stiftung(FES) on the Occasion of FES' 40th Anniversary in Ghana The National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana(NALAG) is proud to have worked with the FES on issues of local governance over the years NALAG developed a vibrant collaboration with Friedrich Ebert Foundation(FES) on promoting gender participation at the local level. Though your focus in recent years has shifted from issues of local governance, we recall with pride the years of fruitful collaboration between the FES and the NALAG. Increasing female participation at the local level elections and assisting and training women to gain requisite skills for governance, especially at the local level, was an activity both organisations worked hard to raise awareness on and consequently improve the numbers. We worked together to organise the first'Best Gender Sensitive District Assemblies Award Scheme' which sought to reward District Assemblies that promoted gender issues. You practically sponsored the top three prizes for the award winners who had to satisfy strict laid-down criteria for selection. Support for the NALAG's consultative programmes with various stakeholders including the parliamentary select committee on local government and advocacy workshop on the Local Government Act which saw the formation of a think-tank to brainstorm issues of decentralisation cannot be over emphasised. As you celebrate forty(40) years of work in Ghana, NALAG is indeed proud to have been a part of the collaborative effort aimed at deepening local governance in Ghana. FES Ayekoo!!!! 71