Tamale: A six-month-long initiative aimed at bolstering the nation's civic space by promoting citizens' participation and interaction with state actors has been introduced in Tamale. The project, titled 'Claim Your Space,' is designed to empower citizens to exercise their democratic rights and facilitate dialogue between the public, including the Ghana Police Service and other key stakeholders.
According to Ghana News Agency, the project is being led by the Ghana Developing Communities Association (GDCA), an NGO, in collaboration with the Ghana Integrity Initiative and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), with financial support from Global Focus, an international partner. The launch event was attended by representatives from significant institutions like the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Trades Union Congress (TUC), National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Ghana Police Service, religious authorities, and the media.
Alhaji Osman Abdel-Rahman, Executive Director of GDCA, stated during the launch that the project aims to tackle the growing restrictions on civic space, which have curtailed freedoms of assembly, association, and expression in the country. He highlighted that the initiative would increase awareness of citizens' democratic rights and responsibilities while fostering improved dialogue between the public and the Ghana Police Service. Additionally, the project seeks to enhance the transparency and openness of the Ghana Police Service in public engagement.
The initiative will encompass several activities, including media dissemination via radio, television, print, and social media. Citizens will receive training on human rights legislation and public order law and be provided access to public information under the Right to Information Law. Alhaji Abdul-Rahman stressed the importance of stakeholder engagement through citizen dialogues with the police on peaceful protests, roundtable discussions with stakeholders, and the creation of a multipurpose advocacy platform for civic engagement.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Mr. Wisdom Lavoe, Northern Regional Police Commander, described the project as strategic and timely in expanding the civic space for all. He reaffirmed the Ghana Police Service's dedication to impartial and professional conduct, highlighting the necessity to enhance communication and dialogue strategies with protestors while implementing community policing approaches to prevent violence during peaceful demonstrations.
Mrs. Felicia Kraja, Northern Regional Secretary, TUC, pointed out the violation of rights experienced by many workers, especially those employed by foreign companies, and emphasized the project's significance in addressing these issues. She affirmed the TUC's full support for the initiative, recognizing the importance of securing workers' rights.
Mr. Abdulai Seidu Gone, Northern Regional Chairman of NAGRAT, praised GDCA and its partners for the project, noting its potential to aid in advocating for the welfare of Ghanaian teachers. Mr. Yakubu Abdul Majeed, Northern Regional Chairman, GJA, expressed the media's willingness to support the project to ensure its success.
