Mfantseman: Ghanaian citizens have been reminded of their legal rights and responsibilities to participate actively in local governance, as outlined in Ghana's Local Governance Act. The call was made during a capacity-building session aimed at empowering community members and stakeholders to engage more effectively with their District Assemblies.
According to Ghana News Agency, the workshop was organised by the Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC) and supported by STAR-Ghana Foundation under the project dubbed Action for Voice for Inclusive Development (AVID-2). Held at the Mfantseman Municipality of the Central Region, the event was meant to build, sustain, and amplify community voices to advocate and claim their rights whilst holding duty bearers accountable.
The trained youth were selected from various communities, including Anokye, Ewoyaa, Abonkor, Krampakrom, Krofu, Ansaadze, and Afranjuah within the Mfantseman municipality. Mr. Michael Tettey, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Specialist at ISODEC, noted that Sections 40 to 48 of the Local Governance Act legally mandated citizens to take part in the planning and execution of activities at the district and sub-district levels. This includes participating in decision-making processes, development planning, and monitoring local government performance.
Mr. Tettey added that under Sections 26 and 27 of the Act, citizens were also empowered to nominate representatives to serve on the Public Relations and Complaints Committee (PRCC), which plays a key role in public education, transparency, and grievance redress. The PRCC, established under the Act, is a key mechanism for handling complaints and promoting transparency. He highlighted that the PRCC serves as a bridge between citizens and the Assembly, ensuring that grievances are addressed and information is accessible.
While the PRCC cannot intervene in matters already before the courts or the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, it holds powers to make binding recommendations. He added, 'The PRCC is also required to operate with fairness, adhering to the rules of natural justice in all investigations and proceedings.' 'District Assemblies are required to create structures that allow stakeholder participation,' Mr. Tettey noted.
Mr. Bernard Anaba, the Head of Policy and Programmes at ISODEC, underscored the importance of citizens being informed and actively involved in governance at the local level. Mr. Anaba noted that 'active participation ensures that development initiatives reflect the true needs of the people and promotes a more accountable and transparent local government system.'
Mr. Nicholas Dadzie, an officer from the Social Welfare and Community Development Department of the Mfantseman Municipal Assembly, educated participants on the work of the department. He disclosed that as part of efforts to enable citizens to participate in the local governance processes and ensure transparency and accountability, the Assembly had made arrangements with four radio stations in the municipality to have airtime (three times within the week) to educate the citizens. He encouraged participants to listen to the sessions and phone in to ask questions.
Mr. Dadzie expressed his delight for participating in the training session, saying the training programme was very educative. 'Even I, as a staff member of the Assembly, did not know the functions of the PRCC and the powers it has. This training session has been an eye-opener for me, and now I can also send a petition which can be addressed.' Mr. Dadzie said.
Mr. Kojo Bonzie, a unit committee member and youth representative from Abonko, noted that 'As a unit committee member, I now know that a committee (PRCC) exists at the Assembly to resolve complaints or issues. It was good I participated in this training programme.'
