Bolgatanga: The Rural Initiative for Self-Empowerment-Ghana (RISE-Ghana) has equipped constituents of Bolgatanga Central in the Upper East Region with the necessary skills and knowledge to demand accountability from their elected leaders, including the Member of Parliament (MP), to promote effective governance.
According to Ghana News Agency, during a public education forum in Bolgatanga, residents were educated on the importance of tracking political manifestos and were introduced to a new tracker designed to monitor the performance of elected leaders based on their campaign promises. This initiative followed a parliamentary dialogue organized by RISE-Ghana prior to the 2024 elections, during which the MP and other candidates outlined their policy intentions and proposed projects.
Isaac Adongo, the current MP, pledged to establish a teacher training college in the municipality, enhance educational infrastructure, provide essential teaching and learning materials through the Ministry of Education, and improve the area's road network. These promises were made as part of the Democracy 360 project, which RISE-Ghana is implementing in Bolgatanga Central, Bongo, and the Nabdam Districts under the STAR-Ghana-led Inclusive Elections and Accountable Governance programme funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO).
At the forum, John Kaguna, a Project Officer at RISE-Ghana, highlighted that political promises are akin to social contracts that must be fulfilled. He stressed the importance of equipping the electorate with the knowledge and tools needed to hold their leaders accountable. Kaguna noted that political engagement in Ghana often peaks during election periods but diminishes afterward. Through Democracy 360, RISE-Ghana aims to ensure continuous accountability throughout an MP's tenure.
Kaguna further explained that while national manifestos provide broad policy directions, MPs also make constituency-specific pledges during campaigns. These promises form the basis for their election and must be honored to ensure transparency and accountability in governance.
RISE-Ghana, working alongside a 15-member inter-sectoral committee comprising representatives from political parties, civil society organizations, persons with disabilities, and the media, is leading efforts to track party manifestos, assess government performance, and engage citizens in governance processes.
Fauzia Abitor Haruna, a committee member, highlighted the critical role of informed constituents in strengthening democracy and fostering national development. She encouraged constituents to support the committee's efforts to achieve the necessary development in the region. The project is set to continue until 2028, with periodic assessments of MPs' performance to ensure they remain accountable to their constituents.
