By Albert Futukpor, GNA
Salaga (S/R), Feb. 13, GNA – The East Gonja Municipal Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has organised a social auditing forum at Salaga to promote transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in local governance and development.
The forum brought together municipal officials, traditional authorities, civil society organisations, youth and women groups, representatives of persons with disabilities, and community members to review development projects and assess service delivery. A total of 87 participants attended, including representatives of the Municipal Chief Executive, the Assistant Municipal Coordinating Director, heads of departments, assembly members, police, and faith-based organisations.
Mr Abdul-Latif Iddrisu, East Gonja Municipal Director of the NCCE, underscored the importance of social accountability and urged participants to share their views and concerns to improve service delivery.
Mr Ikunjon Moses, East Gonja Municipal Director of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), educated participants on the code of conduct for public officers, citizens’ rights, and procedures for lodging complaints and seeking redress.
Mr Dramani Abdulai, East Gonja Municipal Planning Officer, briefed participants on ongoing and completed projects, including roads, schools, health facilities, water systems, education and health interventions, social welfare programmes, revenue mobilisation, and support for vulnerable groups.
Stakeholders raised concerns about delays in infrastructure projects, poor road maintenance, youth unemployment, and the need for greater inclusion of women in decision-making. They also called for improved communication between the Municipal Assembly and communities.
While some participants commended the Assembly for engaging community leaders, youth and women appealed for more capacity-building and economic empowerment initiatives.
Assembly authorities pledged to enhance transparency and maintain regular stakeholder engagement. Participants recommended institutionalising quarterly social audit meetings, regular publication of project information, increased inclusion of persons with disabilities in infrastructure planning, and stronger youth employment and women empowerment initiatives.
GNA
Edited by Eric K. Amoh/Audrey Dekalu
