NCCE: Engage c’nities in local governance to deepen democracy

Johnson Opoku, the National Director of Programmes of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has called for efforts by duty bearers to engage local communities in local governance and decision making to help deepen the country’s fledgling democracy.

He explained that “involving the citizenry in the planning and implementation of projects within our localities, is the only way to ensure a sense of ownership and proper maintenance of such projects”.

Speaking at a social auditing forum at Ahwerewa, a farming community in the Sekyere East District, Mr Opoku noted that “keeping members of communities in the dark about projects in their own communities undermined social auditing and can breed corruption and other social vices”.

Arranged by the District Office of the NCCE, the forum was aimed at promoting community ownership of development projects, increase awareness of the operations of the local government and empower the citizenry to demand accountability from duty bearers.

It formed part of the Anti-corruption, Rule of Law and Accountability (ARAP) being implemented by the commission with funding from the European Union (EU).

According to Mr Opoku, “A decisive action to close the yawning gap between the government’s activities and the citizenry is important to give true meaning to our democracy as a nation.

“The social auditing project, is being replicated in all districts across the country with the commission facilitating the formation of social auditing committees (SAC), to track progress of the government and social development projects.

“The commission will continue to educate the citizenry on their civic responsibilities and I urge members of our communities not only to demand probity, accountability and transparency from leadership but also contribute meaningfully to the development in their localities,” Mr Opoku said.

Nana Antwi Boasiako, the Chief of Ahwerewa, commended the commission for the programme, which had enlightened them on their responsibilities as citizens and what they could do to bring development to the area and applauded the people for their massive participation in the forum which would ring the best out of them as responsible citizens. –GNA