By Gilbert Azeem Tiroog
Nangodi (U/E), March 27, GNA – The Rural Initiative for Self-Empowerment – Ghana (RISE-Ghana) has organised a public education forum in the Nabdam District to sensitize citizens on importance of tracking political party manifestos to promote accountability and good governance.
The forum, which forms part of a broader initiative to ensure post-election transparency, brought together civil society organizations (CSOs), traditional leaders, political party representatives, the media, and marginalised groups, including persons with disabilities, women, and youth.
Also formed part of RISE-Ghana’s Democracy 360 project, being implemented in Bongo, Bolgatanga Central, and the Nabdam District, under the STAR-Ghana-led Inclusive Elections and Accountable Governance programme funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO).
Speaking at the event, Mr John Kaguna, Project Officer at RISE-Ghana, said party manifestos serve as blueprints for political promises, making it essential for citizens to monitor their implementation.
“Following Ghana’s successful elections, it is crucial to sustain public interest in governance and ensure that elected officials are held accountable for their commitments,” he stated.
He noted that RISE-Ghana, in collaboration with a 15-member inter-sectoral body, was leading efforts to track party manifestos, assess government performance, and engage citizens in governance processes.
The event featured presentations on the significance of manifesto tracking, the workings of a newly developed tracker, and interactive sessions where citizens raised concerns and sought clarifications on governance issues.
Political party representatives who were present at the forum took turns highlighting their commitment to fulfilling their campaign promises and called for active civic participation in governance.
Mr Solomon Ndoiyin, Chairperson of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) and a member of the inter-sectoral committee, emphasized that the initiative aims to empower citizens, particularly the excluded groups, to engage in informed dialogue with policymakers and contribute to decision-making processes.
“It is through engagements like this that people like me will be able to ensure that whatever was promised to us is delivered to our benefit. It is important that we look at this initiative beyond partisan lines as a civic responsibility placed on us to hold leaders accountable,” he added.
The inter-sectoral body will collaborate with political parties and district assemblies to institutionalize the practice, while media platforms will be used to sustain public discourse on accountability.
Participants, including assembly members, women’s groups, traditional leaders, and persons with disabilities, commended RISE-Ghana for the initiative and pledged to contribute to its success.
GNA