By Solomon Gumah, GNA
Sagnarigu (N/R), Feb. 18, GNA – The Sagnarigu Municipal Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has encouraged residents to demonstrate keen interest in issues of transparency and accountable governance to promote sustainable development in the country.
It said active citizens’ participation in governance, respect for the rule of law, and collective efforts to fight corruption were essential to improving service delivery and strengthening democracy at the local level.
The call was made at a civic engagement forum organised by the Directorate at Sagnarigu under the theme: “Civic Engagements on the Rule of Law and the Fight Against Corruption”.
The forum, held under the Participation, Accountability, and Integrity for a Resilient Democracy (PAIReD) Programme, was supported by the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) and the European Union (EU).
During the forum, issues of inadequate and irregular water supply as well as poor road network dominated discussions.
Other issues raised included quality healthcare delivery, youth unemployment, inadequate educational infrastructure, and concerns about corruption.
Mr Abdulai Soale, Sagnarigu Municipal Director of the NCCE, underscored the need for active citizen participation in governance.
He noted that accountability and respect for the rule of law were critical for effective service delivery and sustainable development.
Mr Soale encouraged participants to engage public officials constructively and to use lawful and non-partisan means to demand transparency in the utilisation of public resources.
Mr Abdulai Imoro Gong, Sagnarigu Municipal Chief Executive, whose speech was read on his behalf, described civic engagement as the foundation of every strong democracy.
He assured residents of the Assembly’s commitment to transparent procurement processes, responsible financial management, and open engagement with citizens.
Mr Abdul Wahab Abdul Wasiu of the Sagnarigu Municipal Office of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) delivered a presentation on public accountability mechanisms and educated participants on their constitutional rights to information and available complaint and redress procedures under the law.
He encouraged citizens to make use of CHRAJ and other state institutions to seek redress against maladministration, abuse of office and corruption.
As part of efforts to strengthen community oversight and ensure follow-up on issues raised, a Social Auditing Committee was constituted at the forum.
The Committee comprised representatives from the Inter-Party Dialogue Committee, Assembly Members, the Municipal Assembly, the CWSA, traditional authorities, and the NCCE.
GNA
Edited by Eric K. Amoh/Linda Asante Agyei