By Gilbert Azeem Tiroog
Gambaga (NE/R), Feb. 6, GNA – The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has organised a civic engagement forum in Gambaga in the East Mamprusi Municipality to promote the rule of law, strengthen public accountability, and enhance citizens’ participation in local governance.
The forum, dubbed: “Civic Engagements on the Rule of Law and the Fight Against Corruption,” held under the PAIReD Programme, with support from GIZ, the European Union (EU), and other partners brought together 80 participants, including duty bearers, community leaders, women and youth groups, civil society organisations, persons with disabilities among others.
Mr Abdulai Abdul-Mugis, the East Mamprusi Municipal Director of NCCE, in a welcome address, stressed the need for active citizen participation in governance, noting that accountability and respect for the rule of law were critical for effective service delivery and sustainable development.
He encouraged participants to engage public officials constructively and to use lawful, non-partisan means to demand transparency in the use of public resources.
Mr Wilberforce Zangina, the North East Regional Director of NCCE, in a solidarity message, commended participants for their interest in accountability and anti-corruption issues and urged citizens and duty bearers to maintain open and respectful dialogue.
He said an informed citizenry remained a vital pillar of democratic governance.
Mr Sulley Sawyer Salifu, an Investigator with the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) in the North East Region presenting on “Public Accountability Mechanisms” educated participants on citizens’ rights to information, lawful ways of demanding accountability, complaint and redress procedures, among others.
He encouraged them to make use of the CHRAJ office and other state institutions to seek redress against maladministration and corruption.
Mr Daniel Bukari, a Representative of the Traditional Authority in Gambaga, called for stronger collaboration among the Municipal Assembly, CWSA, Assembly Members, and community water management structures to address the challenges in the Municipality.
Rev. Michael Gumah, Chairman of the Inter-Party Dialogue Committee, who was selected as Chairman pledged to work with stakeholders to ensure follow-up on the concerns raised.
As part of the outcomes, a Social Auditing Committee was constituted, made up of representatives from the Inter-Party Dialogue Committee, Assembly Members, the Municipal Assembly, CWSA, traditional authorities, and the NCCE.
Participants expressed appreciation for the forum, describing it as a rare opportunity for citizens to engage duty bearers directly on governance and service delivery issues, and called for regular social audit meetings to track progress on agreed actions.
The forum also provided a platform for citizens to openly engage duty bearers on issues affecting development in Gambaga and the wider municipality.
During the deliberations participants later identified inadequate and irregular water supply as the most pressing development challenge confronting the community.
They explained that the water situation continued to affect households, schools, and health facilities, despite existing government and Municipal Assembly interventions implemented through the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA).
Participants cited maintenance challenges, limited coverage, and delays in repairs as key gaps undermining access to reliable water supply.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali /Kenneth Odeng Adade