By Kekeli K. Blamey
Sogakope, Feb. 28, GNA – The South Tongu Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has organised a Social Auditing Engagement at the District Assembly Hall in Sogakope to enhance transparency, accountability and citizen participation in local governance.
The programme, held on the theme “Strengthening the Rule of Law and the Fight Against Anti-Corruption,” brought together about 75 participants, including traditional authorities, representatives of faith-based organisations, artisans, youth leaders, media practitioners, civil society organisations, Assembly Members, Unit Committee Members, security personnel and driver unions.
The engagement formed part of efforts to empower citizens to actively monitor public projects and ensure prudent use of state resources and was sponsored by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and co-funded by the European Union (EU).
Mr Seth Fiagorme, South Tongu District Director of the NCCE, in a welcome address, expressed appreciation to participants for their commitment to the governance process.
He emphasised that social auditing remained a critical mechanism for strengthening accountability, as it provided citizens with the platform to track development projects, seek clarification on public expenditure, and contribute meaningfully to decision-making.
Mr Oral Robert Amenyo, the Deputy Volta Regional Director of the NCCE, in a presentation, outlined the relevance of social auditing to local governance.
He described it as an effective participatory tool that enabled communities to monitor government interventions, promote transparency in resource allocation, and foster collaboration between citizens and duty bearers.
He noted that sustained citizen oversight would help prevent the misuse of public funds and reinforce public confidence in state institutions.
Mr Chris Dollar, an officer from the district office of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), briefed participants on the Commission’s mandate and the procedures for lodging complaints relating to human rights violations and administrative injustices.
An interactive session facilitated by the District Planning Officer, Mr Abdul Gafaru Musah, enabled participants to review and prioritise key development needs of the district.
Following deliberations and consensus-building, the construction of a three-unit classroom block at Agorgbe was ranked as the foremost priority project.
The proposed construction of a Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound at Nyinuto placed second, while the drilling of 12 boreholes across selected communities was identified as the third priority.
To promote sustained oversight, a nine-member Social Auditing Committee was constituted, chaired by Mama Mariama Fomedigbe II, Queen Mother of the Fievie Traditional Area.
The Committee is expected to monitor implementation processes and provide periodic feedback to the citizenry.
Madam Victoria Dzeklo, District Chief Executive of South Tongu, commended participants for their active engagement and constructive contributions.
She underscored the importance of collective responsibility in governance, noting that development was best achieved through partnership rather than confrontation.
The DCE reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to working closely with stakeholders to ensure the timely execution of the prioritised projects.
The engagement concluded with a renewed pledge by stakeholders to uphold transparency, strengthen accountability mechanisms, and support inclusive development initiatives within the district.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah /George-Ramsey Benamba