Tamale, Feb. 13, GNA – Inadequate and irregular water supply dominated discussions at a civic engagement forum organised by the Tamale Metropolitan Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE).
Residents who participated in the forum expressed concern that the persistent water crisis continued to affect households, schools and health facilities despite various interventions by the government.
Participants identified three major challenges undermining reliable water supply in the area: difficulties in maintaining water systems in good working condition, limited service coverage to meet growing demand, and delays in responding to water infrastructure breakdowns.
Mr Abdulai Mohammed, a resident of Dohinaayili, called for stronger collaboration among the Metropolitan Assembly, the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA), Assembly Members and community water management structures to address the situation.
He said coordinated efforts and improved communication among stakeholders would help ensure sustainable and timely solutions to the challenges confronting residents.
The concerns were raised during a forum on “Civic Engagements on the Rule of Law and the Fight Against Corruption”, organised under the Participation, Accountability and Integrity for a Resilient Democracy (PAIReD) Programme with support from the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) and the European Union (EU).
The forum formed part of broader efforts to promote the rule of law, strengthen public accountability and enhance citizens’ participation in local governance.
It brought together duty-bearers, community leaders, women and youth groups, civil society organisations, persons with disabilities and other stakeholders to deliberate on governance and service delivery issues in the municipality.
In a welcome address, Mr Mahama Abdul Fataw, Tamale Metropolitan 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 Abdul Fataw encouraged participants to engage public officials constructively and use lawful, non-partisan channels to demand transparency in the utilisation of public resources.
He said an informed citizenry remained a vital pillar of democratic governance and urged continuous, respectful dialogue between citizens and duty-bearers.
Mr Seidu Alhassan, Chief Investigator at the Northern Regional Office of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), delivered a presentation on “Public Accountability Mechanisms”.
He educated participants on their constitutional right to information, lawful avenues for demanding accountability, and complaint and redress procedures available under the law.
He encouraged citizens to use CHRAJ and other state institutions to seek redress in cases of maladministration, abuse of office and corruption.
As part of measures to strengthen community oversight and ensure follow-up on issues raised, a Social Auditing Committee was constituted.
The Committee comprises representatives from the Inter-Party Dialogue Committee, Assembly Members, the Metropolitan Assembly, the CWSA, traditional authorities and the NCCE.
It is expected to facilitate follow-ups on agreed action plans, promote transparency and track progress on service delivery commitments.
Participants expressed optimism that continued dialogue and collective action would improve service delivery and strengthen trust between residents and public institutions in the municipality.
GNA
Edited by Eric K. Amoh/Lydia Kukua Asamoah