The Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) is urging citizens to demand transparency and combat corruption at the district level. This push involves actively using the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936). The centre specifically targets members of Social Auditing Clubs during its training programs.
These clubs are crucial for enforcing accountability and fighting corruption. CDD-Ghana conducted a training in Sogakope, South Tongu Municipality. This was part of the Strengthening Accountability, Rule of Law, and Institutional Responsiveness in Ghana (SARIS) Project. The European Union (EU) funds this project. CDD-Ghana, Transparency International Ghana (TI-Ghana), and Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) implement it.
The SARIS Project aims to build a society where citizens actively participate in governance. It also focuses on anti-corruption efforts. The project operates in 24 districts across Ghana. It involves ordinary community members, journalists, and public institutions. The goal is to move people from passive observation to proactive civic actions. This is done within Ghana's legal framework for local governance.
Jacob Tetteh Ahuno, an Assistant Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist at CDD-Ghana, led the training. He explained key concepts for promoting accountability. Practical approaches for citizen participation were also discussed. Topics included the definition and impact of corruption. Mechanisms for reporting corruption were also covered. Public Financial Management (PFM) legislation was explained. Ghana’s public audit system and entry points for citizen engagement were highlighted. The role of social accountability in fighting corruption was emphasized. Active citizen participation is vital for transparency and resource management.
Mr. Ahuno explained the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936). It provides many opportunities for citizen engagement. Sections 40 to 46 are particularly important. They require Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to publish draft by-laws and fee-fixing resolutions. This must happen at least 10 working days before discussion. Publication occurs on radio, print media, and notice boards. Citizens can submit memoranda and attend assembly sittings as observers. They can also engage sub-committees. Town hall meetings and budget validation forums are for participation.
These provisions are legal duties, not optional actions. Any assembly failing to involve citizens breaks the law. Citizens have a legal right to information. Assembly Secretaries must comply with requests under the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989). Citizens can petition assemblies. Officials must acknowledge petitions within seven days. They must respond within three months. MMDA Chief Executives must submit annual reports on stakeholder participation. These reports show inclusiveness in local governance.
Public Relations and Complaints Committees are internal accountability mechanisms. They are established under Act 936. These committees investigate complaints. Such complaints relate to administrative injustice or abuse of office. They can recommend sanctions. This may include removing officials. Votes of no confidence can also be triggered. Mr. Ahuno defined corruption as abusing entrusted power for private gain. Forms include bribery, fraud, and nepotism. He introduced the "3Rs" civic action framework: Resist, Reject, and Report. Citizens can report through platforms like Transparency International Ghana’s ALAC. The Ghana Audit Service's CitizensEye App is another option. The Office of the Special Prosecutor's toll-free lines can also be used. CHRAJ's online platform is available too.