The Wassa East District Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in the Western Region has engaged Chiefs and people of Sekyere Krobo on Social Auditing as part of its activities to deepen Local Governance.
The programme which was to further help beneficiary communities to collectively identify some pressing development needs is part of the Commission’s flagship programme of Accountability, Rule of Law and Anti-corruption programme (ARAP), with sponsorship from the European Union (EU).
Addressing the gathering on the subject, Wassa East District Director of NCCE, Andrew Acquah said Social Auditing is an innovative mechanism which enhances citizens participation in Local Governance.
He added that the exercise was geared towards promoting community ownership of development projects, increasing awareness on the operations of Local Government and empowering the people to demand accountability from duty bearers.
He reminded the people that political participation was not limited to voting and that citizens must make conscious effort to get actively involved in Local Governance by monitoring and evaluating development projects in their communities and take steps to have all problems identified and resolved by people in authority.
Touching on benefits to be derived from Social Auditing, Mr Acquah mentioned raising awareness and knowledge of the people, promoting citizen empowerment, strengthening community voice and enhancing transparency, stressing that Social Auditing will enhance policy makers understanding of stakeholders concerns.
For his part, Assistant Social Development Officer at the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development of the Wassa East District, Joel Archer schooled participants on the operations of the District Assembly with reference to the Local Government Act, 2016 (Act936).
During the interactive segment, participants identified some development needs of the community, this include public places of convenience (toilet), containers for refuse, teachers quarters and extension of electricity to new sites.
A Seven-Member Committee was set up to initiate interactions with officials at the District Assembly for redress.
Dignitaries present at the programme include the Western Regional Director for NCCE, Justice Ennin, Gyase Hene of Sekyere Krobo, Nana Okai Buadu and the Assembly Member for the area, Hon. Yamoah Arthur.
The rest are the District Officer for Social Welfare and Community Development, Ms. Emma Nordro and District Director for CHRAJ, Paul Arthur.
Story: Seth Ameyaw Danquah
