Ghanaian have been reminded of their authorized rights and obligations to take part actively in native governance, as outlined in Ghana’s Native Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936).
The decision was made throughout a capability constructing session aimed toward empowering group members and stakeholders to have interaction extra successfully with their District Assemblies.
The workshop was organised by the Built-in Social Growth Centre (ISODEC) and supported by STAR-Ghana Basis below the venture dubbed, Motion for Voice for Inclusive Growth (AVID-2.)
Held on the Mfantseman Municipality of the Central Area, the occasion was meant to construct, maintain and amplify group voices to advocate and declare their rights while holding obligation bearers accountable.
The educated youth have been chosen from numerous communities, together with Anokye, Ewoyaa, Abonkor, Krampakrom, Krofu, Ansaadze, and Afranjuah throughout the Mfantseman municipality.
In his opening remarks, the Head of Coverage and Programmes at ISODEC,Mr Bernard Anaba underscored the significance of residents being knowledgeable and actively concerned in governance on the native degree.
Mr Anaba famous that, “Energetic participation ensures that growth initiatives mirror the true wants of the individuals and promotes a extra accountable and clear native authorities system.”
In a presentation, a Monitoring, Analysis and Studying (MEL) Specialist at ISODEC, Mr Michael Tettey famous that, Sections 40 to 48 of the Native Governance Act legally mandate residents to participate within the planning and execution of actions on the district and sub-district ranges.
That, in keeping with him, contains taking part in decision-making processes, growth planning, and monitoring native authorities efficiency.
Mr Tetey added that below Sections 26 and 27 of the Act, residents are additionally empowered to appoint representatives to serve on the Public Relations and Complaints Committee (PRCC), which performs a key position in public schooling, transparency, and grievance redress.
“District Assemblies are required to create buildings that permit stakeholder participation,” Mr Tettey famous.
His presentation additional emphasised the fitting of residents to petition the District Meeting on any difficulty falling inside its jurisdiction. Petitions, he famous, may be made both in writing or orally to the Secretary of the Meeting.
He knowledgeable members that the regulation requires the Meeting to acknowledge receipt of a petition inside seven days and reply to the petition inside three months.
In response to him, the Assemblies are additionally anticipated to determine by-laws that information the petition course of, reinforcing accountability mechanisms on the native degree.
The Public Relations and Complaints Committee (PRCC), established below the Act, is a key mechanism for dealing with complaints and selling transparency.
He stated the PRCC serves as a bridge between residents and the Meeting, making certain that grievances are addressed and knowledge is accessible.
Whereas the PRCC can’t intervene in issues already earlier than the courts or the Fee on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), it holds powers to make binding suggestions,
He added, “the PRCC can also be required to function with equity, adhering to the principles of pure justice in all investigations and proceedings.”
An officer from the Social Welfare and Neighborhood Growth Division of the Mfantseman Municipal Meeting, Mr Nicholas Dadzie used the chance to teach members on the work of the division.
He disclosed that as a part of efforts to allow residents take part within the native governance processes and guarantee transparency and accountability, the Meeting has made preparations with the 4 Radio Stations within the Municipality to have airtime (3 times throughout the week) to teach the residents.
He inspired members to take heed to the periods and telephone in to ask questions.
Mr Dadzie additionally expressed his delight for taking part within the coaching session saying the coaching programme could be very educative.
“Even me as a employees of the Meeting, I didn’t know the features of the PRCC and the powers it has. This coaching session has been an eye fixed opener for me and now that I also can ship a petition which may be addressed.” Mr Dadzie stated.
A unit committee member and youth consultant from Abonko, Kojo Bonzie additionally famous, that “As a unit committee member, I now know {that a} committee (PRCC) exists on the Meeting to resolve complaints or points. It was good I participated on this coaching programme.”
BY KINGSLEY ASARE
