Sogakope: 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 event focused on empowering citizens to monitor public projects and ensure the prudent use of state resources.
According to Ghana News Agency, the programme was held under the theme 'Strengthening the Rule of Law and the Fight Against Anti-Corruption' and attracted about 75 participants. These included 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. Sponsored by the Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and co-funded by the European Union (EU), the event aimed to involve citizens actively in governance processes.
Mr Seth Fiagorme, South Tongu District Director of the NCCE, welcomed participants and appreciated their commitment to governance. He highlighted the importance of social auditing as a tool for tracking development projects, clarifying public expenditure, and contributing to decision-making. Mr Oral Robert Amenyo, the Deputy Volta Regional Director of the NCCE, elaborated on the significance of social auditing, describing it as a participatory tool for monitoring government interventions and fostering collaboration between citizens and duty bearers.
Mr Chris Dollar, an officer from the district office of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), informed participants about the Commission's mandate and procedures for lodging complaints related to human rights violations and administrative injustices. An interactive session led by District Planning Officer, Mr Abdul Gafaru Musah, allowed participants to review and prioritise key development needs.
The prioritised projects included the construction of a three-unit classroom block at Agorgbe, a Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound at Nyinuto, and the drilling of 12 boreholes across selected communities. A nine-member Social Auditing Committee, chaired by Mama Mariama Fomedigbe II, Queen Mother of the Fievie Traditional Area, was formed to monitor the implementation and provide feedback.
Madam Victoria Dzeklo, District Chief Executive of South Tongu, praised the participants for their engagement and underscored the importance of partnership in achieving development. She assured the Assembly's commitment to collaborating with stakeholders for the timely execution of the prioritised projects. The engagement concluded with a commitment from stakeholders to uphold transparency, strengthen accountability, and support inclusive development in the district.