Tamale: A survey conducted by the Ghana CSOs Platform on SDGs has recommended the introduction of stronger sanctions for non-compliance related to town hall meetings. It emphasizes the need for strengthened enforcement mechanisms to enhance citizen participation and facilitate the localisation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across Ghana.
According to Ghana News Agency, the survey further suggests a review of the District Performance Assessment Tool (DPAT) scoring system. This revision aims to give more prominence to town hall meetings and ensure dedicated budgetary allocations for logistics, mobilization, and the implementation of these meetings. The findings were part of a study report titled 'SDG Localisation Through Town Hall Meetings in Ghana: A CSOs Platform Study', presented at a stakeholder engagement and Town Hall Meeting held in Tamale.
The event was organized by the Savannah Women Integrated Development Agency (SWIDA-Ghana), a member of the Ghana CSOs Platform on SDGs. It witnessed participation from heads of government agencies, youth groups, and persons with disabilities, among others. Hajia Alima Sagito-Saeed, Executive Director of SWIDA-Ghana and Convener of the Ghana CSOs Platform on SDGs, shared the survey findings, emphasizing the role of town hall meetings in participatory governance and local SDG implementation.
The study, which utilized both quantitative and qualitative methods, covered 23 districts with input from 762 respondents, two key informant interviews, and three focus group discussions involving youth groups, persons with disabilities, and local communities. The findings highlighted that healthcare and social protection were major topics discussed during town hall meetings.
The report noted that 61.4% of respondents identified healthcare needs as a key discussion point, despite ongoing concerns over inadequate health infrastructure, distance to facilities, and insufficient numbers of midwives. Furthermore, 57% acknowledged discussions on social protection but pointed to gaps in information and confusion over eligibility for the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program and the Disability Fund.
In terms of communication for participation, 75.2% of respondents agreed that local language use enhanced understanding and participation, though hearing-impaired participants remained excluded due to the lack of sign language interpreters. The report also observed that communication materials lacked inclusive features such as bold prints and accessible formats for persons with disabilities.
Attendance at meetings was perceived as high by 56.7% of respondents, yet outreach was often limited to community leaders due to resource and transport challenges. The study also underscored gender and age disparities in participation, with meetings predominantly attended by males (57.3%) and educated adults aged 25-44 years, reflecting the exclusion of women and youth influenced by patriarchal norms.
The report identified physical and sensory barriers, with only 50.7% of meeting venues fully accessible to persons with disabilities. Traditional announcement systems and short-notice invitations contributed to low participation, with 59.3% of non-attendees unaware of scheduled meetings. It recommended innovative approaches, including virtual meetings and digital platforms, to enhance participation.
The report urged Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies to partner with civil society organizations, NGOs, and the private sector to reduce operational costs and enhance outreach via radio, mobile communication, and social media.
Mr. Mohammed Salahudeen, Planning Officer at the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, highlighted digital initiatives to improve citizen engagement and advance SDGs (nine and 17). He mentioned a property rate billing platform and a Facebook feedback platform, which facilitated citizen interaction. Despite these efforts, challenges like poor internet connectivity, low digital literacy, inadequate ICT infrastructure, and funding constraints persist. The Assembly plans to install free Wi-Fi hotspots and train youth volunteers to aid the elderly in accessing digital services.