Tumu: Mr. Hussein Elyasu, the Sissala East Municipal Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), has called on citizens to consistently demand accountability from duty bearers at all levels. He emphasized that seeking accountability is a right of every Ghanaian citizen and not a favor from those in positions of power.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Elyasu made these remarks at a Social Accountability Forum held in Tumu, within the Sissala East Municipality. The forum aimed to promote community ownership of development projects and policies, enhance citizens' understanding of local government operations and the rule of law, and empower communities to lawfully demand accountability. Mr. Elyasu stressed, "Always demand for accountability from duty bearers at all levels, whether traditional, political, or religious, because it is your right for the duty bearers to be accountable to you; it is not a favor from them."
The forum also featured Madam Baidau Mohammed, the Sissala East Municipal Director of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), who presented on "Public Accountability Mechanisms." She focused on citizens' rights, complaint and redress procedures, and the responsibilities of public office holders. Madam Mohammed highlighted that public accountability is anchored on transparency, good leadership, and honesty. She encouraged the use of various mechanisms such as the Public Relations and Complaints Committee (PRCC) and the Client Service/Information Desk at Municipal and District Assemblies for demanding accountability.
Mr. Abubakari Musah, the Sissala East Municipal Coordinating Director, provided insights into the functions of District Assemblies, including their role in providing development projects in areas such as health, education, agriculture, trade, industry, and maintaining security. Participants at the forum raised concerns about several issues, including the need for health facilities in Nyameminjan, Diglafuro, and Stadium Residential areas, extension of electricity to newly developed areas, opening of access roads, and expansion of the Tumu Water System to uncovered areas.
Concerns were also raised about inadequate teachers' quarters, furniture, and toilet facilities at the Tumu Senior High Technical and Kanton Senior High Schools, community involvement in the award of contracts, and allocation of new stores at the Tumu market. The forum, organized by the NCCE in partnership with the Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) under the "Strengthening the Rule of Law and the Fight Against Corruption in Ghana" project, was co-funded by the European Union. Participants included representatives from the Tumu Urban Council, comprising Nanyua, Nyameminjan, Kusinjan, Zongo Extension, and Stadium Residential electoral areas, along with students from Kanton Senior High School and Tumu Senior High Technical School.