Reject violence and impunity - CDD

The Centre for Democratic Development (CDD)-Ghana urged Ghanaians to dialogue and pursue peace to sustain the growth of the nation’s democracy, but reject violence and impunity, which are dangerous paths to travel.

Mr Kwabena Abroampah Mensah, Programmes Officer of the NGO, gave the advice when he addressed a stakeholder’s forum held at Nsuta in the Sekyere-Central District to promote social accountability and participation of the people in the local governance system.

It brought together Assembly members, political party representatives, the Unit Committees, women groups, heads of department and people with disabilities (PWDs).

Mr Abroampah Mensah expressed concern about the situation where people in some communities resorted to violence as a tool to get state institutions, including District Assemblies, to act on their demands.

That, he said, was not right and advised that legal processes be used to demand accountability and social justice.

He also criticised the lack of information flow between the assemblies and the people and said it was fuelling apathy and keeping the level of citizens’ participation in local governance low.

He said there was an urgent need for the assemblies to strengthen information sharing with the people to enable them to closely follow their activities and ensure accountability.

The CDD has over the past three years engaged in a vigorous training programmes to encourage stronger participation of the citizenry in the local governance system.

It has been helping the population to have better understanding of their civic responsibilities, the functions of the district assemblies, and conflict resolution strategies.

Additionally, officials of the assemblies are trained in the implementation, coordination and management of development policies.