Public participation needed in fixing assembly's budget

Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) have been urged to create more space for active public participation in the fixing of their budgets.

Mrs Aba Oppong, the Programmes Manager of the Centre for the Development of People (CEDEP), said people should be aided to make inputs into the allocation of financial resources available to the assemblies.

She said this would greatly help to build trust between the assemblies and the people in their areas of jurisdiction.

Mrs Oppong was speaking at a "town hall" meeting organised by CEDEP, a Non Governmental Organisation, for officials of the Asante-Akim Central Municipal Assembly and some identified groups at Odumase.

The meeting forms part of the "social public expenditure and financial accountability project (SPEFA)" it has launched in the municipality to promote greater transparency, accountability and good governance.

It brought together representatives of trade associations, property owners, transport unions, the youth, women, disabled and other marginalized groups, faith-based organizations and chiefs.

Mrs Oppong said the people deserve "to know and to have a say" on how resources meant to transform their situation are being used, to encourage them to identify with and closely monitor the implementation of projects brought to their various communities.

She said efficient financial management was critical to strong performance by the MMDAs.

Alhaji Braimah Boyong, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), applauded CEDEP for the project saying it had brought good understanding and tremendous improvement in the Assembly's relationship with the people.

He gave the assurance that the Assembly would continue to be part of such projects to foster public scrutiny and accountability.