SPEFA programme launched in Bolgatanga

A regional dialogue of stakeholders in the Upper East Region, on Social Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (SPEFA), a component of the Local Government Capacity Support Project was launched on Saturday in Bolgatanga.

The engagement process was organised by Development Research and Advocacy Centre a non-governmental organisation in Bolgatanga.

The project which targets 46 Metropolitan and Municipal Assemblies (MMAs) over a period of five years is being supported by the World Bank with SNV-Ghana, a consultancy firm as its implementing agency under the authorisation of the Local Government and Rural Development Ministry.

Mr Emmanuel Tettey Project Representative of SNV who spoke at the launch said SPEFA is a social accountability mechanism necessary to empower civil society organisations ability to ensure transparency and accountability of decision making and resource utilisation at the assemblies’ level.

Mr Tettey said SPEFA is also aimed at unravelling how monies are mobilised and utilised and enhance citizen’s involvement in assembly budget processes.

He said the Bolgatanga and Bawku Municipalities are among 24 MMAs that have been selected to be part of the project.

Mr Tettey noted that the implementation process is in the second year and expressed the hope that the project would enhance the country’s decentralisation process by empowering the citizenry to hold duty bearers accountable on expenditure processes.

He spoke about the critical role of the media in ensuring accountable governance and urged them to intensify their monitoring role to expose corruption.

Naba Awuni Johnson, Chief of Yorogo, who chaired the programme asked the assemblies to consider the vulnerable in the distribution of developmental projects and amenities.

Touching on in efficiencies in the collection of property rates and revenue generation, the chairman said revenue collectors should not bare the blame alone, since there is the need for stringent measures to be taken against property owners who do not meet their obligations.

He called for change of attitudes and especially among youth to respect people in leadership and help reduce acts of corruption.