SWEDEC holds forum to foster good governance, local economic development

SWEDEC in collaboration with Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition and OSIWA has held a forum that would foster good governance and local economic development at Mampong Municipal Assembly.

The annual accountability forum on the implementation status of the composite action plan and budget of Mampong Municipal Assembly was well attended by MMDAs staff, CSOs, traditional leaders, Assembly members, Unit Committee members and some section of the media.

Speaking at the forum, the founder of SWEDEC, Oxford Osei Bonsu said the programme was organised to deepen grassroot accountability systems that will foster good governance and local economic development.

At the event, the Municipal Assembly Planning Officer, Samuel Luis Dankwa presented to the participants status of 2018 annual action plan with projects that have been implemented in the municipality.

The Budget Officer, Louis Osei Owusu explained to the audience the total revenues the municipal assembly received; both the internal generated funds, district development funds and the urban grants with their matching projects implemented in the municipality.

According to him, the assembly in 2016 exceeded its budgeted property rate from GHC6, 117,860 to GHC7,587,734.

Some participants who spoke expressed their appreciation to the organisers of the programme. Naomi Mensah, a hairdresser was highly delighted to have had the opportunity to participate and make contribution to the issue of development. She applauded the organisers for bringing officials from the assembly to educate them and explain big issues about developments in the municipality.

A traditional leader, Nana Oduro Sarfo promised to take the initiative and disseminate the information to churches, mosques and the entire community to understand the state of affairs in the municipality.

He again emphasised that traditional authorities will use the community Information Centre at least twice a year to educate the masses on the need to pay their market tolls and property rate to bring about development in their Locality.

The GACC and OSIWA through SWEDEC assured Kofiase community that there will be several of such interaction through quarterly radio program to facilitate citizen engagement and participation.