MMDA’s engagement structures not working – CDD-Ghana
CDD-Ghana says many public engagement structures within district assemblies are ineffective, urging stronger collaboration with the media to improve information flow and accountability.
The Programmes Director of the Centre for Democratic Development Ghana, Paul Nana Kwabena Mensah, has called on local assemblies to improve their engagement with the public, particularly the media.
Speaking on the sidelines of a one-day stakeholder workshop on local government reforms held in the Upper East Region on Thursday, April 16, Mensah noted that research conducted by CDD-Ghana across 26 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in 12 regions shows that most engagement and communication channels are not functioning effectively.
“The Local Government Act has an entire chapter dedicated to public engagement. It recommends town hall meetings, consultative assemblies, the establishment of client service units, as well as Public Relations and Complaints Committees. However, our findings indicate that most of these structures are not working.” He said.
He urged local assemblies to strengthen their relationship with the media to ensure accurate dissemination of information and to curb misinformation.
“If you are not careful, someone without the right information may publish what they have, which can negatively affect the image of the assemblies.”
The engagement brought together traditional leaders, religious leaders, political party representatives, assembly members, organised groups, and members of the media to deliberate on local governance reforms.
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