CENSODEV calls for active citizen participation in local governance
CENSODEV urges stakeholders to improve citizen engagement mechanisms
The Center for Social Mobilization and Sustainable Development (CENSODEV), a civil society organization, has called on citizens to take a more active interest in local governance processes to help drive development at the grassroots level.
The call was made during a regional town hall meeting of stakeholders on enhancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) monitoring and citizen participation, held at the Kassena-Nankana Municipal Assembly Conference Hall on Wednesday, May 13.
Speaking in an interview with Mike FM, the Executive Director of CENSODEV and convener for the Kassena-Nankana area on the Sustainable Development Goals, Braimah Sanjage, explained that the engagement was aimed at reviewing a report on public perceptions of town hall meetings.
According to him, the report was compiled from a survey conducted across 23 districts nationwide and involved 762 respondents from diverse backgrounds.
He disclosed that the findings indicated that insufficient efforts are being made to promote effective citizen engagement and participation in local governance.
He therefore urged stakeholders to intensify efforts toward improving town hall meetings and encouraging broader citizen involvement.
Sanjage described citizen participation as a critical factor in promoting local development, transparency, and accountability.
“People who want to promote transparency and accountability in governance should help empower citizens through civil society organizations like CENSODEV to ensure that citizens are well informed and actively participate in governance at the local level,” he stated.
He further noted that active citizen involvement in decision-making would make the work of local assemblies easier and more effective.
“If citizens truly participate in decision-making, the Assemblies will face fewer challenges. Even if an Assembly lacks resources, individuals within the community who have the means can support and fund development projects”.
“But if engagements are not held to bring governance closer to the people, development efforts will not yield the desired results,” he added.
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