Citizen representatives of the Asunafo North Municipal Assembly – majority of whom are women and people with various forms of disability (PWDs) have been sensitized on the local governance system and their role in the governance process.

The training forms part of activities of the implementation of the local governance and accountability project (LOGAP) under the Local Governance Grant Call of the STAR-Ghana Programme. It is being implemented in five Districts of the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana. The LOGAP project is a one-year intervention championed by the Women Integrated Development Organization (WIDO) with support from STAR-Ghana and funding from the UKAid, DANIDA and the European Union.

Mr David Bagonluri Paapa, Chief Executive Officer of WIDO, in his opening address indicated that: available data suggest women and youth forms majority of the population. Ironically, they are the least represented at the local governance level. He explained the purpose of the project to be a contribution to increasing knowledge and active citizens’ participation including women, youth, PWDs, traditional leaders and socially excluded groups in local governance decision making.  “WIDO in collaboration with STAR-Ghana will facilitate the creation of spaces to get you involved in the local governance process for improved quality of service delivery in the District” he said.

Mr Bagonluri, referring to the inaugural speech of the siting president of Ghana, reminded participants on the need to be citizens and not to be spectators. “this is an opportunity for you to build your capacity on the legitimate means of seeking transparency and demanding accountability from duty bearers”

Participants at the two-day workshop where sensitized on the structure of the local governance process and equipped with community mobilization and advocacy skills among others.

Mr. Richard Osei Sarkodie of the District Planning unit of the Asunafo North Municipal Assembly bemoaned the lack of participation of women and PWDs in the assembly’s governance process.

Mr. Sarkodie expressed some of the challenges confronting the Assembly in its quest to involve marginalised citizens in the governance process to include complete apathy and over politicization of issues. He was however positive that representatives of the various marginalized groups present at the event will be able to mobilize themselves and their members to participate in the governance process to bring about development in their respective zonal areas and communities.

Participants at the event embarrassed the project expressed their willingness and motivation to participate in the governance process.

In attendance were staff of the Asunafo North Municipal Assembly, WIDO and STAR-Ghana.