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Civil Society Platform on SGDs Conduct Survey on the Public’s Perception of Government’s Response to COVID-19

The Civil Society Platform on SGDs has conducted a survey of the public's perception of government’s response to COVID-19. The survey was conducted as part of STAR-Ghana Foundation's COVID-19 Response Project (CRP) with funding from UKaid and European Union.  The findings of the survey was disseminated at a dialogue session organised by the Civil Society Platform on SGDs on Wednesday 15th July 2020. 

Participants at the dialogue session observed that civil society organisations are conspicuously absent in government-formed COVID-19 response structures at both local and national levels. Hon. Pius Enam Hadzide, Deputy Minister of Information in responding to the findings of the survey noted the complementary role civil society organisations play Ghana. Hon. Hadzide acknowledged the findings and emphasized that government will take the feedback seriously.

"The role civil society plays is very critical for national development, particularly in the current pandemic situation. It is an all-nation fight, hence all stakeholders must be onboard. I am excited to note the interest of civil society organisations to be board government’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic fight. You can contribute as members of COVID-19 response structures and committees, but maintain your checkmate role. I will take it back as feedback” He said.

 

key findings from the survey were as follows:

  • The role played by the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic was not obvious.
  • The public was of the view that governments restrictions were adequate to contain the spread of the virus and should not have been relaxed.
  • Low transparency and accountability of the COVID 19 fund and its related expenditures.
  • The president’s periodic address to the nation has been the major source of information on the government’s response to the pandemic.
  • Awareness of government's measures was high even though there were huge violations of some of the restrictions put in place.

 

Speaking on behalf of STAR-Ghana Foundation, Safia Musah noted that the work of the SDG platform is critical in positioning civil society strategically to effectively complement government's efforts. One of the set-backs has been the lack of evidence to engage and influence COVID-19 policy interventions.

"The findings from this survey is a major step at bridging the gap between civil society's efforts and governments’. Coordination is another critical element for the stakeholders involved in the COVID-19 response agenda. There will be better traction for the investments the sector is making if actors operate in synergy".

 

 

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