PAIReD is commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development BMZ, co-financed by the European Union (EU) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), and implemented by the German International Cooperation GIZ.

According to the district director of the Commission Mr. Cletus Y. Suuk, the programme has the objective of promoting community ownership of developmental projects and policies, enhance citizens’ understanding of local government operations and the rule of law, as well as empower communities to lawfully demand accountability from duty bearers.

He said while state institutions and public office holders are required to act within the law, provide information, justify decisions, and deliver services responsibly, citizens also have a corresponding duty to seek information, monitor public actions, question decisions, and hold duty bearers accountable through lawful and participatory means.

“Effective governance is therefore achieved when empowered citizens engage constructively with responsive institutions within a framework anchored in transparency and respect for the rule of law.” He added. Mr. Suuk indicated that limited awareness of local government operations and weak citizen–state interaction constrains citizens’ ability to demand accountability and monitor public service delivery. These gaps weaken public trust, undermine adherence to the rule of law, and create

conditions that allow inefficiencies and corrupt practices to persist adding that social auditing offers a practical and participatory approach to strengthening the demand side of public accountability.

Mr. Baba Abukari, programme officer of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice CHRAJ said “In a democratic framework, the relationship between the state and its people is governed by a social contract. This contract ensures that while public officials hold power, they are ultimately answerable to the citizens they serve.”

He added that public accountability is the principle that those who exercise power whether they are elected officials, civil servants, or government agencies must explain their actions, justify their decisions, and face consequences if they fail to meet their responsibilities.

Mr. Abukari indicated that for true accountability to prevail, there must always be transparency, answerability and consequence on the part of duty bearers. The Central Gonja district chief executive Hon. Mahama Fuseini who expressed his commitment to transparency and accountability made a presentation on some development projects undertaken by both the assembly and the Member of Parliament for the area Hon. John Abu Jinapor.

Participants drawn from local and traditional authorities, faith based organizations, assembly members, youth and women groups, civil society groups, people living with disabilities, community members and the media resolved to prioritize the establishment of a terminal for public transport in Buipe whiles a seven member social auditing committee was formed to source funds and land for the proposed transport terminal and to follow up on issues discussed to ensure sustained accountability.

Some participants expressed delight at the insights gained which will enable them keenly follow service delivery in their communities and to demand accountability. Present were the Abapuwura Bankulso Boah Abraham, the Jampewura Mankir Seidu Gbeadeseand the District Coordinating Director Mr. Atchulo Mumuni Napadow.