A recent sensitisation program held in Tamale, the Northern regional capital, aimed to deepen citizens’ understanding of the country’s local governance system. Attendees included schoolchildren, teachers, local governance experts, civil society organisation (CSO) representatives, assembly members, and members of the public.
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Children’s Engagement with Local Governance
During the event, participating children demonstrated a solid understanding of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936) by participating in a mock assembly session. They showcased their knowledge of the country’s democratic system and advocated for expanding such initiatives nationwide to improve awareness of local governance. This interactive approach highlighted the effectiveness of engaging youth in the political process.
Project Overview and Implementation
The program was organised under the Social Inclusion and Accountability project, a partnership between the Savings and Development Dialogue (SDD Ghana) and the STAR Ghana Foundation. SDD Ghana, an NGO committed to empowering young people and marginalised communities, spearheaded the initiative with funding from the STAR Ghana Foundation. Dr. Ibrahim Yakubu Nandom, Executive Director of SDD Ghana, explained that the project involved a network of volunteers and 47 children from the Tolon district, where they participated in Children’s Assemblies. These children were coached by governance mentors known as “governance coaches.”
Building Confidence in Young Citizens
Braimah Seidu, the District Chief Executive of Tolon, spoke on the positive impact the program had on children’s confidence. He noted that such initiatives could help them progress in education and become more engaged in their communities. Seidu commended SDD Ghana for its efforts and encouraged collaboration with other agencies to broaden the program’s reach to more districts.
Scaling Up for Broader Impact
Dr. Sadat Salifu, Board Chairman of SDD Ghana, described the project as a valuable experiment that should be scaled to benefit more children. Drawing on citizens’ historical experiences with local governance since 1988, Salifu pointed out that many people still confuse the roles of district assemblies and Parliament. She noted that the more prominent parliamentary system often overshadows the essential work of district assemblies, which have a broader reach and play a key role in driving local development.
Salifu emphasised that engaging children in local governance education was a sustainable approach to creating a well-informed and active citizenry. She called on the government and other stakeholders to join forces in revitalising local governance nationwide. Furthermore, she encouraged citizens to embrace active citizenship by volunteering their time, skills, and expertise to create meaningful change within their communities.
The Role of Strong Local Structures in Development
Dr. Chrysogonus Anab, a governance expert and senior lecturer at the University for Development Studies, highlighted the importance of strong local structures in sustaining development initiatives. He applauded the intervention by SDD Ghana and STAR Ghana Foundation for their significant impact on local governance education.
Volunteerism for Positive Change
Frederick Yenbaar Nuuri-Teg, a representative of the STAR Ghana Foundation, reiterated the foundation’s commitment to working alongside civil society organisations (CSOs) and stakeholders to leverage volunteerism for sustainable development. The collaboration, he explained, would harness collective efforts to bring about positive change.
The Importance of Education in Shaping Future Leaders
The event was chaired by Mohammed Hardi Tijani, Executive Director of RAINS, a Tamale-based NGO. He encouraged the children to take their studies seriously, as education is a vital tool for contributing to the nation’s development.
Issah Dokurugu, representing the governance coaches, urged citizens to adopt a shift in mindset—moving from “What can the country do for me?” to “What can I do for my country?” This change in perspective, he believes, will inspire greater civic involvement and national development.
This initiative has proven to be a significant step in fostering a culture of active citizenship and local governance engagement, with the potential for scaling up across the country.
