In a bold effort to deepen grassroots accountability and civic participation, Transparency International Ghana has launched a two-day forum in the Akuapem North Municipality aimed at equipping ordinary citizens with the tools to demand transparency and fight corruption at the local level.
Held under the theme “Strengthening Accountability, Rule of Law, and Institutional Responsiveness,” the initiative brought together a diverse mix of participants—artisan groups, youth, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Civil Society Organizations, assembly officials, and community leaders. The forum, backed by the European Union and implemented in partnership with the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition and Ghana Centre for Development, underscores a growing shift toward citizen-led governance reforms.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency, Mr. Jacob Tetteh Ahuno, Programmes and Research Officer at Transparency International Ghana, emphasized the forum’s practical focus on public financial management. “We are not just talking about corruption in the abstract,” he said. “We are showing people how to track how their taxes and levies are being spent, and how they can engage in real-time budget processes.”
Ahuno highlighted the significance of empowering citizens to monitor the Auditor-General’s reports and participate in accountability dialogues beyond the conference hall—through schools, religious centres, market spaces, and community media.
A notable innovation in the forum was its emphasis on equipping women and youth to act as frontline advocates. The training modules included practical tools for asset declaration, anti-corruption reporting, and effective community mobilization.
Ms. Abigail Ofori, Managing Director of the Royal Vine Foundation in Akropong, lauded the initiative’s inclusive approach. She committed to publicly declaring her assets as a model for integrity-driven leadership. “When civil society leads by example, it encourages public trust and opens the doors for stronger donor partnerships,” she said.
Also engaging with the forum was Nii Narh Obodai of the Social Welfare Department, who noted that the insights gained could transform how social intervention programmes—such as PWD support and LEAP beneficiary selection—are administered. “We need to embed these accountability practices into our operational culture,” he stated.
Beyond its educational focus, the forum is seen as a catalyst for sustained civic engagement in governance processes. By encouraging citizens to actively monitor and engage with local government institutions, organizers hope to build a culture where transparency is not just a policy buzzword, but a shared community value.
The Akuapem North accountability forum represents a growing national trend—one where local actors are being trained and empowered to challenge misgovernance, demand responsible leadership, and promote systemic change from the ground up.
