The government has begun an accountability exercise to showcase its massive infrastructural developments in the various regions of the country while engaging citizens to take feedback on governance.
Dubbed the Regional Townhall Meetings and Exhibition, the first edition has taken place in the Greater Accra Region.
The exercise which is on the theme “Regional Revitalization: Government’s Commitment to Growth, Development, and Prosperity,” saw key government officials presenting updates on various projects and engaging directly with the public.
Minister for Information, Fatimatu Abubakar who opened the forum said the town hall meetings are part of government strategy to account to Ghanaians what it has been able to achieve in the past 7 and half years. “Our goal is to create a government that listens, responds, and acts in the best interest of its people. These town hall meetings are a step towards achieving that vision. We are building a future where every Ghanaian feels included and empowered to contribute to our nation’s growth,” she said.
She said in the next few weeks, the Ministry will visit the remaining 15 regions, to further engage citizens and collate feedback on government projects and policies to aid government in the delivery of its projects.
The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Daniel Titus Glover, providing a comprehensive update on the developmental projects undertaken by the Akufo-Addo and Bawumia administrations said the government has achieved a lot within the region and is bent on completing projects that have been stalled.
“We are committed to improving the lives of our citizens through strategic infrastructural development. From roads and bridges to schools and hospitals, we are building a future where every Ghanaian can thrive,” stated Mr. Glover.
Finance Minister, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, took the stage next, providing an in-depth analysis of the government’s economic interventions. He said even in the wake of global economic crises, the government is putting measures in place to rebound the Ghanaian economy.
“Despite the global economic challenges, our administration has managed to stabilize the local currency, reduce inflation, and achieve a trade surplus. We are projecting a growth rate of 3.4% by the end of 2024, a testament to our resilient economic strategies,” Dr. Amin Adam emphasized.
One of the key features of the event was the exhibition centre, where all 29 districts within the Greater Accra Region showcased their respective projects and initiatives. This provided a platform for local governments to highlight their contributions to regional development and allowed citizens to gain a deeper understanding of the progress being made at the grassroots level. The exhibition also facilitated direct interactions between government officials and the public, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility.
The meeting brought together a diverse audience, including government officials, youth groups, union representatives, and community leaders. This inclusive approach ensured that critical issues were discussed from multiple perspectives, fostering a collaborative environment for problem-solving and idea-sharing. The discussions covered key sectors such as healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment, with government appointees providing answers to pressing questions from journalists and the public.
One of the participants, a youth leader from the region, expressed his appreciation for the initiative. “It’s refreshing to see the government engaging with us directly. This platform allows us to voice our concerns and contribute to the development of our communities. I hope this continues beyond the meetings,” he said. His sentiments were echoed by many attendees who appreciated the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue with their leaders.
Over the next few weeks, the Ministry of Information will extend these town hall meetings to the remaining 15 regions. This grassroots approach aims to bridge the gap between the government and the people, ensuring that every citizen has a voice in the nation’s development. By decentralizing communication and fostering open dialogue, the administration hopes to build a more inclusive and prosperous Ghana.
The initiative will culminate in a national forum, where feedback and recommendations from all regions will be consolidated and presented to the government for implementation. This process ensures that citizen input is not only heard but also acted upon, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to participatory governance.
This, Minister Fatimatu Abubakar in her closing remarks believes that by fostering open dialogue and collaboration, the government will be able to strengthen the bond between citizens and the government, ultimately driving progress and development in every part of Ghana.
