Inadequate and irregular water supply dominated discussions at a civic engagement forum organised by the Tamale Metropolitan Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) in Tamale.
Residents, who participated in the forum, expressed concerns, and indicated that the persistent water crisis continued to affect households, schools, and health facilities despite interventions by the government.
The participants identified three major challenges undermining reliable water supply in the area, which included difficulty in maintaining water systems in good working condition, limited coverage of water services to meet growing demand, and delays in responding to breakdowns of water infrastructure.
Mr Abdulai Mohammed, a resident of Dohinaayili, called for stronger collaboration among the Metropolitan Assembly, the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA), Assembly Members, and community water management structures to address the situation.
He said coordinated efforts and improved communication among stakeholders would help ensure sustainable and timely solutions to the water challenges confronting residents.
The concerns were raised during a forum dubbed: “Civic Engagements on the Rule of Law and the Fight Against Corruption”, organised, under the Participation, Accountability, and Integrity for a Resilient Democracy (PAIReD) Programme with support from the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) and the European Union (EU).
The forum formed part of efforts to promote the rule of law, strengthen public accountability, and enhance citizens’ participation in local governance.
It brought together duty-bearers, community leaders, women and youth groups, civil society organisations, persons with disabilities and other stakeholders to deliberate on governance and service delivery issues in the municipality.
Mr Mahama Abdul Fataw, Tamale Metropolitan Director of the NCCE, in a welcome address, underscored the need for active citizens participation in governance.
He noted that accountability and respect for the rule of law were critical for effective service delivery and sustainable development.
Mr Abdul Fataw encouraged participants to engage public officials constructively and to use lawful and non-partisan means to demand transparency in the utilisation of public resources.
He said “an informed citizenry remains a vital pillar of democratic governance” urging both citizens and duty-bearers to maintain open and respectful dialogue.
Mr Seidu Alhassan, Chief Investigator at the Northern Regional Office of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), delivered a presentation on “Public Accountability Mechanisms.”
He educated participants on their constitutional right to information, lawful avenues for demanding accountability, as well as complaint and redress procedures available under the law.
He encouraged citizens to make use of CHRAJ and other state institutions to seek redress against maladministration, abuse of office and corruption.
As part of efforts to strengthen community oversight and ensure follow-up on issues raised, a Social Auditing Committee was constituted at the forum.
The Committee comprised representatives from the Inter-Party Dialogue Committee, Assembly Members, the Metropolitan Assembly, the CWSA, traditional authorities, and the NCCE.
It is expected to facilitate follow-ups on agreed action plans, promote transparency, and track progress on service delivery commitments.
Participants expressed optimism that continued dialogue and collective action would improve service delivery and strengthen trust between citizens and public institutions in the municipality.
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