Tolon, Northern Region — A new project aimed at deepening citizens’ knowledge and awareness of Ghana’s local governance system has been launched in Tolon in the Northern Region.

Dubbed the Social Inclusion and Accountability Project, the initiative is being implemented by Savings and Development Dialogue Ghana (SDD Ghana) with funding from STAR Ghana Foundation.

The project seeks to promote greater understanding of local governance among young people by leveraging the knowledge and expertise of volunteers from diverse professional backgrounds, including assembly members, nurses, teachers and youth activists.

The launch brought together traditional rulers, district education officials, schoolchildren, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to discuss the importance of civic participation and awareness of local governance.

Strengthening Knowledge of Local Governance

Speaking at the launch, the Deputy Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, Abanga Abdulai, said grassroots development could be strengthened when citizens have a clear understanding of how the local governance system works.

In a speech read on his behalf by the District Chief Executive of Tolon, Fuseini Salifu Issifu Moshie, the Deputy Minister said the initiative would contribute to giving meaning to the provisions and objectives of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), which provides the legal framework for local governance, decentralisation and rural development in Ghana.

He commended SDD Ghana for focusing on what he described as often overlooked aspects of civic education by seeking to build knowledge and understanding among schoolchildren.

“It is, therefore, heartwarming that your project is taking on the often-taken-for-granted issues, by seeking to disseminate information and build knowledge with schoolchildren.”

Mr. Abdulai also welcomed the project’s volunteer-driven approach, noting that it demonstrates the importance of harnessing available skills and expertise for national development.

He further highlighted the important role schoolchildren can play in transmitting knowledge and information to their families and communities.

The Deputy Minister called on citizens to embrace the philosophy of active citizenship by volunteering their time, knowledge and expertise to support national development.

He also commended SDD Ghana for initiating the project and STAR Ghana Foundation for providing technical and financial support.

Community Volunteers to Serve as Governance Coaches

The Board Chairman of SDD Ghana, Dr. Sadat Salifu, explained that selected civic-minded citizens in the beneficiary communities would serve as “governance coaches” under the project.

The volunteers will provide guidance and mentorship to 47 Junior High School students, helping them develop a better understanding of Ghana’s local governance system.

According to Dr. Salifu, the governance coaches will receive comprehensive training on Act 936, the legal framework underpinning the country’s local assembly system.

Following the training, the coaches will support students to simulate the workings of a District Assembly as a deliberative body responsible for discussing and promoting local development.

The approach is expected to provide students with practical knowledge of local governance while encouraging them to participate actively in civic and community affairs.

Investing in Young People

Dr. Salifu reaffirmed SDD Ghana’s commitment to investing in young people, describing youth development as essential to building a stronger future for the country.

“By empowering the youth with knowledge and skills, we are confident that they will grow into responsible and engaged citizens, ready to contribute to the development of their communities and the nation as a whole.”

He said equipping young people with knowledge about governance would help them understand their rights, responsibilities and opportunities to participate in local development processes.

Promoting Active Citizenship Through Volunteering

The Executive Director of SDD Ghana, Dr. Ibrahim Yakubu Nandom, said the project goes beyond improving knowledge of local governance.

He explained that the initiative would also promote active citizenship by drawing on the expertise, experience and time of professionals from different backgrounds who are willing to volunteer in support of community development.

According to him, engaging volunteers creates an opportunity for professionals and other citizens to contribute their knowledge to the development of young people while strengthening community participation in governance.

A Call for Greater Volunteerism

The Executive Director of RAINS, Hardi Tijani, who chaired the launch, also encouraged young people and professionals to dedicate their time and expertise to causes that contribute to community and national development.

He emphasised the importance of volunteerism as a practical way for individuals to use their skills and knowledge to support positive change within their communities.

The launch of the Social Inclusion and Accountability Project marks another step towards strengthening civic awareness and encouraging young people to take an active interest in local governance.

Through the initiative, SDD Ghana seeks to create opportunities for schoolchildren to learn about local governance in practical ways while fostering a culture of participation, accountability and responsible citizenship.