Details

In cooperation with the Ghana Trade Union of Traders (GUTA) KAS organised and implemented a workshop on the topic “Social Accountability” from the 26th until 30th of August. The workshop took place in Busunya and Jema in the Brong-Ahafo region.

The objectives of the workshops were to brainstorm on the concept of Social Accountability, its importance to nation building and how civil society organisations particularly traders associations can exact social accountability as part of the process to enhance and promote good governance.

In all, a total of 186 participants drawn from civil society groups like traders, farmers, artisans like tailors, seamstress, beauticians, students groups, agrochemicals sellers etc. from the Nkoranza South and Kintampo South Districts respectively participated.

Three (3) resource persons made presentations. The first presentation was on the topic, "What is Social Accountability and the tools for social accountability".

The second topic was on "Promoting Social accountability, the role of traders".

The final and the third topic that was presented was "Social accountability in Ghana".

The central point for discussion was that the state usually channels resources to institutions and organisations for the promotion of socio-economic development. Unfortunately, public officials entrusted to manage these resources do not utilise them to the maximum benefit of the people.

Research indicates that when civil society is well organised and informed, they can present a unified front that would put pressure on state officials to render accounts of their stewardship to the people.

As a key pillar or ingredient for good governance, social accountability would promote popular participation, reduce corruption, reckless dissipation of resources, ensure equity and promote healthy collaboration between the state and the citizenry.