Baseline survey calls for investment in realistic data tracking software for revenue collection
Findings of a baseline survey conducted by International Foundation (MIHOSO) has called on the Sunyani West Municipal Assembly to invest in a software that will generate and track realistic data to improve revenue mobilization in the municipality.
It urged the assembly to strengthen its sub-district structures to improve its Internally Generated Fund, calling for intensified civic education on by-laws, accountability rights, and participatory governance
The Foundation conducted the survey on social accountability on the theme: “Assessing citizen awareness, perceptions and engagement in local governance”.
It aligned with the implementation of the execution of the “Social Accountability for Resilient Democracy” (SARD) project being implemented by the NGO under the GIZ’s Participation, Accountability, And Integrity for a Resilient Democracy (PAIReD) programme.
The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) commissioned the project and was co-funded by the European Union (EU) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Cooperation (SECO).
It sought to strengthen the capacities of public institutions in Ghana to effectively implement citizen-oriented, trustworthy, and accountable governance at national and local levels.
Mr Thomas Benarkuu, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Operations, MIHOSO revealed the findings when speaking at a social accountability forum organised by the NGO at Odomase.
The event was attended by representatives from faith-based organisations, government agencies and departments, market women and women groups, and traders and traditional authorities.
“Social accountability mechanisms exist in the Sunyani West, however, are weakly institutionalised and unevenly applied,” he stated.
Mr Benarkuu expressed concern about limited citizen engagement, low awareness of accountability structures, and communication gaps that reduced the effectiveness of local governance.
“Strengthening transparency, participation, and feedback systems is essential to build trust, improve revenue mobilization, and enhance service delivery”, he stated.
Mr Benarkuu stressed the need to strengthen and operationalize Social Audit Committees of the Assembly, highlighting the need for the Assembly to diversify its Internally Generated Fund sources and communicate the use of revenue to citizens.
He noted that social accountability had gained global recognition in recent decades as a critical mechanism for improving governance, strengthening transparency, and enhancing the responsiveness of public institutions.
Mr Benarkuu noted that global citizen participation in decision-making had been promoted as a core principle of sustainable development and democratic consolidation.
He explained that the study employed a mixed‑methods design, combining surveys and interviews to capture both breadth and depth of citizens’ perceptions.
The study targeted citizens between age 15 and above, including assembly personnel staying at Odomase, Chiraa, Fiapre, Dumasua and Nsoatre, the four major towns in the major towns in the municipality.
Source: GNA