The Centre for Democratic Development, Ghana (CDD-Ghana) Citizen Expectation Townhall has officially kicked off in Sunyani, Bono Region, marking the start of a nationwide effort to collect and discuss citizens’ expectations regarding their government.
The event brings a refreshing new approach to political engagement, encouraging active citizen participation outside the usual election cycle.
For the first time, CDD-Ghana’s Citizen Expectation Town Hall will travel across the country, creating a space where citizens can voice their opinions and concerns directly.
This initiative comes as a response to the lack of direct engagement between the government and the electorate post-election.
That engagement started on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, in the first of the series with many of the citizens voicing their opinions on what they expect of the new government.
As the series kicks off in Sunyani, various voices have already made their expectations clear.
Obeng Kwaku from the National Pensioners Association argued that the process of voting for MMDAs is outdated, suggesting that since all candidates are tied to political parties, the president should appoint local government officials and hold them directly accountable.
He called for a more centralized, presidentially accountable system for local governance.
“There is no need to vote on MDDAs since everyone is affiliated to a political party. Instead, the president should elect his people and hold them accountable,” he noted.
Nana Dedei, a prominent chief from the Sunyani Traditional Council, voiced his concerns regarding the Council of State, calling for it to be endowed with the power to challenge bad decisions from the president, rather than functioning purely as an advisory body.
His statement resonated with others who feel the need for greater checks and balances in the political system.
Daniel, a reporter from Ghanaian Times, also suggested reforms for the Council of State.
He proposed that its members be drawn from professional institutions such as the Ghana Bar Association or the Ghana Journalists Association, allowing for more expert-driven input to guide presidential decisions.
The issue of separation of powers was further discussed by Nana Dedei, who raised concerns about the concentration of power in the hands of MPs who also serve as ministers.
He emphasized the need to protect the principle of separation of powers, suggesting that holding both positions could lead to a conflict of interest and the neglect of important duties.
“Every Democracy has the three arms of government and to ensure that the principle of separation of powers is upheld, an MP should not double as a minister since it might lead to a neglect of one or more of his duties,” he said.
Serena Mohammed raised a significant issue of accountability, stating that anyone proven to have stolen from the government should be required to refund the stolen funds.
“If you are imprisoned, taxpayers’ money will still be used to feed you,” she argued, advocating for policies that ensure the guilty repay what they have taken from the public.
Owusu from PRETAG also touched on the state of education, highlighting the imbalance in government priorities.
While the Free SHS policy has brought focus to secondary education, he noted that the foundational needs of primary school students are being neglected.
He stressed that a strong foundation in basic education is crucial for students to succeed in secondary education and beyond.
The Townhall series aims to provide a platform for citizens to air their concerns, propose reforms, and ensure that their expectations are heard.
Citizens are encouraged to share their thoughts on CDD-Ghana’s social media platforms using the hashtag #citizenexpectationGH.
The initiative is powered by the Adom & Joy Brands of the Multimedia Group, with further broadcasts of the regional and special group town halls airing across CDD-Ghana’s social media channels and selected radio stations until March 20th, 2025.
This is an exciting opportunity for Ghanaians to actively shape the dialogue around governance and hold their elected officials accountable.
Follow the CDD Town Hall tour schedule below:
25th February 2025: Bono (Sunyani), Eastern Region (Koforidua), Upper West (Wa)
27th February 2025: North East (Nalerigu), Western Region (Takoradi), Bono East (Techiman)
3rd March 2025: Greater Accra Region (Accra), Oti Region (Dambai)
4th March 2025: Asante Region (Kumasi), Central Region (Cape Coast)
Special Group Townhalls:
11th March 2025: Youth, Northern Region (Tamale)
13th March 2025: Women, Volta Region (Ho)
18th March 2025: People with Disabilities (PWDs), Greater Accra (Accra)
20th March 2025: Aged, Greater Accra (Accra)
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