YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL GOVERNANCE - AN NCCE-CDD GHANA COLLABORATIVE TOWN HALL MEETING

The Asutifi North District Office of NCCE in collaboration with the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) under the USAID Electoral Support Project, has organised a town hall meeting to engage youth groups on good governance, The engagement dubbed: “The Youth Speaks Series II” took place at the Presbyterian Church Auditorium in Kenyasi in the Ahafo Region.

The Youth Speaks Series II was organized simultaneously in 30 selected districts across the 16 regions of Ghana aimed at whipping up the interest of the youth to participate in local governance and demand accountability from duty bearers and government officials.

The Ahafo Regional Director of the NCCE, Eric Adu at an open forum advised the youth to use acceptable channels and laid down procedures to present their grievances to the appropriate authorities to avoid violent confrontations. He appealed to the youth to develop an interest in local governance as they have a stake in nation-building efforts.

The District Chief Executive for Asutifi North, Anthony Mensah, encouraged the youth to be part of the decision-making processes of the District Assembly and avoid destructive criticisms. He advised them to come up with ideas, suggestions, recommendations, and observations to accelerate socio-economic development in the district. He assured the youth of his readiness to cooperate with them on issues that will be beneficial to both parties.

The Asutifi North District Coordinating Director, Mr. Badoo Baiden, stated that the laws in Ghana permit any Ghanaian citizen who is 18 years and above and satisfies all the other legal requirements to vie for any position at the Assembly. He bemoaned the low representation of women at the assembly and mentioned that it was due to their lack of interest in local governance. He, therefore, encouraged females to develop interest and avail themselves of local elections.

The representative of the CDD-Ghana, Mr. Mawusi Dumenu, advised the youth to get involved in local governance. According to him, research conducted by CDD has proven that the youth is nonchalant as far as local government is concerned.

The youth appealed to the organizers to sustain the programme and extend it to impact more youth.

About a hundred and eight (108) participants were represented from community-based youth groups, young ladies’ groups, Christian and Muslim youth, NABCO employees, youth in trade and apprenticeship, youth from the Persons living with Disability group (PWDs), and as well as a sign language interpreter.

The District Chief Executive of Asutifi North District Hon. Anthony A. Mensah advising the youth to participate in local governance

The District Coordinating Director, Mr. Baidoo Baiden admonishing the youth to be involved in local elections

Miss Juliana, a Sign Language Interpreter from Ghana Education Service interpreting the speech by Hon. Anthony Mensah to PWDs.

The leader of the CDD Team, Mr. Mawusi Dumenu advising the youth to get involved in local governance.

Mr. Eric Adu, NCCE Regional Director encouraging the youth to use acceptable channels to air their grievances.

Nana C.K. Yeboah, a traditional ruler and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Assembly advising the youth to learn existing laws and traditions.