The government has initiated a nationwide accountability exercise, dubbed the Regional Townhall Meetings and Exhibition, to highlight its significant infrastructural achievements and engage citizens for feedback on governance. The first edition of this series took place in the Greater Accra Region.
Themed “Regional Revitalization: Government’s Commitment to Growth, Development, and Prosperity,” the event featured presentations from key government officials who provided updates on various projects and engaged directly with the public. Minister for Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, opened the forum, emphasizing the government’s strategy to account for its achievements over the past seven and a half years.
“Our goal is to create a government that listens, responds, and acts in the best interest of its people. These townhall meetings are a step towards achieving that vision. We are building a future where every Ghanaian feels included and empowered to contribute to our nation’s growth,” Abubakar stated.
She announced that the Information Ministry would visit the remaining 15 regions in the coming weeks to further engage citizens and gather feedback on government projects and policies, aiding in the effective delivery of these initiatives.
Greater Accra Regional Minister, Daniel Titus Glover, provided a comprehensive update on the developmental projects undertaken by the Akufo-Addo and Bawumia administration. He highlighted the government’s commitment to completing stalled projects and improving citizens’ lives through strategic infrastructural development, including roads, bridges, schools, and hospitals.
Finance Minister, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, delivered an in-depth analysis of the government’s economic interventions. He assured the audience that despite global economic challenges, measures are in place to stabilize the local currency, reduce inflation, and achieve a trade surplus. He projected a growth rate of 3.4% by the end of 2024, attributing this to resilient economic strategies.
A key feature of the event was the exhibition center, where all 29 districts within the Greater Accra Region showcased their projects and initiatives. This platform allowed local governments to highlight their contributions to regional development and provided citizens with a deeper understanding of grassroots progress. The exhibition also facilitated direct interactions between government officials and the public, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility.
The meeting brought together a diverse audience, including government officials, youth groups, union representatives, and community leaders. This inclusive approach ensured that critical issues were discussed from multiple perspectives, fostering a collaborative environment for problem-solving and idea-sharing.
Discussions covered key sectors such as healthcare, infrastructure, and economic empowerment, with government appointees addressing pressing questions from journalists and the public. A youth leader from the region expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that it allowed citizens to voice their concerns and contribute to community development. Many attendees echoed his sentiments, valuing the opportunity for meaningful dialogue with their leaders.
In the coming weeks, the Ministry of Information will extend these townhall meetings to the remaining 15 regions, aiming to bridge the gap between the government and the people. By decentralizing communication and fostering open dialogue, the administration hopes to build a more inclusive and prosperous Ghana.
The initiative will culminate in a national forum where feedback and recommendations from all regions will be consolidated and presented to the government for implementation. This process ensures that citizen input is not only heard but also acted upon, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to participatory governance.
Minister Fatimatu Abubakar, in her closing remarks, expressed her belief that fostering open dialogue and collaboration will strengthen the bond between citizens and the government, ultimately driving progress and development across Ghana.