Democracy thrives when citizens actively participate in shaping the decisions that affect their daily lives. Speaking on Nyansapo Fie on Plan B FM, hosted by Akosua Gyamfua, Mr. Fidel Nii Akuffo Bortey of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) stressed that active citizen participation is not merely an option but a fundamental pillar of effective governance.
Mr. Akuffo Bortey highlighted systemic corruption and bribery as some of the challenges undermining public confidence and discouraging many Ghanaians from engaging in political processes and national affairs.
He said rebuilding public trust requires strong leadership and an inclusive governance system that creates accessible and transparent platforms for citizens to express their views, concerns and ideas. According to him, open dialogue and effective feedback mechanisms are essential to ensuring that government remains responsive and accountable to the people.
The NCCE official further emphasized that active citizenship is critical to national development, as it gives citizens the opportunity to scrutinize government policies, identify lapses and demand accountability when authorities fail to meet their responsibilities.
He noted that civic participation goes beyond demanding physical development, stressing that sustained citizen engagement in national affairs can also promote unity, mutual understanding and lasting peace within communities.
Mr. Akuffo Bortey, however, urged Ghanaians to pay greater attention to district-level governance and local assembly elections, noting that presidential and parliamentary elections often receive disproportionate public attention.
He explained that many issues that directly affect citizens—including local roads, sanitation, traffic management, street lighting and community safety—fall within the responsibilities of local authorities.
He therefore encouraged Ghanaians to take local elections more seriously and elect competent, visionary and accountable leaders to their various assemblies.
He concluded that strengthening grassroots democracy and increasing citizen participation at the local level could help drive meaningful development from communities to the national level.
By: Bernard Mensah
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