SARIS Project: RUWA-Ghana Hosts Successful Anti-Corruption Engagement in Yendi and Tatale-Sanguli

Yendi, Northern Region, August 9, 2024 – In a significant stride towards combating corruption in Ghana, RUWA-Ghana facilitated a highly impactful engagement as part of the “Strengthening Accountability, Rule of Law, and Institutional Responsiveness in Ghana (SARIS)” project. This initiative, funded by the European Union in Ghana (EU Ghana), is a consortium project by the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII), Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), and Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC). The project aims to empower citizens and promote transparency.

The engagement, which was the outdoor learning phase of the SARIS project, began in the Tatale-Sanguli District from August 6 to August 7, 2024, reaching out to citizens from diverse background and groups such as disability groups, youth groups, women groups, market women, traditional leaders, reps from religious bodies, district assembly members, CHRAJ, and NCCE representatives. Following this, the engagement moved to the Yendi Municipal from August 8 to August 9, 2024, involving similar groups and institutions.

A highlight of the Yendi engagement was a radio discussion on DASUMA Radio, where key panelists delved into the SARIS project’s objectives and the broader fight against corruption. The panel included:

• Mr. Abass Yakubu, Director – Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Yendi
• Mr. Masud Aziz Rauf, Executive Director – RUWA Ghana, Tamale
• Mr. Kwesi Boateng, Consultant – Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition

The discussion covered essential topics such as the definition, forms, causes, and effects of corruption, reporting channels, and protection for citizens reporting corruption, as well as mitigation measures involving both the state and citizens.

Participants in both Yendi and Tatale expressed significant concerns about the lack of action against individuals involved in corrupt scandals, despite numerous reports. They cited several examples of such scenarios in Ghana, highlighting a pervasive sense of impunity that undermines their efforts and trust in the system.

Additionally, the engagement aimed to inform citizens about their participation in the local government structure of governance. Participants raised concerns about not seeing and knowing what is contained in their Assemblies’ Medium Term Plans and Annual Action Plans for 2024. Assemblies also highlighted challenges, such as insufficient funds to implement measures like Town Hall Meetings and digital media engagement, which are crucial for fostering citizens’ access to information. The assemblies argued that these Plans are available if citizens ask for them.

Participants appreciated the initiative, noting the importance of such engagements in fostering a culture of accountability and transparency. The SARIS project, running from January 2024 to January 2027, continues to make strides in empowering citizens and supporting investigative journalism to combat corruption effectively. The engagement in Tatale and Yendi was a collaborative effort with the GACC being at the forefront of the implementation bringing citizens closer to their Assemblies.

For more information, please contact: 024 392 3475 or 0241767289

Story written by: Hudu Hafiz, Media and Communications Officer, RUWA-Ghana