The Bolgatanga East District Assembly recently held an engagement forum with residents to promote transparency and accountability in local governance. The event, which took place on October 25, 2026, at the Assembly Hall, brought together various stakeholders, including the Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, District Chief Executive (DCE) Jacob Abugre Aka Eri, traditional leaders, assembly members, district officials, and youth representatives. The forum provided an opportunity for government officials to account for their stewardship and respond to concerns raised by residents.
Addressing participants, DCE Jacob Abugre Aka Eri emphasized the importance of the initiative in promoting transparency and accountability in local governance. He stressed that public officials have a responsibility to ensure that government policies, development projects, and the use of public resources reflect the needs and priorities of citizens. The DCE also highlighted the need for accountability to go beyond periodic engagements to include the prudent management of public resources and the implementation of projects that directly improve people's lives.
The Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, also addressed the gathering, urging public officials to demonstrate integrity and ensure value for money in the implementation of government programs. He emphasized that fulfilling the government's commitment to restoring confidence in public institutions and strengthening trust between citizens and their leaders requires public officials to manage resources responsibly and deliver measurable improvements in the lives of citizens. The Minister highlighted development concerns in the Bolgatanga East District, including poor road infrastructure, unemployment, sanitation, healthcare, and access to potable water.
During the forum, residents raised concerns about development challenges and sought clarification on government policies and projects. The interaction allowed participants to engage directly with the Regional Minister, the DCE, and other district officials on issues affecting their communities. The Assembly said the engagement formed part of efforts to promote transparency, strengthen public participation, and improve accountability in local governance.
The engagement forum featured a question-and-answer session, which provided a platform for residents to express their concerns and receive feedback from government officials. The event was part of the government's Accounting to the People initiative, aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in local governance. The initiative seeks to ensure that public officials are accountable to the people they serve and that government policies and projects reflect the needs and priorities of citizens.
DCE Jacob Abugre Aka Eri reaffirmed the Assembly's commitment to providing opportunities for residents to access information, engage public officials, and contribute to decisions affecting development in their communities. He commended participants for attending the forum, describing citizen participation as essential to strengthening accountability and inclusive governance. The event demonstrated the Assembly's efforts to promote transparency and accountability in local governance.
The Bolgatanga East District Assembly's engagement forum with residents is a significant step towards promoting transparency and accountability in local governance. The event provided a platform for government officials to account for their stewardship and respond to concerns raised by residents. Key issues discussed included poor road infrastructure, unemployment, and access to basic services, highlighting the need for continued engagement and collaboration between government officials and residents to address these challenges.
Key points
- The Bolgatanga East District Assembly held an engagement forum with residents to promote transparency and accountability in local governance.
- The forum provided an opportunity for government officials to account for their stewardship and respond to concerns raised by residents.
- The event was part of the government's Accounting to the People initiative, aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in local governance.
