Enhancing Social Accountability in Ghana: A Case Study of the Public Policy Advocacy & Social Accountability Project (Ppasa I) In Suhum Municipal Assembly

Abstract

As a country that began practicing constitutional democracy since 1992, Ghana has managed to gain a reputation of a peaceful country were democracy reigns. The country’s local government reforms have also paved the way for governance and development to be brought closer to Ghanaian citizens. However, a phenomenon of citizen apathy has been in existence such that people are becoming less and less concerned about participating in governance, much less demanding accountability from their local authorities. As accountability stands among the pillars of good governance and democracy, it has become important to study how concerned actors put their effort in enhancing citizens’ interest in governance issues and empower them to demand accountability from governments and service providers. This study approached the context with a case study of a social accountability initiative in the Suhum Municipal Assembly called the Public Policy and Social Accountability (PPASA I). Applying a qualitative method to this study, the objectives were met through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with stakeholders of the project. This long essay explores the dynamics in the use of the service delivery approach of social accountability and the community score card in Suhum. It underlined the positive impact on governance and citizen empowerment in the Suhum Municipal Assembly while recognizing the challenges encountered by the Assembly and citizens with regards to social accountability.