Ghanaians interested in discussing public issues – Survey

A survey conducted by the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD) shows that Ghanaians are interested in discussing public issues, especially those pertaining to management of the economy, education and health.

The report, however, stated that despite the interest, most Ghanaians believed some of the public issues are sometimes complex for most people to understand.

Mr Robert Pwazaga, Research Officer of CDD-Ghana, made this known at the presentation of findings from the research undertaken by the CDD and its partners on improving public goods and services dubbed: “I Am Aware Project” in Accra.

The project, undertaken in 40 districts, was aimed at empowering citizens to hold people in authority accountable for the delivery of public goods and services to the poor and vulnerable.

Mr Robert Pwazaga said the study also indicated that more than 50 per cent of Ghanaians, who occasionally discuss public issues, usually participate in matters that affect their lives and their community.

He said contact between the people and government officials as well as their members of Parliament appeared to be low.

Despite these low interactions, he said, most people still do not use protest, violence, or refusal to pay taxes to raise issues concerning the delivery of public goods and services in their communities.

Mr Pwazaga said elections remain the most effective means of holding politicians accountable since 87 per cent of the respondents reported that they voted in the last elections.

He said most citizens believe that the most important responsibility of members of parliament is to listen to constituents and to represent their needs.

Mr Pwazaga said improving public service delivery is one of the biggest challenges in the world and a key determinant of the quality of life of the people.

He said in Africa the low quality of service provision and the pressing needs of the poor had become a burden for many governments and in some cases lead to the fall of some governments.

Mr Pwazaga said the CDD would continue to collect and disseminate data on public service delivery at the district level and track the commitment made by people in authority to improve services.

He said the centre would also introduce new and innovative ways of disseminating the information at the district level.

Source: GNA