FRIENDS OF THE NATION (FoN), HOLDS INCEPTION MEETING WITH SEFWI WIAWSO MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY TO ROLL OUT PAIReD PROGRAMME

Friends of the Nation (FoN), a Non Governmental Organization, has held an inception meeting with the Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Assembly as part of the rollout of a new governance and accountability initiative under the Participation, Accountability and Integrity for a Resilient Democracy (PAIReD) programme.

The project, funded through a local subsidy from the German Development Corporation (GIZ), seeks to strengthen and institutionalize citizen-led accountability actions to ensure the equitable use of public funds, including those derived from extractive resources.

According to FoN officials, the initiative will build the capacity of stakeholders to use social accountability tools to monitor, track, and report on the implementation of District Medium-Term Development Plans (MTD) and budgets. A strong emphasis will be placed on ensuring transparency in the utilization of public funds.

The project will also collaborate with the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) to promote participatory monitoring of oil-funded projects while strengthening engagements with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on PIAC reports.

At the meeting, FoN explained that stakeholder involvement is central to the project’s success, as it provides a platform for citizens to hold duty-bearers accountable and ensures that public resources are used equitably and effectively.

Mr. Albert Arthur, (Assistant Director I) on behalf of the MCE and MCD welcomed the initiative, noting that strengthening accountability mechanisms at the local level is key to promoting good governance, public trust, and inclusive development.

The PAIReD project is scheduled to run until August 2026, after which it is expected to leave behind stronger accountability systems and empowered citizens across the Municipality.