NCCE, Ayawaso North Assembly educates stakeholders on social auditing and local governance

The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Ayawaso North Municipal Office, in collaboration with the Ayawaso North Municipal Assembly, has organised a stakeholder engagement on social auditing to promote transparency, accountability and citizen participation in local governance.

Speaking during the programme, the Deputy Coordinating Director of the Assembly, Mrs Hannah Asiedu Mantey, noted the importance of social auditing in strengthening accountability and improving service delivery.

She explained that social auditing enables citizens to understand the functions of the Assembly, seek clarification on its activities and actively participate by asking questions on projects and programmes being implemented in their communities.

The District Crime Officer, ASP Vivian Osei Owusu Amponsah, educated participants on cybercrime and cyberbullying, noting that the rapid growth in digital technology has led to an increase in cyber-related offences.

She urged the public to use their mobile phones responsibly and refrain from engaging in activities that could harm others.

She cautioned against online threats, including the misuse of private images, explaining that such acts could have severe psychological consequences for victims, including depression, isolation and suicide.

ASP Amponsah assured participants that perpetrators of cybercrime would be brought to justice and encouraged victims to report incidents promptly through the appropriate channels.

Speaking on sanitation and environmental health, the Municipal Environmental and Health Officer, Mr Richard Donkor, commended residents for helping the municipality avoid the cholera outbreak that affected some areas two years ago.

He urged the public to maintain good hygiene practices by avoiding open defecation, improper waste disposal and poor hand hygiene, which contribute to the spread of diseases.

Mr Donkor announced that routine inspections would soon be conducted in shops across the municipality, warning that offenders would face sanctions, including fines and possible prosecution.

He also reminded participants that the burning of waste is prohibited by law and attracts a fine of GH¢2,500 or up to six months' imprisonment.

The Head of Revenue at the Assembly, Miss Edwina, educated participants on property taxation and revenue mobilisation.

She stressed the importance of paying property rates and appealed to residents to cooperate with revenue officers who would soon embark on data collection exercises.

She also reminded business owners to renew their Business Operating Permits before the August 31 deadline to avoid sanctions, including the closure of their premises.

She outlined other revenue measures, including market tolls, "Lambo" levies, ground rent for government lands and penalties for indiscriminate parking and vehicle encroachment.

She announced that night traders would soon be issued trading tickets and encouraged residents to visit the Assembly for clarification on revenue-related matters.