The Bolgatanga East District Assembly has engaged residents on government policies, development projects and the management of public resources as part of the government’s Accounting to the People initiative.
The engagement, held at the Assembly Hall on Sunday, October 25, 2026, brought together 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, explain development interventions and respond to concerns raised by residents.
Addressing participants, Mr Aka Eri described the initiative as an important exercise in promoting transparency and accountability in local governance.
He stressed that public officials had a responsibility to ensure that government policies, development projects and the use of public resources reflected the needs and priorities of citizens.
“As we gather to do something that lies at the heart of good governance, we are here to account to the people we serve,” he stated.
According to the DCE, accountability should go beyond periodic engagements to include the prudent management of public resources and the implementation of projects that directly improve people’s lives.
He said decisions taken by public officials must consider the interests of farmers, traders, teachers, unemployed young people and elderly residents who depend on essential public services.
Mr 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 also commended participants for attending the forum, describing citizen participation as essential to strengthening accountability and inclusive governance.
The Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, who also addressed the gathering, urged public officials to demonstrate integrity and ensure value for money in the implementation of government programmes.
He said the government had sought the mandate of Ghanaians on a commitment to restore confidence in public institutions and strengthen trust between citizens and their leaders.
According to him, fulfilling that commitment required public officials to manage resources responsibly and deliver measurable improvements in the lives of citizens.
“We, the duty bearers, must work hard to earn that trust through integrity, responsible management of public resources and tangible results,” he said.
Mr Atanga stressed that government expenditure must translate into meaningful development outcomes, particularly in communities facing infrastructure and social service challenges.
He highlighted development concerns in the Bolgatanga East District, including poor road infrastructure, unemployment, sanitation, healthcare and access to potable water.
The Regional Minister also discussed government interventions intended to address these challenges, emphasising the need for development priorities to reflect the concerns of residents.
He urged public institutions to remain responsive to citizens and ensure that resources were directed towards projects with the greatest potential to improve living conditions.
The programme featured a question-and-answer session, during which 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.
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