Social Media as A Tool for Community Engagement and Participation in Infrastructure Development in the Greater Accra: A Case of Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly, Accra

Abstract

This study investigated the pivotal role of social media platforms in fostering community engagement and participation in infrastructure development within the Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly (AWMA) of Greater Accra, Ghana. Historically, an inadequate public engagement has frequently plagued infrastructure development plans, which may have resulted in projects that don't fully address community needs. The way communities communicate and participate in local governance processes has significantly changed because of the widespread use of social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and X (Twitter). The purpose of this study is to ascertain the role social media plays in infrastructure and developmental projects within the Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly. This study employed a quantitative approach using questionnaires administered to residents and government representatives. Findings revealed the patterns of social media usage and engagement within the (AWMA) community, including the frequency and types of interactions related to infrastructure development projects. The efficiency of social media platforms in distributing information, encouraging conversation, and getting resident input are among the themes that emerged from the questionnaires. Furthermore, issues like digital literacy, unequal access, and the reliability of information found online were observed. The outcomes of this investigation contributed to enhance comprehension of the relationships among social media, community involvement, and infrastructure advancement inside local governance frameworks. The Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly and other local decision-making bodies can benefit from the successful use of social media should the community increase openness, diversity, and public involvement in the decision-making process.