Enhancing Communication Between District Assemblies and Citizens in the Planning and Execution of Infrastructure Projects – The Perspectives of Citizens and District Assembly Officials in the Tolon District of the Northern Region of Ghana

Abstract

Ghana’s local government laws and policies require District Assemblies to have regular communication with their constituents. However, several studies have found communication between District Assemblies and citizens to be weak, particularly in the planning and implementation of infrastructure projects. This has limited citizens participation in the development process and created situations where projects such as schools, markets, toilets, etc. are abandoned. This study sought to establish, from the perspectives of citizens and District Assembly officials, how to enhance communication between District Assemblies and citizens in the planning and execution of infrastructure projects. Using the phenomenological approach, the study employed key informant interviews and focus group discussion to elicit views from citizens and District Assembly officials in the Tolon District of the Northern Region. Both the citizens and District Assembly officials were of the view that meetings are an effective channel through which citizens and District Assembly officials can have effective communication in the planning and implementation of projects. They also identified radio, information vans, social media, and Assembly Members. They think that District Assemblies should establish communication with citizens right from when they are preparing their development plans and sustain it till completion. Citizens should also be given adequate information about the projects at each stage. The study recommends, among others, that the Government ensures that assemblies develop communication plans which would include the use of meetings, radio and other mechanisms to disseminate information and seek the views of citizens on infrastructure projects.