Constitution Dialogue Series - Ghana

http://www.ghananewsagency.org/politics/maintain-appointive-system-of-selecting-dces-69508

http://www.ghanabusinessnews.com/2014/01/13/institute-special-priority-for-oil-communities-mp/

http://graphic.com.gh/news/politics/15824-maintain-appointment-of-dces.html

Nathan, a member of the local assembly is saying that govt should give a time line on which to use lands taken from the people, and if not used be returned to the people. And that also should have a time line

A Queen Mother doesn't agree with the govt on the rejection of the independent national devpt. planning becos many projects in her area have been neglected becos of the status quo. She also says the changing of school years at the SSS, saying she prefers 4yrs and will insist her child stays in school for extra year (that draws laughter)

The Director of NCCE at Agona Nkwanta has raised a concern that "what will be the fate of the affirmative action where women are given quotas in local govt?"

Govt should accept the CRCs propositions on independent National Dept Planning Comm. to ensure that development agenda are continued by successive govts, according to Nana Aboadze

The Chief of Aboadze is saying he thinks the DCEs must be elected

Should we really elect the DCEs just to ensure that they feel secure in their jobs?

Still discussing whether DCEs must be elected?

Oliver, from CRC says there is a sense that there is quality in the people voted into parliament than the DCEs - why is that the case?

Oliver, from CRC says if we have to reduce the lease clause for foreigners on lands to 10 years as participants are calling for, will discourage investments.

Oliver, from CRC says the commission proposed that Assembly members should be paid from the consolidated fund.

Hon. Aboagye says the DCE is and must be an agent of development and should be made to feel secured.

MP of Ahanta West, Hon Aboagye addressing the issues of whether DCEs must be elected. He said we should be mindful of the current issues where DCEs don't feel safe about their position. That the could be removed anytime. He says the DCEs position is very key and strategic and must be taken seriously

Hot issues on whether assembly members must be remunerated, and it's been addressed by Barrister Tanko Musah

We are all set for today's Constitution Dialogue. Waiting to participants to take their seats.

All set!! Time to meet some authorities in Agona Nkwanta

Time for publicity work. Banners hanged.

Kobby G. Mensah at work in full preps.

The project lead, Dr. Kobby Mensah at work in preps for tomorrow. Managing the Social Media control room

Exec Director of CeDRA at work.

Inside view of the venue hosting the CDS forum tomorrow.

All hands on deck!! CDS preps on track.

The Team has just touched base, and putting the venue together. Good job guys!!

The chiefs, queen mothers and the people of Agona Nkwanta are expectantly waiting for the programme to begin, as they exceedingly enjoyed the FGD three weeks ago.

We are all set for the big event: the constitution dialogue series forum at Agona Nkwanta. Thumps up to the team for making it to the destination on time, ready to kick off.

Please send in your questions on the constitution that you would like clarifications on.

The team has arrived in Takoradi for the big event. Agona Nkwanta roundtable happens tomorrow.

Election of DCEs as well as Lands and Natural Resource ownership and Management are the main concerns of the chiefs and people of Ahanta West, as the country reviews its 1992 constitution.
They believe that if they are allowed to elect their Mayor, he or she will be accountable to them and not the individual who nominates or few assembly members who endorse him or her at a single event.

The chiefs, opinion leaders and members of the community, shared their thoughts at a focus group discussion organized by CeDRA as part of the implementation of the Constitution Dialogue Series. The programme which is supported by the British High Commission in Ghana, aims at soliciting the views of communities in two regions of Ghana, on what issues require attention in the ongoing constitution review process.

The event team was overwhelmed by the number of indigenes who turned up for the event and look forward to an even greater participation in the Odododiodoo focus group discusion, slated for the first week of Januray 2014.

The Round Table for Ahanta West is scheduled for January 10, in Agona Nkwanta, to be followed by the Odododiodoo event in February.

The Focus Group Discussion in Ahanta West District proposed among others that:

Oil companies employ their kith and kin to improve their lives.
Grant scholarships to build the capacity of the youth in the area, to position them for jobs in the oil and other industries springing up in the area.
Government extensively, educates the citizenry on the merits and demerits of being resource rich, because though their region holds majority of the nation's natural wealth, not much is happening by way of infrastructure development.
Government orients chiefs on the effects of small scale mining and it's repercussion on the community.

On land ownership by non-Ghanaians, it was agreed that:
Lands are leased to them at shorter intervals, rather than outright sale. This is because per their experience, these people don't use the land, but wait until it becomes valuable and turn round to sell them to indigenes.
They verify the legal status of such foreigners before leasing land to them.
Land owner find out whether the purpose of securing the land is beneficial to the people and future generations.
Government educates chiefs and family heads who sell land to such foreigners, on the implication of their actions to the future of their communities.
Chiefs put the people first, whenever they are selling land.

Just about to start the Agona Nkwanta FGD. Almost 25 respondents at present. Waiting for the rest to attend

Nice breakfast at La Bonita where the team spent the night. Now fired up for the day's action!

All set for tomorrow's FGD at Agona Nkwanta, the first event of the Constitution Dialogue Series.

Our condolences to one of the leaders of CDS, Ato Appiah for the passing of his beloved sister. The entire CDS team is firmly behind you, Ato.