The challenge of strengthening public accountability through the recruitment process of a District Political head will be the subject matter of a series of policy dialogues being organized by the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition in the months of September and October in Tamale, Takoradi and Accra.

The lead presenter at the policy dialogues will be Mr. Kwamena Ahwoi, the Architect of Ghana’s current Decentralization Policy and a former Minister of Local Government. He will be expected to examine the various options available to Ghanaians in the recruitment of a District Political head and the implications of each scenario for public accountability, efficiency and effectiveness.

Participants at the dialogues will include current and former Chief Executives, assembly members, political party representatives, traditional rulers, heads of selected state institutions and civil society organizations. The recommendations from the consultative process will inform an advocacy by the Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition to help promote efficiency and improved accountability at the district level. The GACC is a cross sector Coalition with lead members such as the Center for Democratic Development, Ghana Journalist Association, Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, The Christian Council of Ghana and the Institute of Economic Affairs.

It is expected that findings will be very useful to the Ministry of Local government in pursuit of the recently announced agenda to effect reforms in the sector as well as the proposed constitutional reforms.

FLORENCE DENNIS (MRS.)

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

13^TH SEPTEMBER 2009