Cross learning discussions among the delegation and officials
Friends of the Nation hosted an OXFAM delegation from Burkina Faso, Kenya, Mozambique, Niger, Senegal, Uganda for cross learnings on subnational social accountability and revenue management in Africa. In a statement, the Executive Director of FoN, Mr. Donkris Mevuta defined social accountability as more than just participation in decision-making to shape policy, plans, and budgets but also involves initiatives that empower communities to hold duty-bearers to account. He stressed that accountability is central to generating positive and inclusive local development outcomes.
A member of the delegation asking some key questions.
The cross learning commenced with a visit to Ellembelle District Assembly where the team interacted with key officials and the Local Management Committee (LMC) on utilization, management, and accountability of mineral revenues at the subnational level using the case of minerals development fund (MDF). The team visited a 3-unit classroom block at Ankobra which was funded with mineral revenue allocated to the LMC. Some community members were engaged on their participation in project selection and suitability of the project in addressing the impact mining has brought on the community especially women and youth.
The second day of the cross learning involved roundtable discussion and sharing of country experiences on social accountability and mineral revenue management using the Shama Model and 30% campaign as cases. The emerging issues on subnational mineral revenue management were bureaucratic process, unclear systems for tracking mineral revenue at the national level, and lack of guidelines on the utilization of mineral revenues at subnational level.
Delegation visiting a project at Ankobra
The Development Planning Officer, Shama District Assembly, Alhaji Abu Mahama, sharing lessons learnt on the Shama Model