From a humble beginning of memberships in seven communities in the then Brong Ahafo Region and the Eastern region in 2018, the Citizens Committee Network (CiCoNet) can now boast of branches in 62 communities in Ghana.
CiCoNet currently has 14 branches in Nkoranza South Municipality, ten in Atiwa West District, 17 in Abuakwa South Municipality and 21 in the Fanteakwa South District – all contributing to an estimated membership of 340.
At the inauguration of new CiCoNet members drawn from Abuakwa South, Atiwa West and Fanteakwa South districts at a ceremony held at Osino, ACA’s Senior Trainer, Francis Fernaldinho Manu, explained that members of the Committee serve as watchdogs in their communities and resist any act that poses as a threat to their lives and livelihoods.
He also said CiCoNet members actively participate in, supervise and monitor the effective execution of development projects in their community and always ensure accountability and transparency in their line of work.
“You’re to play a lead role in educating your community members on their fundamental human rights, act as intermediary between community and local government and also serve as the official mouthpiece of community”, he further said.
Mr. Manu assured CiCoNet of ACA’s continuing support towards the effective running of CiCoNet, adding that copies of constitution and guidelines will soon be made available to them for thorough study and application.
Touching on some successes chalked by CiCoNet since its inception in 2018, the Senior Trainer mentioned a recent media campaign by members which resulted in the refilling of some abandoned mining pits in Juaso, Sagyemase and Nsuapemso and compensation payment to some landowners in the Fanteakwa South district as well as the reversal of the sale of some 400 acres of land by the queen mother of Donkro Nkwanta for cashew plantation without following due process.
Another Senior Trainer of ACA, Mr George Mpoah, also encouraged the CiCoNet members to keep themselves abreast of the country’s legal frameworks on lands, minerals and mining.
He further asked them to demonstrate a high sense of commitment to their work and attach maximum seriousness to meetings, keeping in mind that all that CiCoNet does is geared toward development of their communities.
A similar ceremony was held in Nkoranza to welcome 30 new CiCoNet members from ten communities in the Nkoranza South Municipality of the Bono East Region.
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