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Penplusbytes to hold Multi-Stakeholder Clearing Platform on Social Accountability

SocAcc

In a bid to build informed citizenry who are equipped with the appropriate digital tools to demand better service delivery within the framework of political and social accountability, Penplusbytes, is organizing a one-day Social Accountability Clearing Platform meeting scheduled for 22nd July, 2016 at the New Media Hub in Osu Ako Adjei, Accra.

The meeting forms part of the implementation for Penplusbytes’ 2-year “Tech Driven Social Accountability for Results” project. The project, which is being funded by the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA), seeks to equip ordinary citizens with usable information via online platforms mashed-up with social media and mobile based platforms to promote their purposeful participation in demanding accountability and responsiveness from decision makers for effective public service delivery.

The overall goal of the platform is to increase the contribution of civil society in promoting accountability and effective public service delivery. Specifically, the platform which will be attended by heads of civil society organizations, state actors on the social accountability front as well as donor organisations, will create synergy and avenue for information sharing and build a concerted advocacy drive to ensure resources allocated for development are used to alleviate poverty and improve the standard of living of citizens.

According to Kwami Ahiabenu II, the Executive Director of Penplusbytes, “The Stakeholder Clearing Platform on Social Accountability will discuss existing social accountability approaches and their associated advantages and challenges as well as the role of ICT tools in facilitating social accountability.”

“The key outcomes of the meeting include: the creation of a community of practice around social accountability; mapping of social accountability policies in Ghana; identification of a key priority area for intervention and the documentation of lessons on social accountability in Ghana and finally how digital tools can be effectively harnessed to enhance citizens ability to hold duty bearers to account.” Mr. Ahiabenu II added.

About Penplusbytes

Penplusbytes is a not-for-profit organization driving change through innovations in three key areas: using new digital technologies to enable good governance and accountability, new media and innovations, and enhancing media oversight for effective utilization of mining, oil and gas revenue and resources.

About OSIWA

The Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) is active in 10 countries in the region (Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sierra Leone) and focuses on law, justice and human rights, and economic and political governance. The initiative pursues the development of open societies by supporting and building partnerships with local and regional groups that promote inclusive democratic governance, transparency and accountability, and active citizenship.