BudgIT Ghana Launches Tracka App: A New Era of Citizen Engagement in Governance
BudgIT Ghana in collaboration with the Hewlett Foundation has launched the Tracka App to enhance participatory governance at the subnational level.
Under the theme “Tracka: Empowering Citizens with Tools of Accountability,” this innovative tool empowers citizens by providing them with the ability to view all government projects within their region for a specific year, search and report on local initiatives, and access monthly allocations to their Local Government Area.
Recognizing the vital role of citizen participation in governance and public finance, the Tracka App is designed to ensure fiscal transparency and improve service delivery.
By simplifying access to crucial data regarding government allocations for various projects, it aims to foster an informed populace that can effectively engage with local authorities and demand accountability.
The Tracka App also serves as a powerful tool for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), pressure groups, and citizens, enhancing their advocacy capabilities to engage with public institutions for improved and sustainable service delivery.
Additionally, it provides a valuable repository of data for research and policy analysts, equipping them with the information needed to create impactful policy documents.
Addressing participants at the launch, Country Director for BudgIT Ghana, Jennifer Moffat, spoke with a sense of urgency and passion. “Our goal is to raise a generation of citizens who are actively involved in governance,” she said.
With a user-friendly interface, the Tracka App aims to ensure accessibility for all citizens, enabling close monitoring of government projects across various sectors, including health, agriculture, education, transport, and finance.
Currently, the implementation process covers six regions: Greater Accra, Eastern, Central, Northern, Volta, and Oti, supported by six dedicated regional officers.
During the launch held at the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT, regional officers and community champions took the opportunity to discuss their roles and responsibilities in the initiative.
Their commitment to fostering citizen engagement was evident, as they outlined plans for collaboration and outreach within their communities.
The presence of various stakeholders from educational institutions and organizations underscored the significance of the Tracka App in promoting civic engagement.
As participants explored the app’s features, it became clear that this initiative could redefine the relationship between citizens and their government, paving the way for a more accountable and transparent governance landscape in Ghana.
