Saltpond, June 29, GNA - Democracy becomes more effective when the relationship between citizens and the local government machinery is built on mutual trust, Mr. Emile Stalis, Democracy and Government Co-ordinator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Ghana has noted.

He observed that the most successful local government systems are those, which creates the environment for the citizens to join hands to work together to develop their districts. This way, districts are able to draw upon the diverse talents, skills and perspectives of citizens and built communities that are attractive to residents and investors.

Mr. Stalis made the remarks at the exit meeting of the Government Accountability Improves Trust (GAIT II) programme, which was sponsored by USAID to improve the quality of education delivery. The programme, which was implemented in 25 districts, including Mfantseman Municipality, winded up after five years duration. It fostered closer linkages between the district directorates of education, the local government machinery and communities hosting the beneficiary 28 schools.

It also focused on increasing community participation in school management.

Mr. Stalis expressed satisfaction about the ability of GAIT II programme to create awareness in the districts where it operated, on what partnership could do in the management of schools and appealed to the stakeholders to sustain the programme. Mr. Reynolds Kissiedu, Monitoring and Evaluation Co-ordinator of GAIT II, expressed joy that government had issued a policy directive to the Metropolitan, Municipal and District assemblies' to institutionalize the town meetings concept.

Mr. Reynolds said the skills acquired under the programme should be used by the beneficiary communities and institutions, to ensure that the people continue to be actively involved in governance and education delivery.

"Let all the useful lessons from GAIT II experience, shape local government practice in your district, he said. Mr. Henry Kweku Hayfron, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), said the programme facilitated the use of participatory methods, to share development planning information with the citizens and involved them in decision making.

He said the assembly had also established a process for participatory fee fixing, consultation and public budget hearing. The MCE urged the partners not to become complacent but to keep on striving towards achieving excellence.

Ms. Rose Otoo, Community Participation Co-ordinator at the Municipal Directorate of the Ghana Education Service, who was in charge of GAIT II, enumerated the number of successes chalked within the three years operation of the programme.

It comprised the active involvement of parents in school activities and the acquisition of skills by the various Parent-Teacher Associations and school management committees in the writing of proposals to solicit funds to support their schools.

Ms. Vivian Etroo, Municipal Director of Education commended the partners of GAIT II for the good work done. GAIT II was supported by the US-based Co-operative League, Education Development Corporation also of the USA, the Institute of Local Government Studies, Ghana Education Service and the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.