Rural Initiatives for Self Empowerment (RISE-Ghana) has unveiled the ‘Heard Everywhere And Represented Daily’ (HEARD) project, aimed at amplifying the voices and promoting the participation of rural vulnerable youth and women in Ghana’s governance processes.
Funded by Northern Sector Action On Awareness Center (NORSAAC) and implemented in partnership with Songtaba, National Youth Authority, and other like-minded NGOs, the project seeks to revolutionize the narrative of inclusion in the Upper East Region.
The HEARD project targets the Bolgatanga Municipality and Kassena Nankana West District, where marginalized groups have historically been excluded from decision-making processes.
By empowering youth, women, and community-based organizations through capacity-building training sessions, RISE-Ghana aims to bridge the gap between governance structures and the voices of the vulnerable.
Programs Manageress Jaw Haratu Amadu emphasized the urgency of the project, stating, “Decisions are made on behalf of our vulnerable groups, but without their meaningful participation in the decision-making process.”
She highlighted the disparity in representation, where elected and appointed members dominate planning and implementation, leaving youth, women, and persons with disabilities on the periphery.
The HEARD project seeks to challenge this status quo by strengthening the capacities of marginalized groups, enabling them to contribute effectively to governance processes and demand inclusive decision-making.
Through advocacy and solidarity actions, these empowered voices will shape policies and projects, ensuring that the needs of the vulnerable are prioritized.
The Upper East Regional Director of the National Youth Authority, Francis Tekyi Kwaranteng welcomed the project, and urged beneficiaries to seize this opportunity.
“We commend RISE-Ghana for this initiative and encourage all beneficiaries to take full advantage of the training and resources provided. Empowerment begins with participation, and we believe this project will be a catalyst for change,” He said.
As RISE-Ghana embarks on this transformative journey, the Upper East Region stands on the cusp of a new era of inclusive governance.
