CoST launches first assurance report in Sekondi-Takoradi

The Construction Sector Transparency “(CoST) has launched Its ‘1st Assurance Report’  in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis with the theme ‘Promoting Transparency and Accountability in Public Infrastructure Delivery in Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly, Ghana: The role of stakeholders. The CoST stakeholders include the STMA, CSOs, the Private Sector and Community Leaders.’

The Construction Sector Transparency “CoST” now Infrastructure Transparency Initiative is a global entity leading in the infrastructure sector with Sekondi-Takoradi being the first sub-national programme.

Briefing the media at the launch, Sekondi-Takoradi Manager, Mr. Isaac Aidoo said CoST ensures  that data that has been disclosed by procurement parties are turned into more readable and understandable format for the ordinary citizenry to understand. This he noted is to empower citizens to hold decision makers to account for developmental projects.

According to Mr. Aidoo, the assurance team which worked for CoST Sekondi-Takoradi were drawn from the Takoradi Technical University with Dr. Matthew Sonia Kwaw as team leader. He revealed that CoST Sekondi-Takoradi has nine ‘9’ member Multi-stakeholder group including private sector, government and civil society.

Some of the key recommendations by the team included; Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis Assembly providing water and toilet facilities at the market places to improve upon hygiene and general condition at the markets.

The Sekondi-Takoradi CoST manager added that they have been able to take three projects including construction of the Takoradi Library Complex, construction of market sheds at Diabene, Kojokrom, Mpintsin, upgrading Nkroful-Diabene Agric roads among others.

Mr. Aidooo further urged the media to involve themselves to popularize Assurance findings and recommendations to a wider audience and demand for holistic approach to project implementation and management.

Participants at the launch:

Story By: BENJAMIN BRAY-TAKORADI