Social Media as a Tool for Promoting Transparency and citizen Participation in Local Governance: A Case Study of Suame Municipality
Keywords:
Local governance; Local development; Participation; Social media; TransparencyAbstract
This study examines the role of social media in promoting transparency and citizen participation in local governance, using Suame Municipality in Ghana as a case study. While social media has become a transformative tool in democratic governance, its adoption and effective use at the local government level remain uneven. This qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews with 12 municipal officials and 25 residents, complemented by content analysis of the Suame Municipal Assembly’s Facebook and WhatsApp pages. Findings revealed that Facebook was the dominant platform, used by 78% of respondents to access municipal information, while WhatsApp groups facilitated localized community updates. Although 62% of participants reported that social media enhanced transparency through timely dissemination of information, only 28% believed it significantly improved accountability, as citizen feedback often went unaddressed. Participation levels were highest among youth (71% of respondents aged 18–35 engaged actively), whereas older residents remained largely passive consumers. Challenges identified include inconsistent updates, digital divides, and perceived political bias in Assembly communications. The study concludes that while social media has improved information flow, its potential for two-way engagement and accountability is not effective. Recommendations include strengthening digital literacy, institutionalizing response mechanisms, and ensuring political neutrality in online communication. The findings contribute to scholarship on e-governance and provide practical guidance for enhancing participatory local governance in Ghana.
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