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Mobile for Social Inclusive Governance (MSIG) Project

Year of Implementation: 2016

Background

In 2016, Savana Signatures, with support from Making All Voices Count (MAVC), implemented the Mobile for Social Inclusive Governance (MSIG) project to enhance citizen-government engagement in Ghana. The initiative targeted women, youth, marginalized groups, and People Living with Disabilities (PLWDs), addressing the communication gap between local authorities and citizens. By leveraging mobile technology, MSIG aimed to deepen dialogue, improve accountability, and increase participation in local governance processes.

Strategy​

The project employed a technology-driven participatory approach

  • Citizens Interactive Platform (CIP): Developed a real-time mobile communication system allowing citizens to interact with District Assemblies (DAs) which enabled two-way feedback on government services, development projects, and social issues.
  • Capacity Building & Awareness for citizens (especially marginalized groups) on using CIP for governance engagement. Conducted sensitization workshops for District Assembly staff to improve ICT skills
    and responsiveness.
  • Hosted radio discussions and distributed marketing materials to broaden outreach.
  • Stakeholder Collaboration with District Assemblies and CSOs to ensure institutional buy-in while establishing a panel of community thought leaders to track service delivery.

Key Highlights

  • 302,000+ citizens reached with governance and accountability messaging. misinformation risks.
  • Enhanced citizen participation: marginalized groups actively engaged in
    decision-making.
  • Improved DA transparency: real-time updates on projects and public services via CIP.
  • Strengthened ICT capacity of local government staff in using digital engagement tools.
  • Empowered vulnerable groups (women, youth, PWDs) to demand accountability.

The MSIG project successfully bridged the governance gap, proving that mobile technology can foster inclusive, responsive, and participatory local governance in Ghana.