The forum was held in Koforidua, where it discussed and strategized on consolidating and sustaining the project's achievements beyond its end date.

Funded by the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the project has been implemented over three years, spanning December 2021 to November 2024.

Mr. Samuel Afrane, the Country Director of The Hunger Project-Ghana, explained that the project adopted THP's epicenter strategy, a community-led, women-centered development approach designed to empower citizens as leaders in their own development.

He said through that approach, community members were equipped to demand public services, transparency, and accountability from local government authorities.
He emphasised on the sustainability of the project, stating that "It is The Hunger Project -Ghana direct engagement that has ended but the things that we needed to do on our normal basis must continue."
He encouraged the beneficiaries to impart knowledge acquired to the surrounding communities who could not get access to the project.

"Strengthening Sub-District Institutions for Community-Led Public Service" project was introduced to five epicenters in five Eastern Region districts which includes Okere, Ayensuano, Fanteakwa North, Yilo Krobo Municipal, and Upper Manya Krobo districts.

Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency on the sideline of the forum, Mr. Solomon Amoakwa, Governance Project Coordinator of The Hunger Project - Ghana, mentioned key achievements of the project being the citizens' charters/Social contracts created for the five districts.

He explained that the charter is a document of commitments made by an organization to citizens or groups in respect of the services or schemes being provided to them or to be provided to them.
He stated that 31 district assembly staff were trained in accountable and participatory planning and implementation, 306 epicenter unit committee, and area council members were trained in participatory project planning and monitoring.

Also, 353 community representatives were trained on social accountability mechanism, 25 journalists and media practitioners trained to promote good governance, and 21,834 people were educated on local governance processes, decentralized planning, and citizen rights and responsibilities.

Ms. Mabel Anyonam, a Unit Committee Member from Asenema, highlighted the significant impact of

The Hunger Project on women empowerment within her community.

She shared that the organization has played a crucial role in equipping the youth with vital artisanal skills, enhancing their prospects for sustainable livelihoods and enhancing their knowledge in demanding accountability and transparency from local authorities.

Mr. Andrews Anyensu from the Konkone Epicenter also emphasized personal growth through the support he received from the project.

According to him, he has gained the self-confidence needed to engage with the Municipal Assembly effectively and stressed the importance of community involvement in development projects.

"Without the support of community members, the assembly cannot accomplish its mission in the Municipality," he stated, underlining the necessity of collaboration between residents and local governing bodies for successful development initiatives.