BOLGATANGA: The Rural Initiative for Self-Empowerment Ghana (RISE-Ghana), in collaboration with Star Ghana Foundation, has initiated a project aimed at tracking political party manifestoes beyond election cycles in Bolgatanga, Nabdam, and Bongo Districts. The initiative, named "Democracy 360: Sustaining Inclusive Civic Engagement to Track Party Manifestoes Beyond Elections in Ghana," is funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) of the United Kingdom. According to Ghana News Agency, the project seeks to ensure sustainable and inclusive social services for under-represented groups, including persons with disabilities, women, youth, and ethnic minorities. The initiative aims to hold political parties and governments accountable to their manifestoes and national policies through civic engagement and self-advocacy. The project will also focus on empowering the Zongo communities in the targeted districts to exercise their civic rights and influence political processes. Ahmed Awal Kariama, Executive Director of RISE-Ghana, highlighted during the launch in Bolgatanga that the project will mobilize and build the capacity of excluded groups in civic engagement. The initiative will create platforms for interaction, such as interparty debates and public forums, to foster a culture of civic engagement beyond elections. Kariama pointed out that only a small percentage of parliament members and local government councillors engage with citizens, according to the Afrobarometer Report round 9. William Obeng Adarkwa, Upper East Regional Director of the Electoral Commission, launched the project and acknowledged its value in promoting democracy and good governance. He emphasized the importance of inclusive participation for development and expressed the Electoral Commission's openness to discussions on making future elections more inclusive. James Abdulai Ayaala, Upper East Regional Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), praised the project's timely launch and its potential to enh ance governance and accountability. Alfred A. Ndagu, Head of Education Committee of the Upper East Regional Peace Council, reiterated that inclusivity and accountability are key to sustainable development.