Abdul Kadir Issah

During my internship at the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, I had the opportunity to engage in practical work that enhanced my understanding of governance, urban management, and community development. Key highlights of my experiences and achievements include:

Experiences Community Development Initiatives: I contributed to planning and implementing development projects focused on improving public infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for residents. Research and Reporting: Assisted in conducting research on local development issues, including sanitation, education, and youth engagement. Compiled data and prepared reports to support informed decision-making by the Assembly. Stakeholder Engagement: Participated in meetings and dialogues with community leaders, local government officials, and non-governmental organizations to address pressing community challenges. Administrative Support: Provided clerical and logistical support, ensuring the smooth coordination of Assembly activities and events. Monitoring and Evaluation: Assisted in evaluating ongoing projects to assess their effectiveness and alignment with community needs. Achievements Drafted Key Reports: Successfully prepared detailed reports on urban challenges, particularly in sanitation, which were used to guide policy discussions and action plans. Supported Youth Development Programs: Played a role in initiatives aimed at engaging young people in local governance and promoting skills development for economic empowerment. Contributed to Sanitation Advocacy: Collaborated with teams to organize campaigns addressing sanitation issues, encouraging better waste management practices within communities. Enhanced Communication: Acted as a bridge between the Assembly and the community, helping to streamline communication and promote transparency in local governance. This internship allowed me to deepen my understanding of the practical aspects of governance and provided a platform to apply my skills in communication and community engagement to make a tangible impact.

Responsibilities

Event Planning and Management: Organized cultural events, workshops, and exhibitions to promote Ghanaian heritage and traditions. Coordinated logistics, prepared schedules, and ensured seamless execution of programs.

Community Engagement: Facilitated outreach programs to educate communities on the importance of preserving cultural values and practices. Collaborated with local leaders and organizations to promote cultural awareness and inclusivity.

Administrative Support: Assisted in drafting reports, managing correspondence, and maintaining office records. Supported the development of proposals for cultural projects and programs.

Training and Facilitation: Conducted training sessions on cultural practices and arts for community groups and youth. Supported capacity-building initiatives for artisans and performers.

Promotion of Cultural Activities: Utilized social media and other platforms to raise awareness about the Centre’s activities and events. Designed publicity materials to attract public participation in cultural programs. Achievements

Successful Event Execution: Played a pivotal role in organizing key events such as cultural festivals, traditional dance workshops, and exhibitions, which garnered significant community participation and appreciation.

Increased Community Involvement: Initiated outreach programs that resulted in increased local engagement with the Centre’s activities, particularly among youth and women’s groups.

Administrative Excellence: Improved the efficiency of office operations by introducing streamlined record-keeping and reporting processes.

Skills Development Programs: Helped design and implement training sessions that equipped local artisans and performers with skills to improve their craft and marketability.

Digital Outreach: Boosted the Centre’s visibility by managing social media campaigns that promoted cultural events and activities, leading to increased attendance and interest.

This role deepened my appreciation for Ghana’s rich cultural heritage and allowed me to apply my communication and organizational skills to make a meaningful impact. It also strengthened my ability to engage with diverse groups and foster a sense of unity through cultural expression.

Responsibilities

Voter Education Campaigns: Participated in the First Time Voters Campaign, which focused on educating newly eligible voters on the importance of civic responsibility and peaceful participation in elections. Conducted sensitization workshops to guide youth on making informed decisions during elections.

Community Engagement: Worked directly with communities to engage young people and create platforms for discussions on the electoral process and its implications for national development. Built trust with local leaders and community members to foster a collaborative environment for outreach efforts.

Facilitation and Training: Facilitated sessions on electoral laws, voter rights, and the responsibilities of citizens to empower participants with accurate knowledge. Developed and delivered tailored messages to discourage political manipulation and promote peaceful coexistence during elections.

Logistical Support: Assisted in planning and organizing campaign activities, including setting up venues, managing schedules, and distributing educational materials. Supported the documentation of campaign activities to report progress and successes.

Advocacy: Advocated for youth inclusivity in political discourse, emphasizing their potential to drive positive change in governance. Achievements

Impactful Campaigns: Contributed to the success of the First Time Voters Campaign, which reached numerous young voters and helped them understand their role in building a peaceful and democratic society.

Youth Empowerment: Helped equip first-time voters with the knowledge and confidence to participate in elections responsibly, leading to an increase in youth engagement in the electoral process.

Community Recognition: Earned respect and acknowledgment from community members and leaders for promoting peaceful electoral participation and addressing political apathy among youth.

Collaboration and Leadership: Played a key role in coordinating with team members and community stakeholders, ensuring smooth execution of campaign activities.

Promoting Positive Behavior: Delivered impactful messages that discouraged political manipulation, resulting in heightened awareness about the importance of integrity and peace during elections.

This experience strengthened my skills in public engagement, advocacy, and teamwork. It also reinforced my passion for empowering young people and fostering inclusive participation in democratic processes.