President Akufo-Addo has urged the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to avoid getting involved in unnecessary conflicts to protect the image of the assembly.
According to the President, the MMDCEs should notify themselves of all the relevant laws, and work in close partnership with their assemblies, traditional authorities, opinion leaders, religious leaders and other key stakeholders in their localities.
Akufo-Addo made this statement when he delivered the keynote speech at the orientation ceremony held for newly confirmed Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, at the Accra International Conference Centre.
“Avoid getting involved in unnecessary conflicts that rather tarnish the image of the assembly and, by extension, the government. Rather, work with your staff, deepen transparency, and promote popular participation and accountability at the local level. These are the hallmarks for successful leadership and the attainment of results. If you are fruitful in this, then we would be making good progress towards strengthening the structure of our governance system, and bringing democracy and progress to local government,” he said.
The government however insisted on the MMDCEs to ensure that the assemblies function effectively and efficiently, especially in the sub-structures.
He stressed that the Minister for Local Government, Decentralization and Rural Development, Hon. Botwe, Kwaku Botwe, has oversight responsibility for decentralization implementation and local government.
Akufo-Addo in addition noted that “Regional Ministers are required to monitor and evaluate the performance of MMDCEs in their regions, and submit periodic reports to the President about them. “Therefore, I expect you to accord Regional Ministers all their due respect, as they are the President’s representatives in the Regions”.
Source: Mybrytfmonline/Abba Kwegyirba Aggrey
