The Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, has called on Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in the region to deliver on the expectations of the people by prioritizing effective governance, infrastructure development, job creation, and social services delivery.
Speaking at a Regional Interface with MMDCEs at the Residency in Koforidua on Thursday, May 29, 2025, the Minister reminded the MMDCEs of the high expectations placed on them as direct representatives of the President and frontline agents of development.
“Our people look up to us not just for direction, but for real, tangible results. From urban development to clean water, from youth empowerment to reliable healthcare — your leadership will shape the quality of life for thousands of our citizens,” Hon. Awatey stated.
She stated that the need for MMDCEs to strategically enhance Internally Generated Funds (IGF) to reduce over-dependence on central government subventions.
The Minister urged the assemblies to explore new revenue streams, enforce existing by-laws, build the capacity of revenue officers, and adopt technology to improve efficiency and reduce leakages.
“Equally important is ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of these resources to build public trust and encourage voluntary compliance,” she added.
The Regional Minister pledged the support of the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) to the assemblies, while reminding them that their stewardship must be anchored in integrity, transparency, and results.
Dr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, a former Local Government Minister ,now Policy Advisor at the Office of the Vice President, also addressed the gathering and reaffirmed the NDC government’s commitment to decentralization.
He revealed that, for the first time since the 1992 Constitution, Assembly Members will now receive monthly allowances following a budgetary provision — a promise captured in the NDC manifesto.
“This brings with it greater responsibility. You must develop Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Assembly Members because, as the saying goes, to whom much is given, much is expected,” Dr. Ofosu Ampofo said.
He noted that the Inter-Ministerial Coordinating Committee (IMCC) has been engaging stakeholders to review Ghana’s decentralization strategy since 2019 and chart a new course forward.
Dr. Ofosu Ampofo also advised the MMDCEs to be mindful of their conduct, both in public and private, stressing that as direct representatives of President John Dramani Mahama, they must reflect his values of humility, knowledge, and commitment to lawful governance.
He encouraged the MMDCEs to proactively identify opportunities within their jurisdictions to implement the government’s 24-hour economy agenda as a means of addressing unemployment and stimulating local economic growth.
The meeting forms part of the RCC’s regular engagements and orientation with MMDCEs to align development efforts and strengthen local governance structures in the region.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
