By Benjamin Akoto, GNA
Sunyani (Bono), Feb. 27, GNA – Mr Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, has directed Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) across the country to deepen accountability and promote active citizen participation in local governance.
He said such efforts would help build public confidence, attract development partners, and facilitate accelerated national development.
Mr Ibrahim emphasised that for inclusive and progressive development, MMDAs must engage communities effectively to ensure that development initiatives reflect the real needs of the people, in line with government’s commitment to empowering local authorities.
The Minister gave the directive when he led a delegation from the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs of Switzerland (SECO) and Germany’s Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) to assess progress of the District Assemblies Common Fund–Responsiveness Factor Grant (DACF-RFG) Programme in the Bono Region.
Addressing the Bono Regional Coordinating Council (BRCC) in Sunyani, Mr Ibrahim, who is also the Member of Parliament for the Banda Constituency, reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening the nation’s decentralisation system.
He explained that enhanced engagement between the MMDAs and citizens would promote fiscal discipline, ensure value for money, and attract investments.
He therefore urged the Assemblies to uphold transparency and accountability at all levels of governance.
Mr Ibrahim further called on the BRCC to ensure that development projects are executed in line with established guidelines to improve service delivery.
He also encouraged the council to welcome feedback and technical insights on the programme.
He urged the council to reinforce its monitoring mechanisms and deepen collaboration with local authorities, development partners and potential investors.
Mr Joseph Addae Akwaboa, the Bono Regional Minister, commended SECO for its continued commitment to supporting Ghana in strengthening decentralisation and improving local governance.
He praised the DACF-RFG Programme, describing it as a key driver of performance, accountability, transparency and results-oriented management within the MMDAs.
He noted that projects under the programme are carefully selected to address the needs of local communities.
GNA
Edited by Dennis Peprah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah