Accra, June 20, GNA – Mr Alfred Asiedu Adjei, President of the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG), has urged the Government to expedite the procurement and distribution of motorbikes to Assembly Members to enhance effective local governance.
He said assembly members were currently in the third year of their constitutional mandate but continued to operate under challenging conditions due to inadequate logistical support.
Speaking at the national launch of NALAG’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Exercise Book Distribution Initiative in Accra on Friday, Mr Adjei appealed to the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs and the Ministry of Finance to accelerate the process.
“The provision of motorbikes is no longer merely desirable; it has become operationally indispensable,” he said.
Mr Adjei noted that Assembly Members remained the closest link between government and citizens and, therefore, required the necessary tools and resources to effectively discharge their responsibilities.
He explained that many travelled long distances, often on poor road networks and at personal expense, to engage with communities, monitor development projects and respond to local concerns.
The provision of motorbikes would, therefore, improve project supervision, strengthen community engagement and enhance service delivery across Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
Using a traditional proverb to underscore his appeal, he said: “The one who carries the message to the village should not be left without sandals.”
The NALAG President also expressed concern about delays in the payment of allowances to Assembly Members.
While acknowledging government’s commitment to supporting local governance, he said allowances for 2026 remained outstanding and appealed for their prompt release.
Mr Adjei explained that the allowances enabled Assembly Members to undertake community visits, monitor local projects and provide support to vulnerable residents.
He stressed that strengthening decentralisation required more than policy commitments and called for practical interventions that would enable assembly members to perform their duties effectively.
Mr Adjei reaffirmed NALAG’s commitment to collaborating with the Government to strengthen local governance and accelerate development across communities.
“Our Assembly Members remain the bridge between government and the people. Equipping them is not a privilege; it is a necessity for effective local governance,” he said.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
Writer: Albert Oppong-Ansah
Email: [email protected]