By Benjamin Akoto, GNA
Sunyani, (Bono), Oct. 9, GNA-Mr Joseph Addae Akwaboa, the Bono Regional Minister, has called for a deepened working relationship between Presiding Members (PMs) and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to strengthen local governance.
He emphasised that conflicts between MMDCEs and PMs would hinder the effective functioning of the assemblies and retard progressive development.
Mr Akwaboa added that strengthened collaboration between the two key assembly officials was required to facilitate sustainable development in their respective local communities.
He said that effective local governance could only be achieved through collaborative efforts.
The Regional Minister made the call in a speech read on his behalf at the opening session of the inaugural regional conference of PMs in Sunyani, attended by PMs from Bono, Bono East and Ahafo regions.
It was on the theme: “Repositioning presiding members for effective local governance and accelerated development”.
Mr Akwaboa noted that a strengthened collaboration between the PMs and the MMDCEs would facilitate smooth execution of government programmes and projects in the local communities.
“Political, personal and institutional interests must not be allowed to undermine the collective development aspirations of communities”, the Regional Minister advised.
Mr Akwaboa stressed that the members of the communities expected stakeholders in the various assemblies to work in harmony in providing essential services, like potable water, electricity, improved roads as well as employment opportunities.
He said the various assemblies were critical institutions for translating national development priorities into tangible outcomes at all levels, saying that PMs played an integral role in the decision-making processes of the assemblies.
“Their absence can impede the conduct of the general assembly business”, Mr Akwaboa stated, citing that assemblies that failed in attempts to elect their PMs were always unable to undertake essential functions that required the participation of the general assembly.
Mr Akwaboa indicated that repositioning the PMs to function effectively required that they were provided with necessary resources and training and capacity-building.
Mr Dognekoh Atta Kwasi Snr, the Bono Regional Dean of the PMs also called for improved collaboration between the PMs, assembly members and management of the assemblies to strengthen accountability.
He noted that the assembly’s objectives were to ensure that local governance delivered tangible and measurable development outcomes and urged the PMs to renew commitment to serving the assemblies in humility, courage, fairness and dedication.
GNA
Edited by Dennis Peprah/Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Benjamin Akoto
Email: [email protected]