Bono Minister urges Presiding Members, MMDCEs to set aside differences for development
Bono Regional Minister Joseph Addae Akwaboa has urged Presiding Members (PMs) and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to put aside political, personal and administrative differences to accelerate development in their communities.
He warned that disagreements between the two groups could disrupt the work of assemblies and delay the delivery of essential public services.
Mr Akwaboa said residents expected PMs and MMDCEs to collaborate in providing critical services, including electricity, roads, healthcare and employment opportunities.
He made the call in a speech read on his behalf at a conference of Presiding Members from the Bono, Bono East and Ahafo regions at Abesim, near Sunyani, last Thursday.
The conference was held under the theme: “Repositioning Presiding Members for Effective Local Governance and Accelerated Development.”
Mr Akwaboa urged Presiding Members to intensify their oversight of budgets, public expenditure and development projects undertaken by Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
He said stronger scrutiny was necessary to promote accountability, ensure the prudent use of public funds and guarantee that development projects delivered tangible benefits to residents.
He stressed that oversight should not be viewed as an attempt to frustrate the executive arm of assemblies but as a constructive process for identifying shortcomings, correcting errors and improving performance.
The Regional Minister also called for continuous capacity-building and adequate resources to enable Presiding Members to perform their leadership and oversight duties effectively.
He encouraged them to go beyond chairing meetings and provide strategic direction to ensure productive deliberations and sound decision-making within their respective assemblies.
Mr Akwaboa noted that the absence of a Presiding Member could prevent an assembly from properly constituting its General Assembly to deliberate on critical issues, underscoring the importance of the position in local governance.
He further urged Presiding Members to improve their knowledge of technology and emerging innovations, including artificial intelligence, to respond effectively to the evolving demands of local administration.
Mr Akwaboa highlighted the importance of Public Relations and Complaints Committees (PRCCs), which are chaired by Presiding Members, in addressing complaints and allegations against assembly members, MMDCEs and assembly staff in the performance of their duties.
He disclosed that the Office of the Head of the Local Government Service, with support from the German development agency GIZ, had developed an operational manual to guide the committees and standardise their activities.
The Regional Minister also encouraged assemblies to establish partnerships with private-sector organisations, traditional authorities, civil society groups and development partners to support local development initiatives.
The Bono Regional Dean of Presiding Members, Dognekoh Attah Kwasi, called for stronger cooperation among Presiding Members across the Bono, Bono East and Ahafo regions to improve local governance and speed up development.
He urged them to promote mutual understanding and constructive engagement with assembly members, MMDCEs, coordinating directors and heads of departments.
He said effective collaboration was essential to ensuring that decisions taken by assemblies translated into better public services and improved living conditions for residents.
By Esther Padmore Amonoo
