Report by Ben LARYEA
The National Conference of Presiding Members – Ghana in collaboration with the Institute of Local Government Studies has organized a 2-day programme under the theme, “Empowering Local Government Actors and Institution for National Renewal Under A New Dawn” in Accra.
Participants include Presiding members of the various regions, National Association of local Authorities of Ghana (NALLAG), regional deans of presiding members, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund, Institute of the Local Government Service and Institute of Local Government Studies.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the National Dean of PMs, Hon. Jacintho Andrews Kwaku praised H.E. John Mahama for fulfilling the promises of government commitment of paying allowances for Assembly Members as well as capacity building for grassroots leaders with the requisite resources.
He said government decision to allow the election of Metropolitan; Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCE’s) will bring competence and accountability to the citizenry and will also empower people to choose their leaders at the (MMDCE) level.
Hon. Jacintho Andrews Kwaku said there are inadequate offices and logistics for Presiding Members across the 261 Assemblies to enable them work effectively and however called for a review at the two-year tenure for PMs saying the short tenure prevents continuity and undermines innovation.
“Extend PM tenure from two to four years for effective governance, institutionalize by elections in the PM space, introduction of Uniform allowance just like others Article 71 office holders” he said.
First, Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Bernard Ahiafo said government have put in place a comprehensive framework as part of the efforts to address the needs of (MMDCEs) to empower them to effectively govern at the grassroots level.
Council of State Member for the Greater Accra Region, HRM Nene Drolor Bosso Adamtey said government have fulfilled its promise to pay allowances to Assembly Members though the MMDAs to empower them to properly monitors government projects in their respective electoral areas.
