Chief of Staff explains how ideals of local governance are optimized for the benefit of the people

The Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, has encouraged assemblies to collaborate closely with local structures, including urban, town, zonal, and area councils, unit committees, and traditional authorities.

According to her, such partnerships and alliances are essential for maximizing the benefits of local governance for the populace. Madam Osei-Opare made these remarks during the inauguration of the district assemblies in Suhum and Ayensuano in the Eastern Region, stressing the importance of decentralization and local governance in Ghana’s democratic system.

Representing President Nana Akufo-Addo on Monday, February 12, she commended all elected assembly and unit committee members for their victory in the recent district level elections. The chief of staff reaffirmed the government’s dedication to deepening decentralization as mandated by the constitution, highlighting the pivotal role of district assemblies in fostering popular participation in local governance and decision-making.

With the inauguration of 259 district assemblies, Osei-Opare acknowledged the progress made in decentralization efforts since 1988, noting that the government is now more connected to the people than ever before, thanks to the expanded network of district assemblies.

However, she recognized that despite decades of decentralization efforts, citizens still tend to rely on Accra for solutions to local issues. She urged assembly members to change this mindset by actively engaging with their constituents and delivering essential public services at the grassroots level.

“The typical instinct of citizens is still to seek assistance from Accra or their MPs for matters that fall under the jurisdiction of the district assembly. I hope that you will be part of the effort to change this trend and deepen local governance and decentralization to ensure citizens have access to basic public services in their districts instead of relying on Accra,” she remarked.

Osei-Opare emphasized the need for ongoing capacity building and awareness-raising initiatives to enhance citizens’ understanding of decentralization and local governance. She underscored the importance of forging robust partnerships and collaborations with local structures, including urban, town, and area councils, as well as unit committees and traditional authorities, to optimize the advantages of local governance.

“You should also foster strong partnerships and cooperate with local structures, including urban, town, zonal, and area councils, unit committees, and traditional authorities, as well as other identifiable groups to facilitate the work of the District Assembly. It is through these partnerships and collaborations that the ideals of local governance are maximized for the benefit of the people,” she emphasized.

The chief of staff highlighted the government’s focus on enhancing the mobilization of internally generated funds (IGFs) for district development. She encouraged assembly members to collaborate on innovative approaches to mobilize resources within their areas.

Osei-Opare reminded assembly members of their crucial role in advancing the government’s development agenda, particularly the Coordinated Programme of Economic and Social Development Policies (2022-2025). She stressed the importance of aligning with national and sectoral policies to ensure the effective implementation of local projects and programs.

Furthermore, she addressed leadership challenges at the district level, emphasizing the importance of maintaining close contact with electoral areas and consulting constituents on development issues. She also highlighted efforts to tackle resource constraints and announced upcoming orientation and training programs to enhance assembly members’ competence.

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Aikins Armstrong

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