Council for Institute of Local Government Studies inaugurated

An 11-member council to provide policy direction and effective management of the Institute of Local Government Studies, has been inaugurated.

Chaired by the Chiana-Pio, Pe Ditundini Adiali Ayagitam III, the council is to ensure the institute upholds high standards and remains relevant and competitive in discharging its core mandate.

Other members constituting the council are Mr Wahid Bampuori-Iddrisu, Mrs Audrey Smock Amoah, Ms Mabel Adjaottor, Dr Abdulai Darimani, and Dr Nii Moi Thompson.

The rest are Madam Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Mr Theodore Apedo, Mr Joseph Dasanah, Alhaji Yar Ishaq Alhassan and Mr Paul Dzandu.

 Council critical

The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Alhaji Collins Dauda, who swore in the council members said investing in the Ghanaian people and in Ghanaian institutions was a major priority of the government.

He, therefore, said it was the responsibility of the council to ensure that the institute grew from strength to strength and eventually emerged as a robust and excellent institution.

 He also expressed the ministry's commitment to support the council in its effort to enhance the progress of the institute.

 Inauguration timely

 In his address, the acting Director of ILGS, Dr Abdulai Darimani, said the institute would greatly benefit from the rich experience and expertise of the members of the council.

 He said the inauguration of the council was taking place at a time the institute was facing renewed competition in the area of its core mandate.

 That, he said, included organising training for members of the regional coordinating councils, the metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs) and lower local government units, as well as staff and personnel in local government.

 "We are extremely happy and hopeful that the new council comes with new energies and new ideas to assist in the continuing effort to turn the institute into a world-class centre with the capacity to deliver on its mandate," he said.

 In his remarks, the Chairman of the Council said the council would deliver on its mandate to spearhead the ILGS policy directions that would deliver excellence in the institute's core mandate areas.