Lapses identified in administration of MMDAs in W/Region

The Western Regional Co-ordinating Council (WRCC) has identified some lapses in the administration of some district assemblies in the region during its quarterly monitoring and evaluation exercise last year.

The exercise revealed that some of the assemblies either failed or submitted late reports to the WRCC, the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), the Local Government Service, the Ministry of Finance and other mandatory institutions. There were also unanswered audit queries.

The Western Regional Minister, Mr Evans Paul Aidoo, made this known at a meeting with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in the Ahanta West district in the Western Region at the Busua Beach to review their performance and also strategise for the year.

The minister further observed that apart from several uncompleted projects, the assemblies also generated inadequate internal funds leading to the over reliance on the District Assemblies’ Common Fund (DACF). Other shortcomings were the lack of team work, insufficient staff as well as apathy and absenteeism at the various assemblies.

Constitution
Mr Aidoo reminded the MMDCEs of their functions as enshrined in Article 242 of the 1992 Constitution and in Section 20 of the Local Government Act, 1993, Act 462 and explained that as chief executives, they were responsible for the day-to-day performance of their respective assemblies.

‘‘Be responsible for the supervision of the departments of the assembly and be the chief representatives of the central government in the district. In essence, as chief executives, you are responsible for the total development of your districts,’’ he admonished.

The regional minister, therefore, asked them to ‘‘continuously mobilise human, natural and financial resources available to you for the development of your areas.’’

Challenges
He observed that in spite of the numerous achievements in the region, it was still beset with challenges such as illegal mining operations (galamsey), degradation of the environment, inadequate education and health facilities, child labour, smuggling, chieftaincy and land disputes.

The minister gave an assurance that the WRCC would continue to offer the needed support and co-operation in the successful administration of the assemblies.