14 Greater Accra MMDCEs sworn in
Fourteen metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives (MMDCEs) in the Greater Accra Region have been sworn into office, with a call on them to avoid corrupt practices and ensure value for money in all their transactions.
The Ada East and La Nkwantanang/Madina assemblies are yet to confirm their chief executives for them to be sworn in to give the local government machinery in the region its full complement.
Expectations
The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Mr Ishmael Ashietey, told the MMDCEs that their continuous stay in office, to a large extent, would depend on their performance and the extent to which they would adhere to the rules and regulations governing the business in the assemblies.
He, therefore, urged them to rise to the occasion and discharge their duties creditably to justify their nomination by the President and their subsequent endorsement by the assemblies.
Mr Ashietey said their overwhelming endorsement was ample affirmation of the confidence and trust the people had in them, so he expected them to live up to expectation.
He told them that their core mandate was to serve the people in the various communities, to improve their general living conditions and make them part of the decision-making governance at the local level.
Mr Ashietey explained to the chief executives that by accepting to serve the assemblies, they had become a part of the local government system.
“As chief executives,” the regional minister advised, “avoid partisanship in the performance of your duties and make the development of the people your focus.”
He also urged them to be courteous and co-operate with all interest groups in their areas, especially the Members of Parliament and chiefs, to promote development as that would enable them to work effectively in their various areas.
He further stated that the confirmation process, when completed, would ensure effective administration and the deepening of democracy.
Training
He assured the chief executives that workshops would be organised for them to expose them to the changing environment of local governance, challenges and opportunities.
He was optimistic that that would help them work effectively in their various jurisdictions.
Present at the swearing-in ceremony were the Deputy Greater Accra Regional Minister, Ms Elizabeth K.T. Sackey, the authorities, as well as the directors of the various assemblies.