Assemblies are part of government — Ishmael Ashitey

Metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies should see themselves as key development partners to the central government. They should therefore explore other avenues to enhance revenue generation in order to step up development of their respective areas.

The Greater Accra Regional Minister,  Mr Ishael Ashitey,  gave the advice when he met staff of Ada East and West District assemblies in the Greater Accra Region during a working visit recently`.

He said both districts were endowed with natural resources such as lagoons, islands and salt and that if well harnessed could generate huge revenue for development.

He asked the heads of the assemblies to take measures to woo investors to develop the tourism potential in the area for job opportunities and revenue generation.

The regional minister raised concern about the perennial budget deficit that had characterised almost every assembly and called for prudent management to plug financial leakages.

Mr Ashitey urged the assemblies to imbibe professionalism, transparency and accountability in all their dealings to avoid unnecessary spending.

The Ada West District Coordinating Director, Mr Mohammed Ziblim,  appealed to the minister to assist the assembly with residential accommodation for some of its staff, as well as additional vehicles to enable them to reach out for revenue mobilisation.