Dr. Letsa charges elevated assemblies to justify new status

The Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Letsa has tasked the three newly elevated municipal assemblies in the region to leverage on their new status to propel rapid socio-economic development in their jurisdictions.

He said the elevation of the assemblies from district to municipality should not only reflect in the change of name but in their approaches in the delivery of governance and development at the grassroots level.

Three districts in the Volta region, namely Krachi East, Nkwanta South and Ketu North were elevated together with a host of others to municipalities across the country following the passage of the Legislative Instruments by parliament this year. This has increased the number of municipalities in the region from five to eight out of 25 assemblies.

Dr. Letsa speaking at the inauguration of the Krachi East Municipal at Dambai on Thursday, said the elevation formed part of President Akufo-Addo’s agenda to deepen grassroots participation in governance, and as such urged all stakeholders to actively play their part in the local governance process.

He indicated that assemblies as a nucleus of local development must also endeavour to mobilize local resources, beyond the allocations from the central government to execute their developmental agenda.

MCE

The Krachi East Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Patrick Jilima called for attitudinal change among both assembly staff and residents of the municipality to shoulder the responsibilities of their new status.

He indicated that, “this elevation comes with it, hard work, greater sacrifices, and the resolve that each and everyone of us would play our part in revenue generation drive, keeping our environment clean, among other responsibilities.”

The Member of Parliament for the area, Mr. Michael Gyato said aside the benefits that come with a municipality status, the elevation of Krachi East and Nkwanta South was a good omen for the ‘Oti region’ agenda being clamoured for in the northern part of the region.

Mr. Gyato who is also the deputy minister for Water Resources and Sanitation also assured that government was taking steps to address various developmental challenges, especially the perennial water problem in the municipality.

The Paramount Chief of Pai-Katanga, Nana Diawuo Bediako II, on behalf of traditional leaders in the municipality commended the government for the recognition given to the area and expressed the hope that the elevation would lead to rapid development of the area.