Prioritise development, accountability - Regional Minister tells MDCEs
The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, has urged Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) to prioritise development projects for the benefit of the people.
That, she explained, must focus on job creation, the construction of social amenities, and the establishment of poverty alleviation programmes that would benefit the people.
She made the call during a meeting with all MDCEs in the region in Koforidua last Friday (May 29) to strategise for the region's development.
Local governance
The meeting is part of the regular engagements and orientations of the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) with MDCEs, aimed at aligning development efforts and strengthening local governance structures in the region.
MDCEs during the meeting in Koforidua
The meeting, which was also attended by the Policy Advisor at the Office of the Vice-President, Dr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo; the Eastern Regional Chairman of the NDC, Dr Mark Oliver Kevor, as well as some regional and constituency executives, was meant to fine-tune the MDCEs in all aspects of their deliberations.
Mrs Awatey stated that the RCC would consistently support them as they were direct representatives of President John Dramani Mahama, serving as his frontline agents of development.
Real results
"Our people look up to us not just for direction but for real tangible results ranging from urban development, clean water, youth empowerment, and reliable healthcare delivery, which your leadership should shape the quality of life for thousands of our citizens," she stated.
The regional minister also emphasised the need for the MDCEs to enhance Internally Generated Funds (IGF) to reduce over-dependence on central government grants during their discussions.
Monthly allowances
On his part, Dr Ofosu Ampofo, a former Local Government Minister, stated that the government was committed to decentralisation and informed the gathering that, for the first time since the enactment of the 1992 Constitution, assembly members would now receive monthly allowances.
Such allowances, he indicated, had already been provided for in the budget, in line with the current administration's manifesto to improve the livelihoods of assembly members.
Dr Ampofo, therefore, urged the assembly members to meet expectations in their performance, stating, "to whom much is given, much is expected."
Dr Ofosu Ampofo, therefore, advised the MDCEs to be mindful of their conduct, both in public and private, emphasising that as sole representatives of President John Mahama, they must reflect his values of humility, knowledge and commitment to lawful governance.
He also urged them to take the initiative in recognising opportunities within their local areas to implement the government’s 24-hour economy as a means of tackling unemployment and boosting local economic growth.
Writer's email: haruna.wunpini@graphic.com.gh
