KOFORIDUA, E/R- The Parliamentary Select Committee on Local Government and Rural Development has held a capacity-building engagement with all 33 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the Eastern Region to discuss key development concerns and operational challenges facing local authorities.
Addressing participants, the Chairperson of the Committee and Member of Parliament for Agona East, Queenstar Maame Pokua Sawyerr, said the engagement forms part of efforts to deepen local governance and strengthen the relationship between Parliament, assemblies, assembly members and the communities they serve.
She noted that the Eastern Region remains a vital contributor to Ghana’s development agenda due to its rich natural resources, agricultural potential and strategic location. However, she observed that the region continues to face increasing demands for infrastructure development, environmental management and improved sanitation.
According to Madam Sawyerr, the engagement provides an opportunity for the Committee to gain first-hand insight into how local authorities are addressing these challenges and to identify areas where Parliament can support efforts to enhance service delivery and promote sustainable development.
The Deputy Ranking Member of the Committee and Member of Parliament for Akyem Oda, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, clarified that the Committee’s visit was not intended to scrutinize or fault the assemblies.
He explained that the Committee seeks to proactively engage local authorities rather than wait for issues to arise through audit reports, which have over the years highlighted several inconsistencies in the management of public resources.
Mr. Acquah stressed that accountability in governance has moved beyond political affiliations, emphasizing that Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, as representatives of the President in their respective jurisdictions, will ultimately be held accountable by citizens for the delivery of government policies and promises.
The Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, described local governance as one of the most important pillars of Ghana’s democratic system.
She stated that it is at the district level where government policies and programmes are translated into practical interventions that directly improve the lives of citizens.
According to the Minister, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies remain the primary vehicles for grassroots development, and their effectiveness significantly influences the pace and quality of socio-economic transformation across the country.
The engagement formed part of ongoing efforts by the Parliamentary Select Committee to strengthen local governance structures, improve accountability and enhance development outcomes across the Eastern Region.
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Nicetv News
Reported by Ofori Sarkodie
Edited by Ofori Sarkodie
