NDC Youth in Bawku urged to work towards a resounding victory come 2012

29-10-2011       

The Upper East youth wing of the NDC had been urged to device new campaign plans and strategies to entice more people into the party. An aspiring NDC parliamentary candidate for the Binduri Constituency, Stephen Atubiga gave the advice in a brief interaction with members of the Upper House, an NDC youth caucus in the Bawku municipality of the Upper East Region. He said the upcoming general elections would depend on the collective efforts of the youth and urged them to remain committed and dedicated to the cause of the party, since government and for that matter the President is committed to the wellbeing of the youth. This, Mr. Atubiga explained in evident in the appointment of more energetic youth in the presidency. He moreover emphasized that the youth, constitute the nation entire workforce and that any group of person or individual who do not appreciate the welfare of the youth is bound to fail. Mr. Atubiga recounted that the NDC as a social democratic party believes in ideals and principles that stands to unite members of the party, adding that such principles should not in any way be forgotten, hence the need to stick to those ideals.   He therefore urged members of the house to live above reproach and prepare adequately towards the pending elections, which according to him had been described by many as a ‘do–and- die’ affair. He said as 2012 elections approaches, there is the need for the youth in the NDC to map out plans and strategies that will help ensure another resounding victory for the party. Mr. Atubiga caution the youth against apathy and divisive tendencies as well as apathy but rather attach equal importance to the unification of members and executives of the party. This, he noted, is the key to retaining power come 2012.  He stressed that the task ahead was enormous and required a united action and effort to consolidate the political power gained in the 2008 Election. The Secretary of the Upper House, Dauda Ayamga Ali, for his part encouraged his members to go all out and spread the gospel of development in the region and the country at large. He said the massive infrastructural development springing up in most parts of the country , especially deprived areas of the north clearly goes on to define government’s commitment to ensuring the wellbeing of Ghanaians and not members of the NDC as a party. He expressed the hope that members particularly the youth will join hands in portraying the good work of the government. This, he indicated will make an impact in winning more people to its fold.  He also advised members of the party to remain united and eschew acts of rancour and acrimony, which he believes could spell doom for the party if care is not taken.

GBC                                                                  END                                                                   IA/

GEPA holds training workshop for exporters in Upper East

28-10-2011        

Narration: The Bolga Zonal Office under the auspices of the Ghana Export Promotion School is organizing a two-day training programme for stakeholders in the export industry to train them on export marketing, export quality management and export financing opportunities in the Upper East Region. The training which is being attended by various exporters in the region is held to encourage and build the capacity of beginners and already existing exporters on the need to trade in export commodities to enable them keep abreast of the dynamic changes in the global market. This is to enable them meet the challenges confronting the competitive export market. Correspondent Isaac Asare was there for Radio and has filed this report.

CUE IN

END CUE

ANCR V/O

REPORT: 

Positioned in the national export system as the coordinating pivot for the various public and private sector trade agencies involved in export trade development and facilitation, the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) formerly, Ghana Export Promotion Council (GEPC) was established under the PNDC Law in 1969 as an agency of the Ministry of Trade. The authority acts as an interface between these bodies with aim to ensuring that export trade contributes to accelerated economic growth through strategically marketing Made-in-Ghana products in the competitive global economy. The Ghana Export School on the other hand was established to address the international trade training needs of the export community, agencies supporting export trade development, business and personnel within the export product supply system. With the view to achieving the set objective, GEPA has over the years organized training sessions for stakeholders in the export business. It is also to whip the interest of individuals to recognize the export sector as holding many prospects. The Head of Training at the GEPA Export School, Mr. Samuel Brew said GEPA through its numerous training programmes has achieved an appreciable level of growth in the export sector.  This, he indicated, is evident in the success chalked by beneficiaries as they can now export more than before. He said though there is tremendous growth in the sector, much has to be done in the area of non -traditional exports, which has the capacity of creating job opportunities and enhance the country’s export base. These include handicrafts, animals, fruits and vegetables as well as raw and processed food items among others. Mr Brew noted that for Ghana to compete with other developed nations there is the need to upgrade the knowledge of exporters through intensive public awareness, which he observed, was a collective responsibility of all, especially  the various assemblies and charged them to join in the export crusade to make the country less dependent.  To him, access to long-term financing was critical to enable the exporters build and develop niche markets for their products. This, he further noted, is key to making the sector achieved its desired impact. He later encouraged participants to explore export market opportunities to boost their businesses. The Upper East and Upper West Regional Zonal Officer of GEPA, Mrs. Maria Mensah, encouraged participants to enter into other export commodity products to ensure the growth of their businesses. She advised participants, particularly, farmers to venture into agric products that have great potential in the export market. She identified the cultivation of chili pepper as an essential export commodity and encouraged farmers to prioritize its cultivation to improve their livelihood. According to her, Exporters in the Greater Accra, Central, Western andBrong Ahafo Regions has benefited from the training adding that those in the Upper West, Ashanti and Volta Regions would be covered. An official from the CEPS, Mr. Theophilus Okine, in reaction to some of the concerns raised cautioned exporters to only engage the services of recognized or licensed custom agents to avoid delays at the check points. He said delays only occur when errors are detected in export declaration forms produced by false agents, hence the need to seek information before dealing with such agents.

                                                                  End

2-day Conflict Management and Peace Building Workshop underway at Bolgatanga

25/10/2011                              

The Director at the Centre for Continuing Education and Inter-disciplinary Research (CCEIR) of the University for Development Studies, Dr. Seidu Al-hassan has stressed the need for all stakeholders and Ghanaians to come together and fight against violent conflicts. He disclosed that about one million people lose their lives and many more suffer non-fatal injuries of violent conflict. According to him, what is more worrying is the fact that non-combatants mostly women and children are increasingly becoming the major targets and victims of violent conflict. The situation he added has as well dented the image of the north. Dr Al-hassan has therefore called on all to act as agent of peace in their respective areas to bring development especially to the North Dr. Al-hassan was speaking at a two day workshop on conflict management and peace building for poverty reduction in Northern Ghana at Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region. The current level of peace building interruptions coupled with demands for new approaches has presented a fundamental strategic challenge for government and NGOs to define approaches to peace building and conflict management. All communities in Ghana need a holistic understanding of violence including all forms of discriminations, unfair distribution of wealth, and unequal educational opportunities and access to resources. It is against this background that the Ghana Commission for UNESCO in partnership with the Centre for Continuing Education and Inter-disciplinary Research at the University for Development Studies has organized a 2 day workshop on conflict management and peace building for poverty reduction in Northern Ghana. The workshop among other things was to serve as a platform for participants to deliberate issues on conflict and its implications for poverty reduction in Ghana. It was also aim at creating an interface between academia’s and practitioners to discuss current theoretical and practical transformations in peace building and conflict management to secure peace. The Director of CCEIR, Dr Seidu Alhassan said as part of effort to address the violent conflict, the centre under the support of Ghana Commission for UNESCO is organizing series of Regional Conferences in Bolgatanga, Wa and Tamale to offer chances for the general public to participate in peace building crusade. He mentioned that a National Peace Council has been established with the support of the UNDP to set up regional and district councils to engage stakeholders to find solutions to problems before they escalate. At the level of Academia, he explained that UNDP has supported the Institute of Adult Education for the Ghana Education Service to mainstream peace issues in the school curriculum at the basic and secondary level. Dr. Al-hassan said all these effort will assist towards promoting learning and sharing of approaches in conflict management and peace building with the view to providing recommendations to government. The Upper East Regional Minister, Mark Woyongo said government has frown upon conflicts because of the negative implications and undoubtedly, millions of cedis that would have been used on development projects have been spent on deploying security personnel and rebuilding efforts in conflict zones. He mentioned that government is ready to work with all interest parties in the conflict areas to bring peace and pave way from accelerated growth and development of such areas. Mr. Woyongo acknowledged the financial contribution of international organizations such as UNESCO, SIDA, and USAID and urged them to continuously assist in peace related programmes to ensure global peace.

     GBC                                                            END                                                 JKK/IA                                

50 Assembly Members assisted with Motorbikes

25-10-2011         

Government through the effort of the Local Government Ministry has procured and handed over 50 brand new motorbikes to appointed and elected Assembly Members in the Talensi-Nabdam District of the Upper East Region. At a brief ceremony held at Tongo, the District Chief Executive, Vivian Anarfo told Radio Ghana that the presentation of the Motorbikes will help facilitate the work of the assembly members in their respective communities. This, she said, was in partial fulfillment of government’s promise to promoting accountable governance through the involvement of the people at the grassroot level. She hinted that members of the assembly were the first in the region to benefit from the gesture, which according to her, was an ample indication that government is always ready to heed to their request. Mrs. Anarfo therefore commended government for the great effort and cautioned beneficiary assembly members to live above maintenance culture in ensuring that the motorbikes are used for their intended purposes.   She cautioned against drunk driving and over speeding, which she observed could result in accidents. The Information Minister, John Tia Akologo who was present at the occasion said the presentation of the motorbikes goes to reinforce the President’s’ commitment to deepening democracy in the country, because it will facilitate easy interaction between the assembly members and their electorates as well as the assembly itself. Taking into consideration their role in the country’s democratic dispensation and their contribution towards ensuring the policy of decentralization, the assembly members will now feel the importance, government attaches to their core responsibilities, adding that policy of decentralization is thus being push further and that government is well focused and is highly determined to give the district assemblies the much needed support to deliver. The presentation, he reiterated, was one of the surest ways government could bring about a change in ensuring grassroot participation at all levels. He pointed out that the recent creation of new districts and municipalities by the Local Government Ministry even illustrate government’s commitment to ensuring that citizens participate in the governance system of the country. He said though the move created mixed reactions among some section of the public, government is on top of issues and will do everything humanly possible to bring governance to the doorstep of the citizenry. The presentation of the motorbikes and the creation of the new districts, he narrated, is a major achievement in the government system over and above our neigbouring countries in the sub-region. He advised the beneficiaries to be worthy ambassadors of their electorates and the government and charged them to take proper care of the motorbikes to help prolong their lifespan. He urged the assembly members to work collaboratively to support government in its quest to promoting accountable governance. The Presiding Member for the assembly, James Konzabre on behalf of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude and appreciation to the government and pledged to take good care of the motorbikes.

GBC                                                        END                                                          IA/ 

Information Minister Donates to School

25-10-2011                         

The Information Minister, John Tia Akologo has presented a number of computers and other items to the Talensi-Nabdam District Directorate of the Ghana Education Service to be handed over to students of Duusi Vocational Institute at Duusi, a farming community in the Talensi-Nabdam District. The Items which is valued at the cost of GH¢150,000.00, include desktop computers, sewing machines, hair dryers and hair dressing accessories among other teaching aids. The District Director of Education, Mr. Francis Ayaaba, who received the items on behalf of the school thanked the minister for the kind gesture and said the provision of the items would help enhance the training skills of the beneficiaries. He described the gesture as timely since the youth particularly, Junior and Senior High School leavers in the community stand to gain from the facility, which is an initiative by the MP for the area with financial support from the GET fund. The District Chief Executive, Mrs Vivian Anafo said the assembly will contribute its quota to the   development of the institute when it becomes fully operational. According to her the establishment of the school will impact positively not only on the lives of the people but also students who could not make it beyond the junior high schools.  It will also serve as an alternative source of livelihood for the teeming unemployed youth in the district as they will be equipped with entrepreneurial skills to help them establish businesses of their own after completion. The Information Minister, John Tia Akologo said the establishment of the school was informed by high poverty rate in the district and the inability of students to enter into Senior High schools (SHS) due to poor academic performance that has equally led to high migration from the district. According to him, his constant interaction with some members of the communities brought to the fore the urgency to establish a vocational facility to assist school drop outs and students that had the passion for vocation. The institute he revealed would run courses in various vocations including, ICT training, Carpentry and joinery, hairdressing, building and construction, as well as fashion and design among disciplines. The school Mr Akologo Tia  noted also intends to introduce catering and other related courses to assist other young girls that are interested in the course. He also urged the youth to take advantage of the school to enhance their livelihood. Mr Akologo Tia later declared his continuous support for the school and implored the individuals and the private sector to get involved by providing the institute with other basic school infrastructure including staff and student accommodation to ensure the smooth running of its administration. The Chief of Duusi traditional Area, Naab Abraham Lincoln Bayalim-Kambey who welcomed the gesture assured the school of adequate land for the construction of staff and student accommodation and thanked the government and the MP for their show of concern.  He said his outfit will provide the needed support for the school where necessary.

GBC                                                             END                                                                IA/

Radio Discussion Topic: Local Government Structure

Introduction

One of the key elements contained in the spirit of the 1992 Fourth Republican Constitution is Participatory Democracy. This is accountable governance geared at bringing democracy to the doorstep of the citizenry particularly those at the grassroot level. The concept of participatory governance connotes the idea of every citizen getting involved in the decision making process of the state and its development efforts at all levels. This has brought about the concept of decentralization and Local Government provided for in Chapter 20 Article 240 of the constitution, Act 462. Decentralization is what Ghana’s public administration reforms have been about since it started in nearly 1980s. It is a tool of public administration reforms that involves the transfer of functions and powers, skills and competences   and means and resources to lower levels of governance, normally structures of local government, though in some jurisdiction, the transfer is to other spheres of governance.

On our programme today, sponsored by Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), we will be talking about the local government concept and its structures. Emphasis will be laid on the relevance of local governance and how it will help promote accountable governance at all levels.

SYPNOSIS

·         What is local government concept about?

·         How long has it been practiced in Ghana?

·         Are there laws backing the system?

·         What are its structures and functions?

·         The importance of local government?

·         District Assembly system

·         What are the challenges affecting the local government system?

This programme is proudly sponsored by Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA).

Join us same time next week for the continuation of the programme.

By Isaac Asare

Radio Discussion of Decentralization Concept (GBC URA RADIO,Bolgatanga)

LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONCEPT   (PROGRAMME OVERVIEW)

Compiled by Isaac Asare of GBC URA RADIO, Bolgatanga

• The participation of local people in decision making on matters affecting them is a cornerstone of Ghana’s local governance process.

•       The design of the local governance structure places the assembly member position as the interface between the assembly and the local people.

•       This implies that assembly members must have appropriate levels of knowledge, skills and attitude to enable them exercise their mandate in a responsive manner

Experience has shown that education and training activities enable assembly members (on assumption of office) to manage transition into their new leadership positions successfully

•       By linking community leadership, knowledge and skills to governance and development the following benefits can be derived:

•       increased  levels of transparency and accountability particularly from the local authorities

•       Better local policy decisions and a sense of ownership

•       Availability of local information for effective local policy formulation

•       Empowerment of the local population.

•       The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD) in collaboration with the Institute of Local Government Studies is therefore organising a two-day nation-wide training programme for Assembly Members of the 170 district assemblies.

•       Expose participants to the changing environment of local governance, challenges, opportunities and expected roles

•       Equip participants with knowledge, skills and appropriate attitudes necessary for effective leadership

•       Provide a platform for participants to build networks and share experiences relevant for personal and professional support.

•       It is expected that by the end of the training,  good practices and lessons would be generated that would enhance the knowledge and skills base of participants to enable them adopt appropriate tools and strategies for effective job performance

Topics

•       The Local Government and  District Assembly Systems

•       Roles and Responsibilities of Assembly Members

•       The Committee System of Assemblies

•        

•       Model Standing Orders of the Assembly

•       Resource Mobilisation at the Local Level

•       Participation and Accountability at the Local Level

•       Contemporary Issues in Local Governance

•       Open Forum

Roles and Responsibilities  of  Functionaries of the local government system

Functionaries of the District Assembly

•          District Chief Executive

•          Presiding Member

•          Assembly members both elected and appointed

•          Member (s) of Parliament

•          District Coordinating Director

•          Unit Committee members

•          Technical/Professional and supporting staff

Other Actors

•          Traditional authorities

•          Economic associations

•          Social groups

•          NGOs and CBOs in development projects

•          Labour unions

•          Religious leaders

•          Formal private sector

•          Media

DISTRICT CHIEF EXECUTIVE

•          Nominated by the president

•          Approved by not less than two-thirds majority of assembly members present and voting

•          Hold office for not more than two terms  of four years each

•          May be removed from office by

ü  Vote of no confidence by  vote of not less than two-thirds of members present and voting against him

ü  By the President

Chief Executive cont.

•          The CEO of the Assembly

•          Representative of the President at the local level

•          Responsible for the supervision of the departments of the assembly

•          Responsible for the day-to-day performance of the executive and administrative functions of the Assembly

•          Chairs the Executive Committee of the Assembly

Presiding Member (PM)

•          Elected from among the assembly members

•          Elected by at least  two thirds majority  of  all assembly members

•          Presides over general assembly meetings

•          Chairs Public Relations and Complaints Committee meetings

•          Guarantor of good behavior of assembly members during assembly meeting

•          Presiding member shall be removed from office whenever the Assembly by a majority of at least two-thirds of all the members of the Assembly

Roles/Responsibilities of Assembly Members

•          Law does not draw a distinction between Elected/appointed

•          Represent and present their concerns to the Assemblies

•          Report to electorate on decisions of Assemblies

•          Educate electorate on Government policies and Assembly programmes and projects

•          Lobby the Assembly on his/her communities’ behalf

•          Participates actively in Assembly and Sub-Committee meetings

•          Liaises with public and private institutions/NGOs to attract resources and assistance

•          Initiates and takes part in communal and development activities

Member of Parliament (MP)

•          Briefs the Assembly about the proceedings in Parliament at Assembly meetings

•          Provides feedback on projects and programmes that are of interest to the district

•          Identifies problems of their electorates so as to advocate for their needs in Parliament

•          Guides the Assembly on legislations passed by Parliament to ensure that the Assembly’s bye-laws are not in conflict with national legislation

District Coordinating Director

•          Head of Coordinating Directorate of the District Assembly

•          Responsible for the day to day administration of the Coordinating Directorate of the District Assembly

•          Responsible for the implementation of the decisions and plans of the District Assembly

•          Secretary to the General Assembly  and Executive Committee

Other Stakeholders in Local Governance in Ghana

Traditional Authorities

•          promote progressive traditional values in their communities;

•          mobilize community members for the development of the district;

•          manage natural resources in the district on behalf of the communities;

•          manage and resolve conflicts within the communities;

•          May sit on committees as advisors;

•          serve as knowledgeable people for consultation on affairs concerning the community;

•          Facilitate the release land for development and

Civil Society Organizations

•          Civil Society Organizations undertake civic responsibility in the district

•          Civil Society Organizations initiate social audit processes in the communities to demand accountability from the assembly in the use of resources

•          Civil Society Organizations undertake advocacy on behalf of communities and interest groups

The Private Sector

•          provide resources to be used for the development of the district;

•          demand accountability from the district assembly;

•          provide basic services to the citizenry and the assembly;

•          promote local economic development and employment;

•          provide inputs into district planning and budgeting including fee-fixing resolution, and revenue mobilization.

SOME CHALLENGES OF THE SYSTEM

•          Political commitment to ensure effective decentralization.

•          Accountability of the District Chief Executives

•          The non-partisan nature of the Assembly system under a partisan central government system

•          Lack of adequate motivation to Assembly Members, Councilors and Unit Committee Members.

•          Basis for the selection of appointed members

LOCAL GOVERNMENT, LOCAL GOVERNANCE AND THE DISTRICT ASSEMBLY SYSTEMS

Presentation Outline

•          Concepts

•          Ghana’s Experiences with Local Government and Decentralisation

•          Current Local Government System

–         Rationale

–         Legislative Arrangements

–         Structure

–         Functions

•          The District Assembly System

•          Challenges

Types Of Decentralization

•          De-concentration

•          Devolution

•          Delegation

•          Fiscal

•          Economic

•          Privatization

•          Public-Private Partnerships

Arguments for Decentralization

•          Deepens democracy by extending representation to levels nearer the people;

•          Broadens participation in political, economic and social activities;

•          Draws on local knowledge and preferences about development;

•          Increases government officials' sensitivity to local conditions and needs;

•          Improves efficiency in service provision;

Arguments against Decentralization

•          Capacity constraints

–        shortage of qualified staff and equipment

–        ineffective management systems

–        Inadequate accurate, comprehensive local data for planning

•          Fiscal and budgetary challenges

–        Unreliable central government transfers which diminishes effective local authority and erodes its credibility.

–        disincentive to local revenue collection

Ghana’s Experience

•          Indirect Rule Policy (statutory basis for the exercise of local government functions by Native Authorities)

–        LG functions vested in non-elected chiefs or traditional authorities to help administer law and order (Judicial functions)

–        Powers to make bye-laws and to raise funds

•          Municipal Ordinance of 1859 established municipalities in the coastal towns (Accra, Cape Coast, Sekondi-Takoradi)

•          1953 Ordinance set up elected councils for Accra, Kumasi, Sekondi-Takoradi and Cape Coast

•          Local Government Act 1961, Act 54

•          LG Act, Act 359 of 1971 , which was implemented through the Local Administration (Amendment) Decree 1974

•          PNDC Law 207 of 1988

•          Act 462 of 1993

Inherent Problems with the Old Systems

•          Ineffectiveness, insufficient accountability and legitimate political authority at the district level.

•          Perception of local authorities as non-performing and politicized

•          Focus on the regional level limited attention to district and local levels

•          The transfer of functions was not accompanied by simultaneous transfer of means and competence.

•          Decentralized departments did not operate as such (ie responsible to the local authority).

•          This is what the district assembly system sought to address

The Assembly System

•          Initiated by the enactment of the Local Government Law, 1988 (PNDC Law 207).

•          The thrust of the decentralization policy:

–        promote popular participation and citizens’ ownership of the machinery of government

–        shift the process of governance from command to consultative processes,

–        devolve power, functions, competence and resources to the district level

–        promote coordination of development activity

Legislative Arrangement

•          The 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana (Chapter 6 and 20), which enshrines decentralization policy

•          The Local Government Act (Act 462 of 1993) which provides the legal basis for the implementation of decentralization

•          The District Assembly’s Common Fund Act (Act 455)

•          The National Development Planning Commission Act, 1994 (Act 479)

•          The National Development Planning Systems Act, 1994 (Act 480)

•          Town and Country Planning Ordinance of 1945 (Cap 84 under review)

Legislative Arrangements contd

•          The Local Government (Urban, Zonal and Town Councils and Unit Committees) Establishment Instrument of 1994, LI 1589 (which has now been replaced by LI 1967)

•          The Local Government (Departments of District Assemblies) Commencement Instrument LI 1961

•          LI 1983: Local Government (Creation of New District Electoral Areas and Designation of Units), 2010

•          Financial Administration Act, 2003 (Act 654)

•          Local Government Service Act 2003 (Act 656)

•          Institute of Local Government Studies Act, 2003 (Act 647)

•          Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663)

•          Internal Audit Agency Act, 2003 (Act 658)

•          Ghana Audit Service Act, 2000 (Act 584)

Instruments continued

•         Financial Administration Regulations, 2004 (LI 1802)

•         Financial Memoranda for MMDAs-June, 2004 (Ghana Gazette, No. 35, 20th August, 2004)

•         Sectoral laws that have implications for decentralized service delivery:

–        Education Act, 2008 (Act 778);

–        Health Service Act (Act 525);

–        Security and Intelligence Agencies Act, 1996 (Act 526).

Instruments continued

•         Guidelines to facilitate local administration:

–        Guidelines for the Operationalization of District Planning Coordinating Units (DPCU)

–        Guidelines for the Preparation of the District Medium Term Development Plan

–        Guidelines for the Preparation of Composite Budgeting

Membership of Regional Coordinating Council (RCC)

•         Regional Minister  as chairman and his deputies,

•         Presiding Member of each district assembly primus inter pares

•          Chief Executive of each district in the region

•         Two Chiefs (2) as representatives from the Regional House of Chiefs

•         Regional Heads of Decentralized Departments (who are non-voting members)

•         Regional Coordinating Director as Secretary

Functions of the Regional Coordinating Council

•          Monitor, co-ordinate and evaluate the performance of the District Assemblies in the region;

•          Monitor the use of all monies allocated to the District Assemblies by any agency of the Central Government;

•          Review and co-ordinate public service generally in the region;

•          Resolve any conflict between a District Assembly and an agency of central Government, public corporation, statutory body, non-governmental organization or individuals;

Functions of the Regional Coordinating Council (Conti.)

•         Provide security including managing conflicts in the region: chieftaincy, tribal, land, and religious disputes;

•         Provide District Assemblies with information and data necessary to assist them in the formulation of district development plans;

•         Co-ordinate the plans and programmes of a District Assembly and harmonise them with national development policies and priorities.

Composition of District Assembly
(Article 242, 1992 Constitution)

•          The District Chief Executive (DCE)

•          One person from each local government electoral area within the district elected by universal adult suffrage

•          Member (s) of Parliament representing constituencies within the district (as non-voting members)

•          Other members not being more than 30% of all the members of the District Assembly, appointed by the President in consultation with Traditional Authorities and interest groups in the district

Functions of the District Assembly

•          Exercise political and administrative authority in the district.

•          Constitutes the planning authority for the district

–         Formulate and execute plans, programmes and strategies for the overall development of the district.

•          Have deliberative, legislative and executive functions.

•          Responsible for the overall development in the district.

•          Maintenance of security and public safety in the district

•          Pro-poor orientation of district level development

Functions of the Assembly (Conti.)

•         Provision of infrastructure (schools, clinics, etc).

•         Provision of municipal services (sanitation, water, play grounds, etc.)

•         Formulation and approval of budget of the district.

•         Making of bye-laws.

•         Levy and collect taxes, rates, fees, etc to generate revenue.

•         Promotion of justice by ensuring ready access to the courts in the district. Act 462: 10 [1-3]

Assembly decision making

•          Decision-making and consultation are important activities by which the assembly fulfils its purpose of democratic decision-making, promoting the general well-being of communities and exercising its deliberative functions

•          Primary responsibility for making decisions rests with the assembly members as a group – the Assembly

•          Assemblies may also delegate some decision-making responsibility, for example to committees, staff of the assembly and other authorized persons or bodies.

Assembly decision making

•         Assemblies determine policy and make other decisions at council meetings on an ongoing basis through the Executive Committee (case of municipalities and districts)/ Metropolitan Authority (case of metros)

•         Policies and budgets endorsed by the Assembly provide a framework for the provision of services and programs and for the day-to-day operational decision-making

•         As representatives of their communities their key role is to make decisions that will promote community well-being

Functions of Urban/Town/Zonal /Area Councils

•         Perform functions assigned to them by the instruments setting them up

•         Perform functions assigned to them by the Assemblies.

•         Record keeping of all rateable persons and properties in the Urban area, zone or Town;

•         Assist any person authorized by the District Assembly to collect revenues due to the Assembly;

•         Recommend to the Assembly the naming of all streets in its area of authority and cause all building in the streets to be numbered;

Functions of Urban/Town/Zonal /Area Councils (Conti.)

•         Plant trees in any street and to erect tree-guards to protect them so that the streets are not unduly obstructed;

•         Prevent and control fire outbreaks including bush fires;

•         Prepare annual budgets of revenues and recurrent and development budget of the Urban or Town Council for the approval of the Assemblies

Functions of Unit Committees (4^th Schedule of LI 1967)

•          Supervise the staff of district assembly performing duties in its area of authority

•          Assist in revenue collection

•          Organize communal and voluntary work

•          Educate the people in their rights, privileges, obligations, and responsibilities

•          Provide focal point for discussion of local matters and make recommendations to the assembly

•          Monitor the implementation of self-help and development projects

•          Assist in enumerating and keeping records of all ratable persons and properties

•          Make proposals to assembly regarding levying and collection of rates for projects and programs

Structure of the Assembly

•         The General Assembly

•         The Executive Committee and Sub- Committees (provided for in Act 462 but not applicable to Metropolitan Assemblies which have provisions in their establishing legislations

•         Coordinating Directorate (Central Administration) and;

•         Departments of the District Assembly

The General Assembly

•         The General Assembly is the highest decision making body of the district

•         It is the political and administrative authority in the district

•         It performs deliberative, legislative, and executive functions of the District

•         These functions are performed under the leadership of the Presiding Member

Committees of the Assembly

•          Public Relations and Complaints Committee

•          Executive Committee (Cabinet)  and Sub-committees of municipal and district assemblies:

–        Development Planning Sub-Committee;

–        Social Services Sub-Committee;

–        Works Sub-Committee;

–        Finance and Administration Sub-Committee;

–        Justice and Security Sub-Committee), and

–        Other Committees in the local government environment eg DISEC, programme management committees DEOC, DIC of School Feeding etc

Sub-Committees of Metro Authorities

•          Executive Committee of Metro is the Metropolitan Authority.

•          Its sub-committees are:

–        Development Planning

–        Social Services

–        Works

–        Finance and Administration

–        Environmental Management

–        Education

–        Revenue Mobilization

–        Other sub-committees as appropriate

•          Metropolitan Boards for effective performance of assemblies:

–        Metropolitan Planning Board (CE as chair)

–        Board of Metropolitan Works (Head of Works Department as Chair)

–        Board of Administration (C-D as chair)

•          Typically composed of key actors

–        Planning Board has heads of relevant departments, chairpersons of other boards, chairs of sub-metro councils and chairs of sub-committees of the assembly

Coordinating Directorate of the District Assembly

•          The Coordinating Directorate of the District Assembly is the highest administrative unit in the District Assembly

•          The Coordinating Directorate of the District Assembly is responsible for the career progression and discipline of officers in the Office of the District Assembly

• The Coordinating Directorate of the District Assembly is responsible for assisting the District Assembly in the performance of its duties

Functions of the Coordinating Directorate of the District Assembly

•         Implementation of policies and decisions of the DA

•         Responsible for effective planning and budgeting

•         Observance of financial, stores and budgetary rules and guidelines

•         Initiation, execution, monitoring and evaluation of development plans, projects and programmes

Departments of the Assembly

•          Act 462 identified

–        16 departments for metropolitan assemblies;

–        13 departments for municipal assemblies; and

–        11 departments for district assemblies which are to perform the functions previously performed by 22 central government agencies

•          Recently LI 1961 provided for the establishment of 11 departments under its first schedule and another five under 2^nd schedule.

•          FIRST SCHEDULE                      SECOND SCHEDULE

•          Central Administration                       Physical Planning Department

•          Works Department                            Department of Trade and Industry

•          Physical Planning Department                       Finance Department

•          Department of Trade and Industry   Department of Education, Youth and Sports

•          Department of Agriculture    Disaster Prevention and Management Department

•          Department of Social Welfare and

•          Community Development     Natural Resources Conservation, Department; Forestry, Game and Wildlife Division

•          Legal Department      District Health Department

•          Waste Management Department

•          Urban Roads Department

•          Budgeting and Rating Department

•          Transport Department

Departments of the Assembly

•          Staff of decentralized departments are the technical officers of the district assemblies providing the required technical expertise for local level development

•          With the establishment of the LGS, all staff of decentralized departments in the District become members of the Service.

•          The Departments of the Assembly are headed by Heads of Departments who are responsible  for  efficient and effective  performance of the functions and responsibilities assigned to the departments

•          The Heads  of Departments are answerable to the  Chief Executive through the District Coordinating  Director

Functions of Decentralized Departments

•         The Departments of the District Assembly are responsible for the:

–        implementation of the decisions of the District Assemblies

–        provision of quarterly report on the implementation of decisions of the Assemblies to the Executive Committees of the respective District Assemblies

Key Functionaries of the Assembly

•          District Chief Executive (DCE)

•          Presiding Member (PM)

•          Member(s) of Parliament (MP)

•          Coordinating Director (DCD)

•          Assembly members both elected and appointed

•          Technical/Professional and supporting staff

Other Actors in the LG Environment

•          Traditional authorities

•          Economic associations

•          Social groups

•          NGOs and CBOs in development projects

•          Labour unions

•          Religious leaders

•          Formal private sector

•          Media

SOME CHALLENGES OF THE SYSTEM

•          Political commitment to ensure effective decentralization.

•          Weak inter-sectoral collaboration

•          Lack of effective logistical support to the structures

•          Mode of selection of DCE and accountability to electorate.

•          The non-partisan nature of the Assembly system under a partisan central government system.

•          Membership of Assemblies

•          Inadequate managerial and technical capacity at the district level.

Therefore, the policy priorities and themes for accelerating decentralisation and the way forward include the following:

1. Political decentralization and legal issues;
2. Administrative decentralization;
3. Decentralized development planning;
4. Spatial planning, environmental management and natural resource management;
5. Local economic development;
6. Fiscal decentralization;
7. Popular participation and accountability;
8. A social agenda;
9. Involvement of non-state actors in local governance
10. Harmonizing development partner interventions.

Compiled By Isaac Asare

Credit to Ibis

• The participation of local people in decision making on matters affecting them is a cornerstone of Ghana’s local governance process.

•       The design of the local governance structure places the assembly member position as the interface between the assembly and the local people.

•       This implies that assembly members must have appropriate levels of knowledge, skills and attitude to enable them exercise their mandate in a responsive manner

Experience has shown that education and training activities enable assembly members (on assumption of office) to manage transition into their new leadership positions successfully

•       By linking community leadership, knowledge and skills to governance and development the following benefits can be derived:

•       increased  levels of transparency and accountability particularly from the local authorities

•       Better local policy decisions and a sense of ownership

•       Availability of local information for effective local policy formulation

•       Empowerment of the local population.

•       The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD) in collaboration with the Institute of Local Government Studies is therefore organising a two-day nation-wide training programme for Assembly Members of the 170 district assemblies.

•       Expose participants to the changing environment of local governance, challenges, opportunities and expected roles

•       Equip participants with knowledge, skills and appropriate attitudes necessary for effective leadership

•       Provide a platform for participants to build networks and share experiences relevant for personal and professional support.

•       It is expected that by the end of the training,  good practices and lessons would be generated that would enhance the knowledge and skills base of participants to enable them adopt appropriate tools and strategies for effective job performance

Topics

•       The Local Government and  District Assembly Systems

•       Roles and Responsibilities of Assembly Members

•       The Committee System of Assemblies

•        

•       Model Standing Orders of the Assembly

•       Resource Mobilisation at the Local Level

•       Participation and Accountability at the Local Level

•       Contemporary Issues in Local Governance

•       Open Forum

Roles and Responsibilities  of  Functionaries of the local government system

Functionaries of the District Assembly

•          District Chief Executive

•          Presiding Member

•          Assembly members both elected and appointed

•          Member (s) of Parliament

•          District Coordinating Director

•          Unit Committee members

•          Technical/Professional and supporting staff

Other Actors

•          Traditional authorities

•          Economic associations

•          Social groups

•          NGOs and CBOs in development projects

•          Labour unions

•          Religious leaders

•          Formal private sector

•          Media

DISTRICT CHIEF EXECUTIVE

•          Nominated by the president

•          Approved by not less than two-thirds majority of assembly members present and voting

•          Hold office for not more than two terms  of four years each

•          May be removed from office by

ü  Vote of no confidence by  vote of not less than two-thirds of members present and voting against him

ü  By the President

Chief Executive cont.

•          The CEO of the Assembly

•          Representative of the President at the local level

•          Responsible for the supervision of the departments of the assembly

•          Responsible for the day-to-day performance of the executive and administrative functions of the Assembly

•          Chairs the Executive Committee of the Assembly

Presiding Member (PM)

•          Elected from among the assembly members

•          Elected by at least  two thirds majority  of  all assembly members

•          Presides over general assembly meetings

•          Chairs Public Relations and Complaints Committee meetings

•          Guarantor of good behavior of assembly members during assembly meeting

•          Presiding member shall be removed from office whenever the Assembly by a majority of at least two-thirds of all the members of the Assembly

Roles/Responsibilities of Assembly Members

•          Law does not draw a distinction between Elected/appointed

•          Represent and present their concerns to the Assemblies

•          Report to electorate on decisions of Assemblies

•          Educate electorate on Government policies and Assembly programmes and projects

•          Lobby the Assembly on his/her communities’ behalf

•          Participates actively in Assembly and Sub-Committee meetings

•          Liaises with public and private institutions/NGOs to attract resources and assistance

•          Initiates and takes part in communal and development activities

Member of Parliament (MP)

•          Briefs the Assembly about the proceedings in Parliament at Assembly meetings

•          Provides feedback on projects and programmes that are of interest to the district

•          Identifies problems of their electorates so as to advocate for their needs in Parliament

•          Guides the Assembly on legislations passed by Parliament to ensure that the Assembly’s bye-laws are not in conflict with national legislation

District Coordinating Director

•          Head of Coordinating Directorate of the District Assembly

•          Responsible for the day to day administration of the Coordinating Directorate of the District Assembly

•          Responsible for the implementation of the decisions and plans of the District Assembly

•          Secretary to the General Assembly  and Executive Committee

Other Stakeholders in Local Governance in Ghana

Traditional Authorities

•          promote progressive traditional values in their communities;

•          mobilize community members for the development of the district;

•          manage natural resources in the district on behalf of the communities;

•          manage and resolve conflicts within the communities;

•          May sit on committees as advisors;

•          serve as knowledgeable people for consultation on affairs concerning the community;

•          Facilitate the release land for development and

Civil Society Organizations

•          Civil Society Organizations undertake civic responsibility in the district

•          Civil Society Organizations initiate social audit processes in the communities to demand accountability from the assembly in the use of resources

•          Civil Society Organizations undertake advocacy on behalf of communities and interest groups

The Private Sector

•          provide resources to be used for the development of the district;

•          demand accountability from the district assembly;

•          provide basic services to the citizenry and the assembly;

•          promote local economic development and employment;

•          provide inputs into district planning and budgeting including fee-fixing resolution, and revenue mobilization.

SOME CHALLENGES OF THE SYSTEM

•          Political commitment to ensure effective decentralization.

•          Accountability of the District Chief Executives

•          The non-partisan nature of the Assembly system under a partisan central government system

•          Lack of adequate motivation to Assembly Members, Councilors and Unit Committee Members.

•          Basis for the selection of appointed members

LOCAL GOVERNMENT, LOCAL GOVERNANCE AND THE DISTRICT ASSEMBLY SYSTEMS

Presentation Outline

•          Concepts

•          Ghana’s Experiences with Local Government and Decentralisation

•          Current Local Government System

–         Rationale

–         Legislative Arrangements

–         Structure

–         Functions

•          The District Assembly System

•          Challenges

Types Of Decentralization

•          De-concentration

•          Devolution

•          Delegation

•          Fiscal

•          Economic

•          Privatization

•          Public-Private Partnerships

Arguments for Decentralization

•          Deepens democracy by extending representation to levels nearer the people;

•          Broadens participation in political, economic and social activities;

•          Draws on local knowledge and preferences about development;

•          Increases government officials' sensitivity to local conditions and needs;

•          Improves efficiency in service provision;

Arguments against Decentralization

•          Capacity constraints

–        shortage of qualified staff and equipment

–        ineffective management systems

–        Inadequate accurate, comprehensive local data for planning

•          Fiscal and budgetary challenges

–        Unreliable central government transfers which diminishes effective local authority and erodes its credibility.

–        disincentive to local revenue collection

Ghana’s Experience

•          Indirect Rule Policy (statutory basis for the exercise of local government functions by Native Authorities)

–        LG functions vested in non-elected chiefs or traditional authorities to help administer law and order (Judicial functions)

–        Powers to make bye-laws and to raise funds

•          Municipal Ordinance of 1859 established municipalities in the coastal towns (Accra, Cape Coast, Sekondi-Takoradi)

•          1953 Ordinance set up elected councils for Accra, Kumasi, Sekondi-Takoradi and Cape Coast

•          Local Government Act 1961, Act 54

•          LG Act, Act 359 of 1971 , which was implemented through the Local Administration (Amendment) Decree 1974

•          PNDC Law 207 of 1988

•          Act 462 of 1993

Inherent Problems with the Old Systems

•          Ineffectiveness, insufficient accountability and legitimate political authority at the district level.

•          Perception of local authorities as non-performing and politicized

•          Focus on the regional level limited attention to district and local levels

•          The transfer of functions was not accompanied by simultaneous transfer of means and competence.

•          Decentralized departments did not operate as such (ie responsible to the local authority).

•          This is what the district assembly system sought to address

The Assembly System

•          Initiated by the enactment of the Local Government Law, 1988 (PNDC Law 207).

•          The thrust of the decentralization policy:

–        promote popular participation and citizens’ ownership of the machinery of government

–        shift the process of governance from command to consultative processes,

–        devolve power, functions, competence and resources to the district level

–        promote coordination of development activity

Legislative Arrangement

•          The 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana (Chapter 6 and 20), which enshrines decentralization policy

•          The Local Government Act (Act 462 of 1993) which provides the legal basis for the implementation of decentralization

•          The District Assembly’s Common Fund Act (Act 455)

•          The National Development Planning Commission Act, 1994 (Act 479)

•          The National Development Planning Systems Act, 1994 (Act 480)

•          Town and Country Planning Ordinance of 1945 (Cap 84 under review)

Legislative Arrangements contd

•          The Local Government (Urban, Zonal and Town Councils and Unit Committees) Establishment Instrument of 1994, LI 1589 (which has now been replaced by LI 1967)

•          The Local Government (Departments of District Assemblies) Commencement Instrument LI 1961

•          LI 1983: Local Government (Creation of New District Electoral Areas and Designation of Units), 2010

•          Financial Administration Act, 2003 (Act 654)

•          Local Government Service Act 2003 (Act 656)

•          Institute of Local Government Studies Act, 2003 (Act 647)

•          Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663)

•          Internal Audit Agency Act, 2003 (Act 658)

•          Ghana Audit Service Act, 2000 (Act 584)

Instruments continued

•         Financial Administration Regulations, 2004 (LI 1802)

•         Financial Memoranda for MMDAs-June, 2004 (Ghana Gazette, No. 35, 20th August, 2004)

•         Sectoral laws that have implications for decentralized service delivery:

–        Education Act, 2008 (Act 778);

–        Health Service Act (Act 525);

–        Security and Intelligence Agencies Act, 1996 (Act 526).

Instruments continued

•         Guidelines to facilitate local administration:

–        Guidelines for the Operationalization of District Planning Coordinating Units (DPCU)

–        Guidelines for the Preparation of the District Medium Term Development Plan

–        Guidelines for the Preparation of Composite Budgeting

Membership of Regional Coordinating Council (RCC)

•         Regional Minister  as chairman and his deputies,

•         Presiding Member of each district assembly primus inter pares

•          Chief Executive of each district in the region

•         Two Chiefs (2) as representatives from the Regional House of Chiefs

•         Regional Heads of Decentralized Departments (who are non-voting members)

•         Regional Coordinating Director as Secretary

Functions of the Regional Coordinating Council

•          Monitor, co-ordinate and evaluate the performance of the District Assemblies in the region;

•          Monitor the use of all monies allocated to the District Assemblies by any agency of the Central Government;

•          Review and co-ordinate public service generally in the region;

•          Resolve any conflict between a District Assembly and an agency of central Government, public corporation, statutory body, non-governmental organization or individuals;

Functions of the Regional Coordinating Council (Conti.)

•         Provide security including managing conflicts in the region: chieftaincy, tribal, land, and religious disputes;

•         Provide District Assemblies with information and data necessary to assist them in the formulation of district development plans;

•         Co-ordinate the plans and programmes of a District Assembly and harmonise them with national development policies and priorities.

Composition of District Assembly
(Article 242, 1992 Constitution)

•          The District Chief Executive (DCE)

•          One person from each local government electoral area within the district elected by universal adult suffrage

•          Member (s) of Parliament representing constituencies within the district (as non-voting members)

•          Other members not being more than 30% of all the members of the District Assembly, appointed by the President in consultation with Traditional Authorities and interest groups in the district

Functions of the District Assembly

•          Exercise political and administrative authority in the district.

•          Constitutes the planning authority for the district

–         Formulate and execute plans, programmes and strategies for the overall development of the district.

•          Have deliberative, legislative and executive functions.

•          Responsible for the overall development in the district.

•          Maintenance of security and public safety in the district

•          Pro-poor orientation of district level development

Functions of the Assembly (Conti.)

•         Provision of infrastructure (schools, clinics, etc).

•         Provision of municipal services (sanitation, water, play grounds, etc.)

•         Formulation and approval of budget of the district.

•         Making of bye-laws.

•         Levy and collect taxes, rates, fees, etc to generate revenue.

•         Promotion of justice by ensuring ready access to the courts in the district. Act 462: 10 [1-3]

Assembly decision making

•          Decision-making and consultation are important activities by which the assembly fulfils its purpose of democratic decision-making, promoting the general well-being of communities and exercising its deliberative functions

•          Primary responsibility for making decisions rests with the assembly members as a group – the Assembly

•          Assemblies may also delegate some decision-making responsibility, for example to committees, staff of the assembly and other authorized persons or bodies.

Assembly decision making

•         Assemblies determine policy and make other decisions at council meetings on an ongoing basis through the Executive Committee (case of municipalities and districts)/ Metropolitan Authority (case of metros)

•         Policies and budgets endorsed by the Assembly provide a framework for the provision of services and programs and for the day-to-day operational decision-making

•         As representatives of their communities their key role is to make decisions that will promote community well-being

Functions of Urban/Town/Zonal /Area Councils

•         Perform functions assigned to them by the instruments setting them up

•         Perform functions assigned to them by the Assemblies.

•         Record keeping of all rateable persons and properties in the Urban area, zone or Town;

•         Assist any person authorized by the District Assembly to collect revenues due to the Assembly;

•         Recommend to the Assembly the naming of all streets in its area of authority and cause all building in the streets to be numbered;

Functions of Urban/Town/Zonal /Area Councils (Conti.)

•         Plant trees in any street and to erect tree-guards to protect them so that the streets are not unduly obstructed;

•         Prevent and control fire outbreaks including bush fires;

•         Prepare annual budgets of revenues and recurrent and development budget of the Urban or Town Council for the approval of the Assemblies

Functions of Unit Committees (4^th Schedule of LI 1967)

•          Supervise the staff of district assembly performing duties in its area of authority

•          Assist in revenue collection

•          Organize communal and voluntary work

•          Educate the people in their rights, privileges, obligations, and responsibilities

•          Provide focal point for discussion of local matters and make recommendations to the assembly

•          Monitor the implementation of self-help and development projects

•          Assist in enumerating and keeping records of all ratable persons and properties

•          Make proposals to assembly regarding levying and collection of rates for projects and programs

Structure of the Assembly

•         The General Assembly

•         The Executive Committee and Sub- Committees (provided for in Act 462 but not applicable to Metropolitan Assemblies which have provisions in their establishing legislations

•         Coordinating Directorate (Central Administration) and;

•         Departments of the District Assembly

The General Assembly

•         The General Assembly is the highest decision making body of the district

•         It is the political and administrative authority in the district

•         It performs deliberative, legislative, and executive functions of the District

•         These functions are performed under the leadership of the Presiding Member

Committees of the Assembly

•          Public Relations and Complaints Committee

•          Executive Committee (Cabinet)  and Sub-committees of municipal and district assemblies:

–        Development Planning Sub-Committee;

–        Social Services Sub-Committee;

–        Works Sub-Committee;

–        Finance and Administration Sub-Committee;

–        Justice and Security Sub-Committee), and

–        Other Committees in the local government environment eg DISEC, programme management committees DEOC, DIC of School Feeding etc

Sub-Committees of Metro Authorities

•          Executive Committee of Metro is the Metropolitan Authority.

•          Its sub-committees are:

–        Development Planning

–        Social Services

–        Works

–        Finance and Administration

–        Environmental Management

–        Education

–        Revenue Mobilization

–        Other sub-committees as appropriate

•          Metropolitan Boards for effective performance of assemblies:

–        Metropolitan Planning Board (CE as chair)

–        Board of Metropolitan Works (Head of Works Department as Chair)

–        Board of Administration (C-D as chair)

•          Typically composed of key actors

–        Planning Board has heads of relevant departments, chairpersons of other boards, chairs of sub-metro councils and chairs of sub-committees of the assembly

Coordinating Directorate of the District Assembly

•          The Coordinating Directorate of the District Assembly is the highest administrative unit in the District Assembly

•          The Coordinating Directorate of the District Assembly is responsible for the career progression and discipline of officers in the Office of the District Assembly

• The Coordinating Directorate of the District Assembly is responsible for assisting the District Assembly in the performance of its duties

Functions of the Coordinating Directorate of the District Assembly

•         Implementation of policies and decisions of the DA

•         Responsible for effective planning and budgeting

•         Observance of financial, stores and budgetary rules and guidelines

•         Initiation, execution, monitoring and evaluation of development plans, projects and programmes

Departments of the Assembly

•          Act 462 identified

–        16 departments for metropolitan assemblies;

–        13 departments for municipal assemblies; and

–        11 departments for district assemblies which are to perform the functions previously performed by 22 central government agencies

•          Recently LI 1961 provided for the establishment of 11 departments under its first schedule and another five under 2^nd schedule.

•          FIRST SCHEDULE                      SECOND SCHEDULE

•          Central Administration                       Physical Planning Department

•          Works Department                            Department of Trade and Industry

•          Physical Planning Department                       Finance Department

•          Department of Trade and Industry   Department of Education, Youth and Sports

•          Department of Agriculture    Disaster Prevention and Management Department

•          Department of Social Welfare and

•          Community Development     Natural Resources Conservation, Department; Forestry, Game and Wildlife Division

•          Legal Department      District Health Department

•          Waste Management Department

•          Urban Roads Department

•          Budgeting and Rating Department

•          Transport Department

Departments of the Assembly

•          Staff of decentralized departments are the technical officers of the district assemblies providing the required technical expertise for local level development

•          With the establishment of the LGS, all staff of decentralized departments in the District become members of the Service.

•          The Departments of the Assembly are headed by Heads of Departments who are responsible  for  efficient and effective  performance of the functions and responsibilities assigned to the departments

•          The Heads  of Departments are answerable to the  Chief Executive through the District Coordinating  Director

Functions of Decentralized Departments

•         The Departments of the District Assembly are responsible for the:

–        implementation of the decisions of the District Assemblies

–        provision of quarterly report on the implementation of decisions of the Assemblies to the Executive Committees of the respective District Assemblies

Key Functionaries of the Assembly

•          District Chief Executive (DCE)

•          Presiding Member (PM)

•          Member(s) of Parliament (MP)

•          Coordinating Director (DCD)

•          Assembly members both elected and appointed

•          Technical/Professional and supporting staff

Other Actors in the LG Environment

•          Traditional authorities

•          Economic associations

•          Social groups

•          NGOs and CBOs in development projects

•          Labour unions

•          Religious leaders

•          Formal private sector

•          Media

SOME CHALLENGES OF THE SYSTEM

•          Political commitment to ensure effective decentralization.

•          Weak inter-sectoral collaboration

•          Lack of effective logistical support to the structures

•          Mode of selection of DCE and accountability to electorate.

•          The non-partisan nature of the Assembly system under a partisan central government system.

•          Membership of Assemblies

•          Inadequate managerial and technical capacity at the district level.

Therefore, the policy priorities and themes for accelerating decentralisation and the way forward include the following:

1. Political decentralization and legal issues;
2. Administrative decentralization;
3. Decentralized development planning;
4. Spatial planning, environmental management and natural resource management;
5. Local economic development;
6. Fiscal decentralization;
7. Popular participation and accountability;
8. A social agenda;
9. Involvement of non-state actors in local governance
10. Harmonizing development partner interventions.

Compiled By Isaac Asare

Credit to Ibis