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