Presiding Members (PMs) have appealed to the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG) to take another look at the current trend of dissolution of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
They explained that the current trend was worrisome since in most cases the Assemblies were dissolved before the next elections creating a vacuum that could also impede their orderly progress, growth and development.
“Although the tenure of office of Presiding Members are supposed to be four years, NALAG should work around the clock to reverse the current trend in dissolution of the Assemblies,” the PMs stated.
Alfred Asiedu Adjei, PM of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and the Secretary of the Greater Accra PMs, who made the appeal, indicated that if the 1992 Constitution had spelt out it should be a four-year tenure for Assemblies, then it must be followed to logical conclusion in order to avoid gaps.
He indicated that the present case where the Assemblies were dissolved weeks before the elections, allowing them to fallow for a while, was not apt in democratic governance, accountability, transparency and rule of law.
According to him, the functions of PMs and initiatives towards progress, growth and development of MMDAs called for frequent training of Assembly members for them to be acquainted with the laws, rules and regulations of their work.
“I have decided to choose the path of training or capacity building for PMs, Assembly members and Unit Committee members because what I see and hear, many members do not have thorough understanding of the local government system.
“After creation of new Assemblies, only Assembly members were trained neglecting Unit Committee members and other sub-structures to acquaint themselves with the decentralisation programme and it will be a good idea, if they are included in the training which should be adequate,” Mr Adjei underscored.
Baba Seidu, representative of the Regional Minister, encouraged PMs to continue serving the country loyally, despite the challenges the country was going through.
He observed that PMs were the core players of grassroots democracy as they presided over law making and implementation at local levels and should be revered for their meaningful contribution towards progress, growth and development.
He lauded the Greater Accra Assemblies for retaining most of their Assembly members and PMs as continuity could enhance progress, growth and development.
“The Ashanti, Western and Northern regions are also making moves to initiate water and sanitation programmes as sequel to Greater Accra Regional Minister’s “Operation clean your frontage”.
