Hajia Alima Mahama, Minister of Local Govt and Rural Devt
Members of the Unit Committee in the Sekyere Kumawu District, in the Ashanti Region, have appealed to government to take pragmatic steps to strengthen unit committees, to enable them to play their roles effectively and efficiently in the decentralisation process.
They said the unit committees were the first and direct point of contact for community members on issues relating to local governance, conflict resolution and development of rural communities.
Addae Owusu, the Unit Committee Chairman for Kumawu-Bodomase electoral area, who made the appeal, however, noted that “it seems the unit committees have been relegated to the background, especially in the provision and distribution of logistics and incentives to facilitate their work”.
Speaking at a town hall meeting organised by the District Assembly at Oyoko, he said it was time the unit committees were treated the same way as the assembly members.
“It will not only help strengthen local governance system but also help boost the morale of committee members and promote active interest in the unit committee concept.
“The town hall meeting is to create a platform for local government officials and other key stakeholders to interact with the citizenry and explain the various development projects and programmes.
“It is also to offer opportunity to them in the communities to raise concerns and seek redress for their developmental challenges and urge the government to consider the efforts and contributions of unit committees in the democratic governance system.
“There is the need for government to take keen interest at the community level and provide them with logistics such as motorbikes to help us discharge our duties effectively and efficiently.
Samuel Addai Agyekum, the District Chief Executive, underscored the importance of the unit committee and admonished them not to be discouraged and assured them of government’s readiness to consider all concerns raised. -GNA
Read Full Story
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram
Google+
YouTube
LinkedIn
RSS