ACCRA, Ghana, 16th September: President John Dramani Mahama has expressed support for greater participation by traditional rulers in Ghana’s decentralised local government system.
He said chiefs and traditional authorities have an important role to play in local governance and should have more active participation in District Assemblies.
President Mahama made the remarks when the Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs paid a courtesy call on him at the Presidency.
According to him, traditional rulers form an important part of Ghana’s decentralised governance structure.
He disclosed that government had established a Constitutional Review Implementation Committee to examine proposed amendments to the 1992 Constitution.
President Mahama said recommendations relating to decentralisation and local government include proposals aimed at increasing the role of traditional rulers within the decentralised local government structure.
“It is my expectation that chiefs and traditional rulers will have a more active participation in our District Assemblies than they have had in the past,” he said.
The President also stressed the importance of cooperation between government and traditional authorities in the governance and development of the country.
“We cannot govern this country alone; we need our traditional rulers to join us in governing the country,” he said.
He said traditional rulers could also play an important role in ensuring that resources allocated to District Assemblies are used effectively.
President Mahama noted that government had taken steps to improve the financing of District Assemblies, including a policy under which 80 per cent of the District Assemblies Common Fund would go directly to the districts.
He said the policy has improved the financing of District Assemblies, with funds now being released promptly every quarter.
The President therefore encouraged chiefs to work closely with District Chief Executives to ensure that the resources are properly utilised for local development.
He also urged traditional authorities to take a direct interest in economic projects planned for their communities.
Citing the proposed expansion of oil palm production, President Mahama said chiefs should not only release land for agricultural projects but should participate directly in the plantations to generate income for their communities.
He said such partnerships between traditional authorities, government and the private sector would be important to Ghana’s development.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/ Presidential Affairs Correspondent | Ghana 🇬🇭