The President of the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG) and Presiding Member of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Mr. Alfred Asiedu, has outlined plans to improve the welfare of assembly members across the country.
He said one of the key issues he is working on is securing an end-of-service benefit for assembly members. According to him, unlike Members of Parliament, who receive equal benefits regardless of their location, assembly members’ benefits depend on the financial strength of their respective Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
He described this as unfair and called for a uniform end-of-service benefit for all assembly members, to be paid from the Consolidated Fund.
He was speaking at the 68th Independence Day anniversary celebrations held under the theme “Reflect, Review, Reset,” to highlight the need for self-introspection, governance restructuring, and fiscal responsibility.
He commended the President for his plans to engage national service trainees in discipline training, stating that it was long overdue and emphasizing the need for discipline in the country.
Mr. Asiedu also emphasized the need to extend the tenure of presiding members from two years to four years. He argued that this would ensure stability and enable them to implement long-term policies effectively.
Additionally, he called for a review of the process for selecting presiding members, stating that reforms were necessary to strengthen local governance.
He assured assembly members that NALAG was committed to advocating for their welfare and would continue engaging stakeholders to push for these reforms.
President of the Greater Accra Market Queen, Madam Mercy Naa Afrowa Nee Dzan commended his Excellency President John Dramani Mahama’s recent agenda and called on all residents to subscribe to the initiative to propel the country forward.
“We are very happy to be here. This has been a fair and well-organized session. Both adults and children have enjoyed themselves, and we hope this gathering brings new blessings and opportunities,” she added.
Present at the event were traditional rulers, the clergy, representatives from the military, cadet, staff of the AMA, and personnel from the ambulance service, among other dignitaries.
