By: Jacob Aggrey
As Ghana celebrates 68 years of independence, the President of the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG), Alfred Asiedu Adjei, has called for urgent reforms to strengthen local governance.
He emphasized the need for Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and Assembly Members to reflect, review, and reset their strategies to ensure efficient service delivery and meaningful decentralization.
MMDAs at the Core of Local Development
Hon. Asiedu Adjei stressed that MMDAs remain the foundation of Ghana’s governance structure, yet critical challenges continue to hinder their effectiveness.
He raised thought-provoking questions about whether local authorities have been fully empowered to deliver on their mandates, whether MMDAs are meeting the needs of their people, and how systemic inefficiencies continue to obstruct progress.
“These critical questions must guide every MMDA in assessing its performance and developing strategies for improvement,” he stated.
“It is time to move beyond rhetoric and embrace bold, transformative actions that will enhance the quality of life for all citizens” he said.
Assembly Members Urged to Prioritize Development Over Politics
The NALAG President also challenged Assembly Members to focus on their primary duty—service to their communities—rather than allowing partisan interests to overshadow governance.
He emphasized that local assemblies should not function as political party offices but as institutions dedicated to development.
“I urge all Assembly Members to uphold the integrity of their mandate by prioritizing development over party affiliations,” he said.
“They must champion inclusive policies, hold MMDAs accountable, and engage their electorates regularly to remain responsive to their needs.”
A Call to National Leadership for Decentralization Reforms
Hon. Asiedu Adjei extended his call for action to the Presidency and national leadership, urging them to take decisive steps in strengthening local governance.
He highlighted the need for financial and administrative autonomy for MMDAs, timely release of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), and clear accountability structures to ensure efficient resource utilization.
“The national leadership must depoliticize local governance and empower MMDAs to function independently,” he stressed.
“Decentralization must not be a mere policy on paper but a practical tool for development” he noted Mrs
The Way Forward: Reflect, Review, and Reset
Ghana’s 68th independence anniversary, he said, should mark a turning point in the nation’s local governance journey and urged all stakeholders to seize this opportunity to reset their commitment to effective governance.
“Our assemblies must work, our communities must thrive, and our governance must be responsive to the aspirations of the people,” he concluded. “Ghana deserves better, and the time to act is now.”
RELATED
NALAG pushes for better welfare for Assembly Members
NALAG President commends President Mahama’s commitment to Assembly Members’ allowances
