‘Deepen participatory governance, decision making at grassroots’
Metropolitan, Municipal District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) have been charged to regularly engage the citizenry to deepen participatory governance and decision making at the grassroots.
“It is expected that you will routinely engage the people on various policies, programmes and social interventions implemented by the government to rake in their support and assistance to accelerate growth and development,” Dr Ato Arthur, the Head of Local Government Service, stated.
He charged the MMDCEs on the sidelines of an education and sensitisation workshop for those drawn from Central, Eastern and Western regions in Cape Coast, the engagement, the first in a series to be organised, sought to orientate them on roles, responsibilities and introduce them to common platform towards experience sharing.
They will also build their capacities in key areas, including ‘the local government system’, ‘improving communication skills’, ‘leadership and team building’, ‘managing MMDCEs– stakeholder relationships’, ‘corporate financial management’, ‘policy direction and guidance from local government experts and peers’.
Dr Arthur challenged them to epitomise good leadership because Assemblies had the mandate to formulate and execute plans, programmes and strategies for effective and efficient mobilisation of resources necessary for progress, growth and development of their respective jurisdictions.
He tasked them to avoid getting involved in unnecessary conflicts and litigation that dented theimage of Assembly concept, by extension the government,and rather work with their management, staff, deepen probity, accountability and transparency to promote popular participation at local level.
“These are the hallmarks for successful leadership and attainment of results, if you are fruitful in them, then we will be making progress and growth to strengthenthe structure of governance system, bring democracy and development to local level governance.
“Towards effective and efficient administration, you need to also collaborate and contribute to achieving level of development for communities, build stronger relationships among yourselves, improve cordiality with subordinates to create room for opportunities to perform to expectation, acquaint yourselves with all relevant laws, rules and regulations.
“Work in close collaboration with traditional authorities, opinion leaders, religious bodies and other key stakeholders in localities towards effective and efficient functioning ofsub-structures for organisations, operating in same industry and sector should team up with each other to share knowledge, skills, expertise and also discuss challenges, problems and identify potential solutions to accelerate local governance,” Dr Arthur implored. -GNA
