The Minister of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has announced plans to introduce regulations and directives requiring Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to broadcast their meetings live on local FM stations. This initiative aims to promote transparency and accountability in local governance while giving residents greater access to proceedings and decisions of their assemblies.
Speaking at a breakfast meeting with development partners, heads of departments and agencies of the Ministry in Accra, Mr Ayariga said the Ministry would work with local broadcasting stations to make assembly proceedings accessible to the communities they serve. He emphasized that assemblies function as local legislative bodies and their proceedings should therefore be open and transparent to the public.
According to Mr Ayariga, the Ministry is already supporting regional broadcasting stations and intends to leverage their platforms to improve public access to local government proceedings. This move is expected to strengthen public participation and accountability by enabling residents to follow discussions and decisions taken by their respective assemblies.
The Minister stated that every assembly meeting must be aired live on local FM stations, citing the need for transparency and openness in local governance. He drew parallels with the national parliament, where proceedings are broadcast live, and argued that the same level of transparency should be applied to local assemblies.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts by the Ministry to improve transparency and public engagement within Ghana's local government system. By making assembly proceedings more accessible, the Ministry hopes to increase citizen engagement and participation in local governance.
Mr Ayariga's announcement has been welcomed by stakeholders who see it as a step towards promoting good governance and accountability at the local level. The Ministry's efforts to support regional broadcasting stations and improve public access to local government proceedings are also seen as a positive development.
The live broadcast of MMDAs' meetings is expected to commence soon, following the introduction of the new regulations and directives. The Ministry's goal is to ensure that residents have greater access to information and can hold their local leaders accountable for their actions.
Key points
- The Minister of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, plans to require MMDAs to broadcast their meetings live on local FM stations to promote transparency and accountability.
- The Ministry will work with local broadcasting stations to make assembly proceedings accessible to the communities they serve.
- The initiative aims to strengthen public participation and accountability in local governance.
