The Parliamentary Select Committee on Local Government in Ghana has wrapped up its 13-day public hearing, which saw Regional Ministers and officials from Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) across the country's 16 regions account for their activities, financial management, and development projects. The exercise aimed to assess the performance of the Assemblies, address concerns, and strengthen accountability in local governance. The public hearing was held in Parliament and brought together various stakeholders to discuss the 2025 Annual Statements by Audit Committees of MMDAs.
During the proceedings, Chairperson of the Committee and MP for Agona East, Queenstar Maame Pokuah Sawyerr, raised key questions on the implementation of the 24-hour economy market, the number of boreholes constructed, disbursement of funds to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Internally Generated Funds (IGF), GETFund projects, District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) projects, and sanitation. These queries sought to shed light on the progress and challenges faced by the Assemblies in executing their mandates. The Committee's line of questioning underscored its commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in local government operations.
The 13-day public hearing provided a platform for Regional Ministers and officials from the various Assemblies to provide detailed information on their activities and financial management. This exercise is crucial in Ghana's democratic dispensation, as it enables the Committee to evaluate the performance of the Assemblies, identify areas of improvement, and make recommendations to enhance local governance. By scrutinizing the 2025 Annual Statements, the Committee aimed to ensure that the Assemblies are utilizing resources efficiently and effectively.
Member of the Local Government Committee and MP for Sene East, Dominic Napare, urged the Wenchi Municipal Assembly to develop a comprehensive risk register to identify and address potential risks of its departments and units. This call was made during the presentation of the 2025 Annual Statement of the Audit Committee by officials of the Wenchi Municipal Assembly. Napare's suggestion highlights the importance of risk management in local government operations and the need for Assemblies to be proactive in mitigating potential risks.
The Parliamentary Select Committee on Local Government's public hearing is a critical component of Ghana's local governance framework. By engaging with Regional Ministers and officials from the various Assemblies, the Committee can ensure that the concerns of citizens are being addressed and that resources are being utilized efficiently. The Committee's efforts to strengthen accountability and transparency in local government operations are essential in deepening Ghana's democratic processes.
The implementation of the 24-hour economy market is a key initiative aimed at boosting economic activity and improving the livelihoods of Ghanaians. However, its success depends on effective planning, coordination, and execution by the Assemblies. The Committee's queries on the implementation of this initiative reflect its commitment to ensuring that the Assemblies are on track to achieve the desired outcomes.
The public hearing also touched on other critical issues, including the disbursement of funds to PWDs, IGF, GETFund projects, DACF projects, and sanitation. These areas are crucial in ensuring that the Assemblies are providing essential services to citizens and promoting inclusive and sustainable development. By scrutinizing these issues, the Committee can help ensure that the Assemblies are meeting their obligations to citizens and contributing to Ghana's overall development.
Key points
- The Parliamentary Select Committee on Local Government raises questions on the implementation of the 24-hour economy market.
- The Committee concludes its 13-day public hearing, evaluating the performance of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies across Ghana's 16 regions.
- The Committee's efforts aim to strengthen accountability and transparency in local government operations.
