President John Dramani Mahama has issued a directive to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in regions where he has undertaken the Presidential Accountability Series. The directive requires MMDCEs to organise biannual accountability engagements within their respective jurisdictions. This move aims to extend the government's transparency and accountability agenda from the national and regional levels to local communities.
The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has outlined the requirements for the MMDA Accountability Series. MMDAs are required to organise town hall meetings twice a year, providing a platform for MMDCEs to account to residents for the implementation of government policies, programmes and development initiatives. The engagements will assess the performance of each Assembly against its approved Medium-Term Development Plan and Annual Action Plan.
The MMDA Accountability Series will focus on various areas, including infrastructure and development projects, sanitation and waste management, education, healthcare, social protection, local economic development, revenue mobilisation and expenditure management. MMDCEs will also provide updates on employment creation, youth development and skills training, interventions for persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups, security, disaster management, and the status of commitments and projects undertaken by the Assemblies.
The sessions will provide an opportunity for MMDCEs to outline challenges requiring intervention from the Regional Coordinating Councils and the national government. They will also present priorities and commitments for the next implementation period. The Ministry has emphasised the need for broad-based participation, directing MMDCEs to involve traditional authorities, Members of Parliament, Assembly Members, Unit Committee representatives, and various stakeholders.
The Ministry has tasked the Regional Coordinating Councils with coordinating and monitoring the exercise to ensure the participation of all eligible Assemblies. The Ministry will also undertake monitoring visits and participate in selected sessions as part of its oversight responsibilities. MMDCEs have been instructed to personally lead the process in their respective jurisdictions and make budgetary provisions within their approved budgets.
The directive requires MMDAs to commence preparations immediately and organise their respective accountability sessions within a specified period. The engagements are expected to provide adequate opportunities for residents to ask questions and seek clarification on matters relating to the performance and activities of their respective Assemblies. The Ministry expressed confidence that the initiative would deepen accountability, strengthen citizen participation and enhance public confidence in local governance.
The MMDA Accountability Series is expected to create opportunities for direct interaction between local government authorities and citizens. The exercise is a priority accountability and citizen-engagement assignment, and the Ministry has directed MMDCEs to ensure its success. By implementing this directive, the government aims to promote transparency and accountability at the local level, ultimately enhancing public confidence in local governance.
Key points
- President John Dramani Mahama directs MMDCEs to hold biannual accountability sessions to deepen transparency and accountability at the local level.
- The MMDA Accountability Series will assess the performance of each Assembly against its approved Medium-Term Development Plan and Annual Action Plan.
- The initiative aims to promote broad-based participation and citizen engagement in local governance.
