Chief Executives from District Assemblies across Ghana deliberated on local administration issues, including the role of local governments in reducing poverty as well as strategic planning for the development of local infrastructure.
Ghanaian officials examine challenges of implementing local government reforms
21 May 2010
The effective delivery of key services such was one of the topics discussed at Commonwealth meeting
Chief Executives from District Assemblies across Ghana met in the capital city, Accra, between 3 and 7 May to discuss the challenges arising as they implement local government reforms.
The meeting was organised by the Commonwealth Secretariat in collaboration with the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration.
“Decentralisation is a complex process for any country,” said John Wilkins, Acting Director of Governance and Institutional Development at the Secretariat. “Our in-country workshop was conceptualised to strengthen skills of the participants so they can overcome the many difficulties they are confronted with.”
What is decentralisation?
Decentralisation is a broad term often used to describe transfer of power from central government to lower levels of government. This can include responsibility for planning and management of various government functions, as well as the allocation of resources.
During the workshop, the 31 participants deliberated on local administration issues, including the role of local governments in reducing poverty as well as strategic planning for the development of local infrastructure.
They also looked at performance management in the delivery of services. “Local governments have an important role in delivering key services such as water, healthcare, education and housing,” said Mr Wilkins. “There is a need to strengthen their capacity to provide maximum municipal services.”
The programme was funded through the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation (CFTC), the Secretariat’s principal means for providing technical assistance.
“In districts the local administration serves as a crucial link – downwards with the citizens and upwards with the central government,” said Emilia Arthur, District Chief Executive of Shama District Assembly in Western Ghana. “This workshop gave us [the opportunity to] discuss and deliberate on key issues central to managing decentralised structures in Ghana.”
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