The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, has called on traditional leaders in the Bono East Region to strengthen their collaboration with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to accelerate local development and economic growth.
This call came during his maiden engagement with the Bono East Regional House of Chiefs in Techiman, where the Minister underscored the pivotal role of chiefs and religious bodies in fostering peace, unity and progress in their communities.
According to him, government cannot achieve transformation by itself at the local level without the support and collaboration of Traditional Leaders. It is for this reason that MMDCEs are working closely with traditional authorities to ensure inclusive and sustainable development across the country.
The Minister revealed that several road projects in the region including the Tano North, Bonkrase, Nkoransa North, and Jaman Nkwanta and the Atebubu to Kwame Danso roads have been awarded to contractors and are expected to commence soon. He emphasized government’s commitment to continue and complete all uncompleted projects to improve infrastructure and livelihoods.
He also spoke about government’s commitment to find a lasting solution to the water problem in Atebubu, stating that this issue was beyond the MMDCEs as Atebubu has a peculiar challenge hence he will discuss it at a higher level so that the citizens of Atebubu will have good clean water.
Highlighting the government’s flagship programmes, the Minister mentioned the apprenticeship initiative targeting 550 youth in various trades, as well as the Feed Ghana programme, which is being implemented in collaboration with the second cycle institutions, adding that MMDCEs have been tasked to build a 24 hour ultra-modern model markets and will visit the traditional leaders to access lands for the project.
He added that 19 paramountcy across the region have been visited by Regional Minister, Hon. and their developmental concerns are being addressed, including projects in education, health and sanitation.
Touching on chieftaincy issues, the Minister disclosed that a committee has been constituted to amend portions of the Chieftaincy Act that has contributed to recurring disputes. This is to ensure peace, unity and integrity within the chieftaincy institution.
He further assured that the Regional House of Chiefs’ building project would be fast-tracked, same as the allowances for the Judicial Committee would be expedited to ensure smooth adjudication of cases.
The Minister also commended the President of the Bono East Regional House of Chiefs for his leadership and ongoing efforts toward promoting harmony and development in the region.
In a bid to promote accountability and performance-based leadership, the Minister disclosed that a seven-member committee has been established to assess MMDCEs and determine whether they should be maintained as metropolitan, municipal or district assemblies.
He revealed that MMDCEs who perform poorly will have their resources reduced and redirected to the best-performing assemblies. He also announced that all MMDCEs have been resourced to construct CHPS compounds and will soon embark on the building of 24-hour model markets, expected to commence by December.
On sanitation, the Minister highlighted the President’s renewed collaboration with traditional authorities in the relaunch of the National Sanitation Campaign. He urged MMDCEs to engage chiefs and community leaders in sustaining environmental cleanliness and improving public health outcomes.
Source: Chantal Aidoo
Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA