CLGA launches newsletter on Ghana's decentralisation

The Centre for Local Government Advocacy (CLGA), has unveiled the third edition of its flagship newsletter as part of its objective to highlight the gaps and provide feedback on the implementation of the decentralisation process.

The edition critically assesses the Constitutional Review Committee’s report and aspects of government’s white paper requiring deeper reflection and attention.

Mr Bernard Joe Appeah, CLGA Board Chairman, said at the launch that the newsletter christened: “Decentralisation Eye,” that the newsletter is not only meant to raise queries about the negative aspects of policy implementation but to provide suggestions on how to address the gaps.

He said: “Our intention is to provide fruitful and factual feedback to policy makers and local government operatives and to seek to fill the gap between policy and implementation.”

Mr Appeah expressed the hope that the newsletter would help policy makers to seal the gaps between what is desired and what exists and between “theory and practice”.

The Centre said it carried out gender analysis of selected metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies in January; and CLGA advocacy engagements for the first quarter.

Mr Samuel Kwabi, Suhum Municipal Chief Executive, expressed joy that the third edition of the Decentralisation Eye featured his municipality and some female district chief executives.

“It is my view that the expert opinions and piece of advice provided in the third edition of the newsletter will go a long way to reshape the policy direction of local government and decentralisation in Ghana,” he said.

The newsletter provided commentary on the progress made so far in improving decentralisation and local government in the country and gave advice on the areas that needed consideration.