DCE's briefed on forthcoming elections

Bawku, Feb 8, GNA - Alhaji Amidu Sulemana, Upper East Regional Minister, has said that this year's general elections represent a test case for the democracy Ghana has been trying to nurture over the past decade.

District Chief Executives in the region are therefore to ensure that the elections are peaceful and free from violence. The Regional Minister was opening a day's meeting of DCE's in the region at Bawku on Tuesday.

He said the awareness of the District Chief Executives that the social, economic, political, security and indeed the peace in the district evolve around you" should form the basis for the efficient and peaceful administration of your respective districts.

He told the DCE's that in their dealings with the public, they need to exhibit a high sense of understanding, listen carefully to everyone but make a careful analysis of all issues before coming out with a sound decision.

Alhaji Sulemana urged the DCE's to provide the framework for the efficient co-ordination of all development agencies to promote an orderly, balanced development and efficient use of available resources to avoid duplication of efforts.

"In doing this, you need the principles of consultation and advocacy to enable you to effectively mobilise your staff, Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and community based organisations.

He indicated that one area of concern in the country's local government system is the relationship between DCE's and Members of Parliament on the one hand, and DCE's and Presiding Members on the other.

They should therefore strive to foster a harmonious working relationship and ensure the complete success of the decentralisation programme. He urged DCE's to give priority attention to the Civil Service Performance Improvement Programme (CSPIP) by showing interest and closely supervising the implementation of the programme in their districts.

The Regional Minister called on them to ensure that the forthcoming population and housing census scheduled for March this year "is successfully carried out in their respective areas".

He expressed the hope that the DCE's would exchange frank views and useful ideas at the meeting to bring about the effective administration of the districts and the region as a whole.

In a welcoming address, the Bawku East District Chief Executive, Mr Dominic Akudago, said the district has 21 councils in the region. "We have so far completed the construction of 13 offices out of their colossal number and a few more shall be tackled this year".

He stated that only two decentralised departments-- the Statistical Service and the Game and Wild Life Department-- are not rpt not fully on the ground in the district.

He said "the integration of the existing departments into the assembly system is very much on course with the exception of the fiscal aspect of decentralisation".

The DCE commended the assembly members for not rpt not just limiting themselves to the level of rhetoric during meetings, but they are also on the ground and leading their various communities to identify and address their collective needs.

The DCE's and the Regional Minister paid a courtesy call on the Bawku Naba, Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, at his palace. The Bawku Naba wished them fruitful deliberations, reaffirming the support of his people for the government and the National Democratic Congress.

The six DCE's in the region meet once a year to review their past performances and plan for the years ahead. Among major issues slated for discussions at the meeting are the forthcoming population and housing census, the general elections, and other pertinent matters relating to the development of the region.

GNA