EC Assured of USAID Support

THE DIRECTOR of USAID in Ghana, Ms. Sharon Cromer, has assured the Electoral Commission of continued support by her organisation towards Ghana's aim of building a democratic society.

According to her, Ghana is an essential partner to the US government, because in the West African sub- region, which is almost overwhelmed by civil wars and strife, Ghana stands out as a beacon of hope and tranquility therefore her government will continue to support the country in order to enhance the consolidation of local governance.

Speaking at a workshop on the Legal and Institutional Framework for District Level Elections organised by the Electoral Commission, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, KAB Governance Consult and USAID, Ms. Cromer noted that she was glad that women who have been marginalized in the political arena in the past, are now active and this can be seen from the increasing number of women in parliament over the years.

In an address to the participants, the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr. Kwadwo Baah Wiredu said such deliberations must be regular in order to brainstorm and collate ideas that will make local governance structures more responsible, at the same time it will enable them know the underlying factors that retard local governance and address them.

The minister said District Assemblies should be made to publish newsletters so that anyone can know what projects are going on, how funds are acquired and being disbursed. He said this would also enhance the monitoring of the activities of NGOs.

Mr. Baah Wiredu told the participants that the aim of the deliberations is to review the existing local government system in order to build a stable system for the next generation.