EU Pledges support for Ghana's decentralization programme

Accra, Nov. 6, GNA- The European Union on Monday pledged its continuous assistance in support of Ghana's decentralization programme. Mr. Filliberto Ceriani Sebregondi, Head of Delegation of the European Union to Ghana, said the decentralization programme would be successful if the people were allowed to manage their resources at the local levels.

Speaking during a courtesy call on the Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Environment, Mr Stephen Asamoah Boateng in his office in Accra, Mr Sebregondi said the EU would continue to support a number of district assemblies through micro-credit programmes. Ms Dorthe Wacker, Head of Governance Section of the European Commission said a three million-Euro programme was already in place to support the decentralization programme, especially for the 28 newly created districts.

She asked the Ministry to submit proposals for the supply of motorcycles for some of the district assemblies. Mr Boateng said the decentralization programme was intended to make the District Assemblies the economic centres that would create jobs for the people.

He said logistical support was needed for the institution of a trainer of trainers programme for the newly elected assembly members at the Institute of Local Government Training School. Mr Boateng also called for support in providing a central pool of logistics for the assembly members in their various localities.