Mr Ernest Akubuor Debrah, Brong-Ahafo Region Minister, on Thursday inaugurated a new 30-member Regional Co-ordinating Council and suggested the formation of sub-committees to assist it to guide the region towards the realization of its development objectives.
He said the sub-committees should be on critical areas like security, development planning, social services, disaster management, environment/agriculture and tourism development.
They should ensure the active participation of members of the Council in monitoring the socio-economic development of the region, cross fertilization of ideas and experiences and present independent views and reports on development programmes and projects, the regional minister added.
Mr Debrah said the sub-committees would also help the region to reappraise and harmonize issues as land tenure reforms, programmes for the care and development of children and the destitute, the falling standard of education, border security, anti-smuggling measures and financial management in the 13 District Assemblies in the Region.
Mr. Debrah appealed to members of the Council to consider the possibility for the establishment of joint committees of District Assemblies as well as joint ventures between sister Assemblies,
He urged them to make strenuous efforts to find amicable solutions to the numerous chieftaincy and other disputes that might arise between District Assemblies and communities as well as emerging problems in the creation of new districts.
Mr Debrah expressed regret about the lust for power among some Assembly members and officials of the District Assemblies in the implementation of programmes and projects.
He, however, noted that District Assemblies were human institutions and some of the problems were bound to happen, but appealed to all parties to learn to accommodate and compromise with one another in order to achieve positive results for the region.
The Regional Minister reminded the Council that the decentralization policy had not only devolved power to the people but had also increased the civic competence of ordinary citizens, hence the increased demand for accountability of both elected and appointed officials of state.
''The power for the people system of governance is a positive development as it will lead to the emergence of a strong civil society and awaken the consciousness of people in respect of development and their empowerment.''
Mr Debrah reminded the meeting of the geographical location of Brong-Ahafo Region as the gateway to Ghana from Cote d'Ivoire and referring to the political disturbances in that country called on the Council members to be on high security alert to avoid a spill over to Ghana.
The Regional Minister is Chairman of the Council, with the Deputy Regional Minister, all District Chief Executives, Presiding Members, President and Vice-President of the Regional House of Chiefs, as members.
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