Champion the development aspirations of the people - DCEs told.

Takoradi, Nov. 27, GNA- District Chiefs Executives (DCEs) have been reminded of their role to champion the development aspirations of their people and foster peaceful co-existence among them. The DCE's are also expected to respect traditional authorities and rekindle the communal spirit in the various communities to ensure accelerated development.

Madam Doris Gyapomaah Oduro, DCE for Wassa Amenfi East in the Western Region said this at a forum organised by the Foundation for Female Photojournalists (FFP) in Takoradi on Tuesday. Stakeholders in local governance including assembly and Unit Committee members, DCEs, as well as representatives of the electorate from Ahanta West and Wassa Amenfi East districts attended the forum. It was organised as part of a project by FFP to promote deeper understanding of the district assembly concept to enhance development. Madam Oduro said members of the community must always be involved in the planning and execution of development project including the signing of contracts for them to feel and see themselves as part of the system. DCEs shoul d refrain from dabbling in chieftaincy and other disputes, in other to win the trust and confidence of the electorate, she said.

Ms Mardey Ohui Ofoe, Executive Director of FFP said with support from the Rights and Voice Initiative, an NGO, the Foundation has adopted an engagement process that would empower the people to articulate issues affecting the political process at the local governance level. This, she noted, was in line with some of FFP focus areas that include information for development programme and women's political participation.

Ms Ofoe said these and other issues that affect women and limits them from contributing effectively to local governance as well as enjoy their share of the national resources at the local level would be tackled.

Madam Emelia Antwi, FFP Project Coordinator said the Takoradi forum was the second in a series dubbed "electorates meet elected" planned for selected districts in all the regions.

She said the main objective of the forum is to ensure the participation and inclusion of community members by empowering them to gain knowledge about their constitutional roles and responsibilities of both the electorates and elected officials. Awulae Annor Adjaye III, Omanhene of Western Nzemam, who presided, urged assembly members and other opinion leaders to meet regularly with the electorate to discuss development and common issues.