DCEs and Presiding Members urged to cooperate

Mpraeso (E/R), Feb. 27, GNA- The Chairman of the Eastern Regional Presiding Members Association, (ERPMA), Ms Beatrice B. Boateng, has called on District Chief Executives (DCEs) and Presiding Members to cooperate and ensure effective implementation of the decentralization concept.

She said since the district assemblies have a major role to play in the decentralization process, there should be mutual co-operation between the DCEs and their Presiding Members.

Ms Boateng who was addressing the eighth meeting of the association hosted by the Kwahu South District Assembly at Mpraeso on Thursday, noted that the assemblies would not get the needed co-operation from the technocrats to implement decisions taken by either the assemblies or directives from the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Government if there was no unity between the two officials.

Ms Boateng who is also the Presiding Member of the New Juaben Municipal Assembly urged Assemblies Members to educate all qualified electorates in their areas who have attained voting age and of sound mind to register when the voters' registration exercise begins.

In an address read for him, the Kwahu South District Chief Executive, Mr Raymond Osafo Djan, said though the decentralization programme was implemented 16 years ago, a critical appraisal of its performance had not been encouraging in the district.

He said since the assemblies are the highest political, legislative and administrative bodies in their respective areas of jurisdiction, they should maintain close and cordial relationship with other stakeholders such as chiefs, DCES, MPs and the assembly staff to promote development in the communities.

The DCE advised them to use their influence as opinion leaders in the district to champion policies, programmes and issues that could promote democracy.