Accra, Sept. 15, GNA - Citizens should make adequate use of their local authorities by making their grievances and suggestions known to their assembly members, District Chief Executives and Members of Parliament for redress before complaining to higher authorities. "When we do not channel issues through the local authorities they feel misused and useless and harbour the impression that the politicians were overshadowing them or usurping their responsibilities," the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr. Stephen Asamoah Boateng said.
Mr. Boateng made the remark when he paid a working visit to a site near the District Magistrate's Court at Madina, near Accra, where a slum is reported to be developing.
He pointed out that politicians in their nature would want to show up at every place given the least opportunity, but might not be able to address all the issues.
Mr Boateng said good use should rather be made of assemblymen, unit committee members and other opinion leaders in the various communities when matters of concern arose. He acknowledged that the location was indeed developing into a slum as there were some kiosks and other unauthorized structures dotted over the area.
"I am one person who does not want to see kiosks spread all over the capital city as they impede development.=94 Mr Boateng urged district assemblies facing similar problems to draw plans that could lead to the development of shopping arcades with all the basic facilities and rent then out.
"It should first be given to the settlers in order not to create the impression that they are being thrown away.=94 The Minister said this would bring additional revenue to the district, which could be used sufficiently to undertake development projects.
The Member of Parliament Midina-Abokobi, Alhaji Amadu Sorogho gave the assurance that the district would do everything to ensure that the area did not develop into a slum.
Mr Thomas Ward-Brew, a lawyer and politician who is the complainant, said his main concern was the fact that the settlers might over a period of time claim ownership of the site if the necessary measures were not taken to stop them.
