Minister urges NALAG to address growing challenges

Mr James Zuugah Tiigah, outgoing Upper East Regional Minister, has asked the National Association of Local Government Authorities of Ghana (NALAG), to strive to change the growing unhealthy relations within the association.

He noted that NALAG remains bedrock of democracy in Ghana and so unguarded statements from members, lack of agreement and mistrust could stall the development of the nation.

Mr Zuugah made the request when he addressed the Regional Delegates Conference of the association in Bolgatanga, to elect representatives to join the National Council of Executives for two-year tenure.

He noted that the trend of some assemblies taking long time to elect their presiding officers and to confirm their chief executives were clear indication of challenges and growing unhealthy relationships.

Mr Zuugah cautioned against the polarisation of the role of the assemblies in local governance and therefore called on members to pull their energies to improve the lot of the people.

He said assembly members should not seek their personal glory and forget the reasons for which they were elected.

Mr Zuugah noted that some assembly members under estimate the value of the trust reposed in them.

He called on the delegates to elect reliable and affable persons, who would champion the course of the association in the region.

Mr Mohammed Doku, President of the NALAG whose speech was read on his behalf said the calendar of the association was distorted by the postponement of the district and unit committee elections, late inauguration of the assemblies and orientation of members.

This, he, said affected the holding of the regional delegates conferences.

He said NALAG is the mouthpiece of the metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies and so members have the liberty to criticise the lapses but should do so constructively and suggest alternatives solutions to enhance the image of the association.

Mr Doku expressed displeasure about the resolutions passed since 2005 for 0.5 per cent deductions from subscriptions from members District Assemblies Common Fund had not been implemented and still remains 0.32 per cent.

Ms Naa Momo Nartey, General Secretary, NALAG and former Presiding Member for Ledzorkuku Krowor Municipal Assembly said the association would be repositioned to serve members better and to facilitate national development.