Volta to organise First-Ever conference of assembly members in 2027

The Volta Region is set to organise its first-ever Conference of Assembly Members in 2027 to strengthen grassroots representation, build the capacity of local government representatives and promote inclusive development.

The initiative was announced by the Dean of Presiding Members of the Volta Region, Hon. Mawunyo Agbe, during the 2026 Annual Regional Conference of Presiding Members held under the theme, “Constitutional Reform and the Strategic Role of the Presiding Member in Ghana’s Development.”

Hon. Agbe said the proposed conference would bring together Assembly Members from across the region to share experiences, discuss challenges and contribute meaningfully to the development agenda of their respective Assemblies.

He noted that Assembly Members, as representatives closest to the communities, deserve a stronger platform to participate in discussions and decisions affecting grassroots development.

The conference is also expected to feature awards for best-performing Zonal Councils, alongside special recognition for distinguished business people, corporate organisations and sponsors who have consistently supported Assemblies and contributed to local development.

Hon. Agbe appealed to Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) and Municipal and District Coordinating Directors (MDCDs) to support the initiative through sponsorship, financial assistance, logistics and institutional backing.

He expressed optimism that the conference would establish a lasting platform for strengthening grassroots governance and improving the capacity of local representatives.

Addressing the 2026 conference, Hon. Agbe stressed the need for stronger collaboration among Presiding Members, MDCEs and MDCDs to improve the effectiveness of local governance.

He said Presiding Members play a strategic role in ensuring that Assembly deliberations and oversight responsibilities are conducted in accordance with the Constitution, relevant laws and standing orders.

He explained that while Presiding Members provide leadership in deliberative and oversight processes, the MDCE offers political and executive leadership, with the MDCD responsible for administrative coordination and continuity.

“These offices are not designed to compete but to complement one another,” he said, urging the three leadership structures to work together through mutual respect, effective communication and genuine cooperation.

Hon. Agbe said the success of local governance depends on the ability of the various actors to respect their institutional responsibilities and pursue a common development agenda.

He further called for constitutional reforms that would strengthen the relevance of the Presiding Member’s office and reposition local governance institutions for greater effectiveness.

The conference brought together Presiding Members, MDCEs, MDCDs, traditional leaders and other stakeholders to discuss ways of strengthening decentralisation and improving governance at the local level.

Hon. Agbe urged participants to share practical experiences and offer recommendations that would strengthen governance institutions and promote sustainable development.

He said the future of local governance requires unity of purpose, institutional respect and collective commitment to improving the lives of communities across the Volta Region.