The Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Local Government Committee and Member of Parliament for Akyem Oda, Hon. Alexander Akwasi Acquah, has expressed serious concern over what he described as increasing absenteeism among Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) in the Eastern Region during an important parliamentary engagement.
According to the lawmaker, 10 out of the 33 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) expected to participate in a parliamentary capacity-building and monitoring exercise failed to attend without prior permission.
Although about three of the absent officials later joined the session, Hon. Acquah described the development as unfortunate and unacceptable, stressing that some of the explanations given for their absence were untenable and demonstrated a lack of respect for parliamentary oversight responsibilities.
Speaking during the opening session of the engagement, the Deputy Ranking Member questioned why some Chief Executives would fail to accord the Local Government Committee the necessary recognition while it performs its constitutional mandate of supervising and monitoring local governance activities across the country.
“We are here as a committee with the responsibility to supervise and provide oversight over the activities of MMDAs and local governance in general,” he stated.
Hon. Acquah explained that the purpose of the visit was not to intimidate or interrogate officials but to strengthen collaboration, improve governance standards and deepen accountability within the assemblies.
“We are here not to quiz you on your activities. We will not only wait to call you to Parliament to question you about audit reports that exposed several inconsistencies during our previous engagements,” he said.
He noted that the engagement was expected to strengthen the knowledge and performance of officials who have occupied office over the past year while helping them better understand their responsibilities as political appointees and representatives of government at the grassroots level.
The MP further stressed that modern political relevance and leadership are no longer defined by party colours, slogans or appearances but by the ability of public officials to fulfill promises and improve the living conditions of the people.
“In this day and era, political branding has gone beyond party colours. It is now measured by the accomplishments of the pledges and promises we make to our people,” he emphasized.
Hon. Acquah reminded the MDCEs that as representatives of the President in their respective jurisdictions, they would be held accountable by citizens for every promise and development commitment made to the people.
He also indicated that with assembly members now receiving allowances from the state, accountability and transparency at the local governance level have become more critical than ever.
“Your accountability to the people has become more relevant than ever,” he added.
The Deputy Ranking Member further encouraged officials of the various assemblies to cooperate fully with Parliament and the Local Government Committee to ensure effective service delivery and smooth governance processes.
According to him, assemblies that work efficiently and transparently would enjoy a stronger and more cordial relationship with Parliament.
“As a committee, if we are committed to deepening local governance and you work without any hitches, you will be friends of the committee,” he remarked.
Hon. Acquah also expressed hope that the deliberations would help reduce negative reports associated with local governance in the Eastern Region and position the assemblies to deliver effectively on their mandates.
He urged all participants to take the engagement seriously and work collectively towards improving governance outcomes in the region.
“As a Member of Parliament from the Eastern Region, it is important that we open our eyes and ensure that your successes become our success,” he maintained.
The parliamentary capacity-building and monitoring exercise forms part of efforts by the Local Government Committee to strengthen oversight, promote accountability and enhance the performance of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies across the country.
By 1960news.com
