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Minister blames inefficient decentralization for poor city
development
Accra, Oct. 27, Ghanadot/GNA - Nii Armah Ashietey, Greater
Accra Regional Minister, on Monday observed that ineffectiveness
of the decentralisation system has led to the emergence of
unauthorised structures in the urban centres.
He noted that the functions of Regional Co-ordinating Councils (RCC)
have been usurped by the Central Government and other
authorities, compelling the local authorities to look up to such
bodies for support.
Nii Ashietey who made the observation at the opening session of
the Greater Accra Regional Consultative forum for the
Acceleration of Decentralisation in Accra said the situation had
made the RCCs not autonomous as prescribed by the
decentralisation policy.
The session is the fourth in the series by the Ministry of Local
Government and Rural Development to collate inputs from the
grassroots on how to improve the country's decentralisation
system.
Nii Ashietey said some assembly structures such as the
sub-metropolitan assemblies, area, town, zonal and urban
councils were very weak and non-existent in some areas.
"As for the 16,000 unit committees being envisaged, only few of
them are working, he said.
Nii Ashietey pointed out that such a situation did not augur
well for the country's decentralisation system and called for
inputs to transform the system and make it accountable to the
people rather than the central authorities.
He explained that this would enable the local authorities plan
and deal with issues of urbanisation to ensure that "a better
Ghana is delivered to the grassroots".
Mr Joseph Yieleh Chireh, Minister of Local Government and Rural
Development called for constructive recommendations to improve
the decentralisation system.
GNA
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