Accra, October 26, 2023 – The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has issued a powerful directive to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) across the nation, urging them to make accountability their foremost priority to accelerate local development. Speaking at the inaugural session of the National Conference on Decentralized Governance, Minister Ibrahim underscored that robust mechanisms for transparency and public scrutiny are indispensable for ensuring efficient resource utilization and fostering profound citizen trust in local administration.
Minister Ibrahim articulated a clear vision where accountability transcends mere compliance, becoming a fundamental pillar for sustainable progress at the grassroots level. He stressed that the effective management of public funds and the judicious implementation of development projects are directly contingent upon the level of transparency and answerability demonstrated by local authorities.
"True local development isn't just about the projects we initiate, but how transparently and accountably we manage the resources allocated for them," Minister Ibrahim stated emphatically. "Every cedi, every decision, must withstand public scrutiny to ensure it serves the collective good. Prioritizing accountability isn't merely a compliance issue; it is the bedrock upon which sustainable progress is built, fostering a deeper sense of ownership and participation among our citizens. When communities trust their local leaders, they become active partners in their own development."
The Minister's call comes amidst ongoing efforts to strengthen decentralized governance and empower MMDAs to drive local economic growth and social development. He highlighted that lack of accountability can lead to resource wastage, project delays, and a significant erosion of public confidence, ultimately stalling progress and perpetuating inequalities within communities.
Enhancing Transparency and Financial Prudence
Minister Ibrahim detailed several areas where MMDAs must enhance their accountability. These include rigorous financial management, transparent procurement processes, regular public reporting on project implementation, and active citizen engagement in planning and monitoring. He called for MMDAs to publish their budgets, expenditure reports, and project progress updates in easily accessible formats, both online and in community centers, to allow citizens to track resource allocation and project execution.
"We expect MMDAs to adopt open contracting principles, ensuring that all tenders and contract awards are publicly disclosed and verifiable," the Minister added. "Furthermore, timely auditing of accounts and prompt action on audit observations are critical to deterring corruption and ensuring that public funds are utilized for their intended purposes. The era of opaque governance must end if we are serious about transforming our communities."
MMDAs Respond to the Call
Local government officials present at the conference largely welcomed the Minister’s directive, indicating a readiness to embrace enhanced accountability measures. Hon. Ama Serwaa, District Chief Executive for Kwahu South Municipal Assembly, acknowledged the importance of the message and outlined steps her assembly was already taking.
"We fully embrace the Minister's call," Hon. Serwaa remarked. "In Kwahu South, we have already begun implementing measures like regular town hall meetings where we present our financial statements and project updates to the community. We are also leveraging local radio stations to disseminate information on our development plans. The journey to complete accountability is ongoing, but it's one we are committed to, understanding that it directly translates into better schools, improved healthcare, and reliable infrastructure for our people."
She further emphasized the need for capacity building for local government staff to effectively implement these accountability frameworks, especially in areas of digital literacy and financial reporting.
Expert Perspective on Local Governance
Governance experts have also weighed in on the Minister’s pronouncement, echoing the sentiment that accountability is pivotal for democratic consolidation and effective service delivery at the local level. Dr. Kojo Mensah, a senior research fellow at the Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), described the directive as timely and crucial.
"Accountability at the local level is the engine of democracy," Dr. Mensah explained. "When MMDAs are transparent and answerable to their constituents, it empowers citizens, reduces corruption, and ensures that development projects are genuinely responsive to community needs. This ministerial directive is timely and crucial, but sustained political will, adequate resource allocation, and continuous capacity building for local officials will be key to its successful implementation."
Dr. Mensah also pointed to the role of civil society organizations and the media in holding MMDAs accountable, advocating for stronger partnerships between local government and non-state actors to institutionalize oversight mechanisms.
The Path Forward for Local Development
The Minister’s charge sets a clear agenda for MMDAs to re-evaluate and strengthen their governance structures. By prioritizing accountability, assemblies can foster greater public trust, attract more investment – both domestic and foreign – and ensure that development initiatives are not only well-conceived but also efficiently executed and equitably distributed. The ultimate goal is to create resilient, prosperous, and self-reliant local communities where citizens actively participate in shaping their future.
The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs is expected to roll out a series of training programs and guidelines to assist MMDAs in implementing these enhanced accountability measures, reinforcing the government's commitment to decentralized development rooted in good governance principles. The success of this initiative will largely depend on the collective efforts of local authorities, citizens, and civil society, working in concert to build a more accountable and responsive local government system.
