By Emmanuel Nyatsikor

Accra, March 27 GNA – Mr. Alfred Asiedu Adjei, the President of the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG), declared on Thursday that the president’s nomination process for individuals seeking roles within different assemblies represented a crucial step towards strengthening local governance systems.

This would likewise guarantee efficient service provision at the local community level.

Mr. Adjei made this comment during an interview with the Ghana News Agency following a letter issued by Callistus Mahama, Secretary to President John Mahama, which announced the nomination of approximately 71 individuals as Chiefs for various Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies across the nation on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.

He commended the President for his dedication to decentralization process and his commitment to appointing capable leaders to steer the affairs of the Assemblies.

“The selection process has been thorough, inclusive, and reflective of the President’s vision for local governance,” he remarked.

Consequently, Mr. Adjei stated that it was crucial for all parties involved to support the nominees, which would help ensure the seamless functioning of the local governance system.

He emphasized that the nation’s progress path couldn’t handle postponements in approving the nominees, thus he urged assembly members from the relevant regions to hasten their confirmations promptly, avoiding any avoidable holdups.

The president of NALAG mentioned that MMDCEs played a crucial role in local governance, guaranteeing that governmental strategies and programs were effectively carried out to enhance the well-being of the residents.

He mentioned that they also implement governmental policies and development initiatives in crucial areas like education, healthcare, infrastructure, and sanitation, all of which significantly affect people’s quality of life.

“The oversight of the MMDA administrations to enhance efficiency, ensure accountability, manage resources prudently, and foster local economic growth through a supportive climate for businesses, investments, and job opportunities should not be underestimated,” he emphasized.

Mr. Adjei further stated that they collaborated with various stakeholders including traditional leaders, the business community, and development organizations to promote sustainable progress.

within their respective jurisdictions, ensuring security and upholding law and order to protect lives and property.

He stated that the lack of substantial MMDCEs severely impeded these crucial operations, leading to halted progress, inefficiencies, and diminished governance at the community level.

Mr. Adjei urged the assembly members, whom he emphasized as key figures in local governance, to put aside political disagreements, individual interests, and bureaucratic hurdles to focus on the needs of their local communities and approve the nominees.

I urge key participants such as traditional leaders, civil society groups, the press, and the broader community to contribute their perspectives to this important national initiative without facing avoidable obstacles.

Mr. Adjei emphasized that the Assemblies should not stay in an administrative void since Ghana’s advancement relies on robust and effective local governance systems, stating “let us unite to guarantee the swift approval of these nominees so that we can concentrate on the crucial work of community development.”

GNA

MA/KOA