In a significant step towards enhancing local governance and participatory democracy at the local level, the Sunyani West Municipal Assembly has inaugurated five (5) of its councils in a separate gathering to kick-start their operations. while efforts are being made to get the rest inaugurated.
The inaugurated councils were the Fiapre Urban Council, Nsoatre Urban Council, Koduakrom Town Council, Dumasua Urban Council, and Chiraa Urban Council.
Each council was made up of fifteen (15) members, including elected assembly members and unit committee members, in accordance with the Local Government Act (Act 936) and the Urban, Zonal, and Town Councils and Unit Committees Establishment Instrument, 2010, L.I 1967.
The Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr. Gordon Domayele, who guided the members through the model standing orders for the councils, emphasized the integral relationships between the councils and the municipal assembly, noting that their operations are interdependent.
He stated that effective, efficient, and vibrant councils play a vital role in the country’s governance system by enhancing citizens’ participation in the decision-making process and policy formulation and implementation at the local level, thereby promoting inclusivity, transparency, and accountability in governance.
To enable the councils to work effectively, the MCD stated that the Assembly had ceded some of its revenue collection responsibilities to the councils, after which 50% of whatever they would collect would be given to them to run their offices and other mandatory activities, for which they would be required to render accounts to the Assembly.
He outlined the core functions of the councils, such as Supporting Revenue Mobilization, Providing Recommendations and inputs into the assembly’s Plans and Budget, protecting the environment from pollution, engaging regularly with chiefs and community members, etc.
In his address, the Municipal Chief Executive, Honorable Kwasi Asante Boateng (ESQ), said the inauguration of the councils represents a renewed dedication to effective local governance with a clear focus on community involvement and sustainable development.
He admonished the councilors to work assiduously and prioritize their community development and assured them that the doors of the Assembly are always open for deliberations that would be geared towards the development of the municipality.
On his part, the Presiding Member (PM), Honorable Attah Kwasi Dognekoh Snr., advised the councilors to always perform their duties as stipulated in the Local Governance Act and work in unity to avoid creating challenges in the discharge of their duties to be able to serve their people well.
No responses yet