ASSEMBLYMEMBERS UNDERO ORIENTATION WORKSHOP

The newly elected and appointed assembly members in the Tano South District of the Brong Ahafo Region have undergone a two day orientation workshop on the district assembly concept. The objective of the workshop was to

v Expose participants to the changing environment of local governance, challenges, opportunities and expected roles.

v Equip participants with knowledge, skills and appropriate attitudes necessary for effective leadership.

v Provide a platform for participants to build networks and share experiences relevant for personal and professional support.

Topics treated in the two day workshop included

v The local government and District Assembly system

v Roles and responsibilities of Assembly members

v The committee system of Assemblies

v Model standing orders of the Assembly

v Resource mobilization at the local level

v Participation and accountability at the local level

v Contemporary issues in local Governance

In an introductory address to the participants, the Tano South District Planning Officer

Mr. Isaac Ankomah said the participation of local people in the decision making on matters affecting them is a cornerstone of Ghana’s local governance process and the design of the local governance structure places the assembly member position as the interface between the assembly and the local people. This he said implies that assembly members must have appropriate levels of knowledge, skills and attitude to enable them exercise their mandate in a responsive manner.

Mr. Ankomah disclosed that through experience, education and training activities has enabled assembly members to manage transition into their new leadership positions successfully. In his presentation, Mr. Akouku Frimpong a resource person who spoke on local government and the district assembly system dilated on the functions of the District Assembly, Urban Town/Area council, the Unit Committee and the Structure of the District Assembly which he mentioned as the General Assembly, Coordinating Directorate and Department of the district assembly and the two committees which comprises of the public relations and complains committee and the executive committee and subcommittees. Educating the participants on the general assembly, Mr. Akouku said the general assembly which is the highest decision making body of the district is the political and administrative authority in the district which performs deliberative, legislative and executive functions of the assembly under the leadership of the Presiding Member.

Ms. Cynthia Anima Boadu who served as a facilitator took participants through the roles and responsibilities of the district assembly functionaries which she listed as District Chief Executive, Presiding Member, Member of Parliament, District Coordinating Director, Assembly Members both elected and appointed, Unit Committee members, technicians/professional and supporting staff. She said the District assembly is responsible for the implementation of the decision of the assembly and provide quarterly report on the implementation of decision of the assemblies to the Executive Committees of the respective district assemblies through the offices of the district assembly.

During the open forum some participants suggested positive ways to mobilize revenue for the district assembly.