President John Mahama urges chiefs to join district development — MyJoyOnline
Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has called on traditional leaders to take a more active part in developing their districts and cooperate with district chief executives to ensure that public resources are used effectively.
He made the appeal during a meeting in Accra with a delegation from the Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs, led by its president, Nana Barima Twereku Ampem III. The delegation visited the Office of the President, MyJoyOnline reports.
Oversight of local projects
Mahama said chiefs can play an important role in overseeing local development initiatives, particularly given that a larger share of funds is being directed straight to district assemblies.
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According to the president, the government has decided to channel 80% of the District Assemblies Common Fund directly to districts. In his view, this has improved funding for local development. He also said the finance minister promptly transfers the funds every quarter.
Markets in every district
The president urged traditional leaders, together with district chief executives, to ensure that funds are used for projects that meet communities' needs.
In addition, Mahama announced plans to build one 24-hour market in each of Ghana's 261 districts. He said the markets would stimulate economic activity, enable farmers to sell their produce, and increase incomes. After district projects are completed, the government will consider expanding the initiative to other economically viable traditional markets.
