News:
February 19, 2025
The Member of Parliament for Dome/Kwabenya, Faustina Elikplim Akrugu has expressed the view that finding solutions to challenges confronting Unit Committee members in the local government architecture will lead to improved local governance and community development.
In a statement on the floor of the House, she noted that local governance continues to form the bedrock of Ghana’s participatory democracy, ensuring that governance is brought closer to the people.
Ghana’s decentralization system, established under chapter twenty of the 1992 Constitution and the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), provides the framework for grassroot governance with metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies as the highest political and administrative authorities at the local level.
The Unit Committee, as the lowest structure of the local government, is essential in engaging communities, mobilizing citizens for development, and implementing policies at the grassroot level.
“I met with representatives of Unit Committee Members Association of Ghana; the membership, according to them, is 43,500. They asked me to present their challenges on the floor of this august house. In a petition presented to me, they requested an urgent intervention in addressing the following issues”.
• Lack of empowerment
The Unit Committee Members feel disempowered due to insufficient authority and participation in the decision-making process. They therefore, want to urge the Ministry for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs to provide clear guidelines that enhance their role in the decision-making process.
• Low Recognition and Remuneration
Again, the Unit Committee members state that there is a noticeable low, if not absent recognition and financial remuneration for them. According to them this lack of acknowledgement demotivates them and undermines their commitment. They propose that a structured remuneration framework be put in place to reward and motivate them for their time and efforts.
• Neglect by Central Government
There is a growing concern among Unit committee members for neglect by the Central Government. According to them, this neglect is made manifest in limited communication, inadequate funding and a lack of involvement in policy formulation that affects local governance. As a result, Mr. Speaker, they seek amendment in the Act to promote inclusiveness and participation in decision making process and more engagements with the Central Government regarding local issues.
• Capacity Building and Training Needs.
According to her, the unit committee members reckon that there is an urgent need for capacity building through training programs tailored specifically for committee members. Such training should be tailored to enhance their skills in governance, project management, conflict resolution, and community mobilization.
• Misunderstanding with Zonal Councils.
Finally, Mr Speaker, the Unit Committee members complained of rising misunderstanding with Zonal Councils which disrupts collaboration and effective planning for community development. They recommend the establishment of regular dialogue sessions to foster understanding and cooperation.
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com