On Monday, 12th February 2024, the Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Shani Alhassan Shaibu, representing President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, delivered a significant inaugural address during the swearing-in ceremony of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and their respective members across Ghana. The ceremony, which took place concurrently across the 259 MMDAs, aimed to facilitate the installation of newly elected and appointed officials.
The District Level Elections, mandated by Section 6 (1&2) of Act 936, occurred on Tuesday, December 19, 2023. These elections play a crucial role in ensuring the development of districts by electing Assembly and Unit Committee Members who are tasked with overseeing local development initiatives.
The Northern Regional Minister successfully oversaw the inauguration of 16 MMDAs in the Northern Region, standing in for President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. However, it was noted that while 9 out of the 16 MMDAs were able to elect their Presiding Members (PMs), 7 failed to do so after two rounds of voting. These MMDAs will reconvene in 10 days to select their PMs.
In his address delivered through his representatives, President Akufo-Addo highlighted the importance of decentralization and grassroots participation in governance, as enshrined in the Ghanaian constitution. He congratulated all elected and appointed Assembly and Unit Committee Members, emphasizing their critical role in local decision-making and development.
President Akufo-Addo urged the newly inaugurated members to collaborate closely with each other, their District Chief Executives, Members of Parliament, and traditional authorities to advance local governance and development initiatives. He stressed the significance of aligning local projects with national development priorities outlined in the Governmentβs Coordinated Programme of Economic and Social Development Policies.
Furthermore, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the need for capacity building among Assembly Members and adherence to relevant laws governing local governance. He highlighted efforts by the government to address resource constraints and improve training facilities through the Institute of Local Government Studies (ILGS).
The President also urged Assembly Members to enforce planning standards and compliance with regulations governing human settlements and spatial planning. He emphasized the importance of citizen engagement platforms to enhance transparency and accountability in local governance.
President Akufo-Addo concluded by calling on Assembly Members to serve their constituents with selflessness, devotion, and accountability, with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life and wellbeing of the Ghanaian people. The ceremony concluded with the formal declaration of the duly inaugurated MMDAs.
The message delivered at the inauguration reflects the government’s commitment to decentralization and local development in Ghana, setting the stage for collaborative efforts towards national progress and prosperity.
The MMDAs who were able to elect PMs are; Tamale Metro (Hon. Fuseini Okasha), Sagnarigu Municipal (Hon. Salam Abubakari), Zabzugu District(Hon. Daniel Mpaba Punalar), Tatale-Sanguli District (Hon. Paul Balantignani Takoe), Savelugu Municipal (Hon. Iddrisu Nurideen), Nanumba North Municipal (Hon. David Biwati), Nanumba South (Hon. Mahammudu Mutaru), Mion District ( Hon. Iddrisu Aminu) and Saboba Municipal Assembly (Hon. Bernimbi Emmanuel. While the MMDAs who failed to elect their PMs are; Gushegu Municipal, Karaga District, Kumbungu District, Yendi Municipal, Tolon District, Kpandai District and Nanton District.
