The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, has proposed that the tenure of office of presiding members (PM) should be extended from two years to four years.
He argued that the two-year term is too limited for an occupant of the position to deliver to expectations, but was optimistic that four years would give them ample time to deliver on their mandate on leave indelible marks.
“The role of a presiding member is a very crucial one to our local governance system. A lot of responsibilities come. I have a personal view on the tenure of office for Presiding Members. I think the two years are not helpful.
“So we need to put our heads together and make sure some of these things are amended so that tenure of office of the Presiding Member is made four years”, he said.
Mr. Gunu was speaking at the Conference for Presiding Members of Ghana held at the Volta Serene Hotel in Ho.
He also suggested that Pressing Members should be provided with an official vehicle to aid their work delivery and given the same privileges as the Municipal and District Chief Executives and the Assembly Chief Directors.
Mr. Gunu entreated the assemblies to design innovative ways to increase internally generated funds to finance development projects at the local level.
“Let us find a better way of collecting IGF because you are not collecting enough. Let us do everything possible to enable the assemblies to collect more revenues. Some of the things you can create in order to generate revenue for you”, he said.
He appealed to the assemblies to revive the area councils and make very good use of the unit committees to collect taxes and perform other administrative tasks at the community level.
He stressed that the Mahama-led-government’s reset agenda must be championed by the local authorities, stressing their crucial role in the success of the mantra.
“The reset agenda must start with our local authorities”, he said.
The Volta Region Council of State Representative, Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple, entreated the assemblies to introduce digital systems in their revenue mobilisation to purge it of corruption and other malfeasance, as it would enhance transparency.
He urged them to consider developing programs that would tackle climate change, food insecurity, and digital inclusion to complement the efforts of the government to build a better country.
He underscored the importance of the local government and its crucial roles in the success of the 24-hour economy policy, being implemented by the Mahama-led-government.
Mr. Kwamigah-Atokple announced the provision of a customised gown for the Presiding Members, a copy of the local government act, and a ceremonial gavel.
The Dean of Presiding Members in the Volta Region, Mawunyo Agbe, lauded the government for the approval of monthly allowances for Presiding Members, which he said restored the dignity of the PMs and eased the financial pressure on them, born out of their day-to-day rounds.
“This gesture will diligently enhance our motivation and effectiveness in the execution of local development”, he said, committing diligently to their oversight responsibilities.
He requested that presiding members should be provided with dedicated offices at their respective assemblies to bring an end to working at home and exposing confidential documents and details.
He added that the proposed establishment of the Conference of Assembly and Unit Committee Members would provide a united front for the members and strengthen collaboration.
The Conference, which was themed “Resetting local leadership for national rebuilding: advancing decentralisation, participation and sustainable development”, was attended by all 18 presiding members and District and Municipal Chief Executives.
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