By Alfred Adams
The Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipal Assembly (TNMA) has inaugurated six urban/zonal/area councils, as part of efforts at deepening the Local Governance and Decentralisation policy that ensures broader participation and representation of the people at the local level of the decision making process.
The urban/area/zonal councils comprised the Tarkwa Urban Council, Benso Area Council, Simpa Area Council, Nsuaem Zonal Council, Nsuta Area Council and Dompim Area Council. In attendance were the Municipal Chief Executive, the Presiding Member, some staff from the Municipal Assembly, chiefs, members of the area, urban/zonal councils, and representatives of religious bodies, as well as members of the communities.
In an inaugural statement by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mrs. Christina Kobinah, she noted that the area councils, as substructures of the assembly, were very crucial stratum in the decentralisation process. Adding that it helped the Assembly bring development at a faster pace to the good people in its jurisdiction.
The MCE used the occasion to task the members to live above reproach, and conduct their affairs in an open and transparent manner. She said this was the best way to win and maintain the confidence and support of all stakeholders, in order to generate maximum revenue from the areas ceded to them for development.
They were also advised not to interfere in the activities of public servants in area councils within their jurisdictions. Mrs. Christina Kobinah additionally urged members of the area, urban or zonal councils to take keen interest and support the assembly in revenue mobilisation strategies and efforts at all times, as part of their key functions, and assured them of the assembly’s continued support, to enable them discharge their duties successfully and diligently.
In accordance with the Local Government Act 462 of 1993, each of the area councils has a membership of 15, comprising of 10 unit committees and five assembly members. Also in fulfilment of a constitutional requirement, the municipal office of the Electoral Commission supervised the smooth elections of chairpersons among members in each of the urban/zonal/area councils.
Abban Mensah, Presiding Member of the assembly, swore the members of all the various councils into office. Ms. Yvonne Dandori, an Assistant Director IIB from the office of the municipal administration, also took her turn to explain the modalities behind the composition of the urban, zonal or area council members and their key functions. She implored the members to refrain from any attempt to steal, and safeguard properties belonging to the assembly and government.
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