BY GRACE ZIGAH
President John Dramani Mahama has called for a stronger partnership between traditional authorities and government, saying chiefs have an important role to play in deepening development and improving governance at the district level.
President Mahama made the call when he engaged members of the Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs at the Presidency as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between central government and traditional institutions.
The President said chiefs, because of their close relationship with communities and their understanding of local needs, are uniquely positioned to contribute to development and should be given a more meaningful role in Ghana’s decentralisation process.
He indicated that proposed reforms under the ongoing review of the 1992 Constitution could provide an opportunity to strengthen the participation of traditional rulers in the work of District Assemblies.
The proposed reforms, according to the President, could create a stronger institutional connection between traditional authorities and local governance structures, allowing chiefs to contribute more directly to decisions affecting development in their communities.
President Mahama also encouraged traditional authorities to deepen their collaboration with District Chief Executives (DCEs) to ensure that resources allocated to districts result in visible improvements in the lives of residents.
He said the availability of public funds at the district level must translate into tangible development projects and better public services rather than remain disconnected from the needs of local communities.
The President therefore urged chiefs to work closely with DCEs and other local authorities to identify development priorities and ensure that government interventions produce the intended results.
The call comes within the broader discussion about strengthening Ghana’s decentralisation system and ensuring that development decisions respond more closely to conditions on the ground.
24-hour market planned for every district
As part of the government’s efforts to stimulate economic activity across the country, President Mahama announced plans to establish a 24-hour market in each of Ghana’s 261 districts.
The initiative is expected to create expanded opportunities for farmers, traders and other economic actors to sell their goods while supporting increased commercial activity at the district level.
The President said the planned markets form part of the government’s broader efforts to expand economic opportunities and improve the connection between producers and consumers.
He said several road projects in the region have been incorporated into the government’s Big Push programme, reflecting the administration’s stated intention to accelerate infrastructure development.
The President’s engagement with the Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs therefore brought together issues of traditional leadership, decentralisation, infrastructure and economic development.
President Mahama said government would continue to regard traditional authorities as strategic partners in efforts to promote economic growth, local development and effective governance.
His appeal places chiefs at the centre of discussions about how development can be coordinated at the local level, particularly through closer cooperation with District Assemblies and DCEs.
