By
Gideon D. Ebbah, GNA
Oyoko (Ash), Sept. 17, GNA – Unit Committee
members in the Sekyere Kumawu District, in the Ashanti region, have appealed to
government to take pragmatic steps to strengthen Unit Committees, to enable
them play their roles effectively in the decentralization process.
Mr. Addae Owusu, the Unit Committee Chairman
for Kumawu-Bodomase electoral area, who made the appeal, said the Unit Committees
were the first and direct point of contact for community members on issues
relating to local governance, conflict resolution and development of rural
communities.
However, it seems the Unit Committees had been
relegated to the background, especially in the provision and distribution of
logistics and incentives to facilitate their work.
Speaking at a town hall meeting organized by
the District Assembly at Oyoko, Mr Owusu said it was time the Unit Committees
were treated the same way as the assembly members.
This would not only help strengthen the local
governance system but would also help boost the morale of committee members and
promote active interest in the Unit Committee concept.
The town hall meeting was to create a platform
for the local government officials and other key stakeholders to interact with
the people and explain the various development projects and programmes.
It was also to offer opportunity to the people
in the communities to raise concerns and seek redress for their developmental
challenges.
The meeting brought together traditional
leaders, heads of departments and agencies, security officers, civil society
organizations, development partners in the district, as well as members of the
public.
Mr. Owusu urged the government to consider the
efforts and contributions of Unit Committee members in the democratic
governance system of the country, particularly, at the community level and
provide them with the needed logistics such as motorbikes to help them
discharge their duties effectively.
Mr. Samuel Addai Agyekum, the District Chief
Executive urged the Unit Committee members not to be discouraged and assured
them of government’s readiness to consider all their concerns.
GNA