The Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, has commended the Adenta Municipal Assembly for its progress in implementing development projects and improving service delivery within the municipality.
The commendation came during an assessment and accountability exercise by the Ministry to evaluate the performance of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and ensure that government resources are effectively utilised for the benefit of citizens.
Madam Rita Naa Odoley Sowah described the exercise as a wake-up call for MMDAs, Municipal and Metropolitan Chief Executives, and assembly staff to work collaboratively to deepen decentralisation and bring development closer to the people.
She stressed that the assessment was not intended to intimidate assemblies but to promote transparency, accountability and compliance with government guidelines on the use of public funds.
The Deputy Minister noted that the Ministry would carefully assess the utilisation of resources and verify projects undertaken by the Assembly to ensure value for money and improved service delivery.
She further indicated that future releases of government funds to assemblies would depend on the timely submission of required returns and adherence to approved guidelines.
The Ministry commended the Adenta Municipal Assembly for achievements in key sectors including health, education, sanitation and legacy projects.
The Assembly was particularly praised for its innovative plastic recycling initiative, which transforms plastic waste into useful products such as pillows, bags and other items to help address environmental challenges.
The Assembly also recorded progress in infrastructure development, including the construction of a maternity block and accommodation facilities for health workers, as well as educational projects such as a kindergarten facility and an 18-unit classroom block.
On support for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), the Deputy Minister acknowledged the Assembly’s distribution of items such as deep freezers, poly tanks and sewing machines, as well as educational support to beneficiaries. However, she raised concerns over outdated beneficiary records and directed the Assembly to update its data to ensure support reaches the intended persons.
Madam Rita Naa Odoley Sowah commended the Municipal Chief Executive, Assembly Members and staff for their teamwork and urged them to complete all ongoing projects to ensure that government resources translate into meaningful development for residents.
She added that the Ministry’s assessment exercise would continue in other assemblies, with final reports expected to determine the performance of MMDAs and strengthen accountability within the local governance system.
By Emmanuel Nelson Ebelin
