WASSA EAST
DISTRICT: WASSA EAST AREA
COUNCILS
INAUGURATED
Efforts to boost local governance and
participatory democracy have been given a push in the Wassa East District of
the Western Region with the inauguration of the Wassa East Area Councils.
Four Area Council including Daboase,
Ekutuase, Enyinabrem and Ateiku Area Council were among the area council
inaugurated.
area council inaugurated.
The occasion was also used to elect
Area Council chairpersons as well as the formation of two sub-committee thus
the Finance and Administration and Development planning sub-committee.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony,
the Wassa East District Chief Executive (DCE) Hon. Wilson Arthur noted that the
inauguration and operationalisation of the Area Councils formed a critical part
of Ghana’s governance structure as they brought democracy and development to
the door step of local communities.
The DCE who swore into office members
of the Wassa East Area Councils by administering the oath of office and secrecy
stated that these local governance sub-structures will enhance the work of
District Assemblies in the area of revenue mobilization, budget planning,
project monitoring and protection of Assemblies property within their
jurisdiction as well as make proposals to the Assemblies for the levying and
collection of special rates and levies.
Mr. Arthur acknowledged the challenges
that confront the Area Councils and pledged that management of the Assembly had
resolved to adequately resource these sub-structures with the requisite
logistics and supporting staff in order for them to function effectively,
adding that offices that were in bad shape would be worked on and training
offered to committee members.
According to the DCE, the Assembly had
undertaken to cede some of its revenue collection responsibilities to the Area
Councils so that upon collection, they would retain a percentage of the
revenues for the running of their offices and other mandatory activities whiles
rendering account to the assembly.
All they elected Area Council chairman
promised to adopt innovative ways in improving revenue collections.
