Efforts to boost local governance and participatory democracy have been impelled the DCE for Amansie West District, Hon. Nii Lartey Oleenu, to inaugurates the Amansie West Area Councils to facilitate effective revenue mobilisation and development in their various jurisdictions.
Seven (7) Area Councils, made up of Manso Nkwanta, Atwere, Abore, Antoakrom, Asuonyin, Mpatoam and Ahwerewa were inaugurated during a short ceremony on two faces, at Ahwerewa and Manso Nkwanta.
The ceremony was also used to elect Area Council chairpersons as well as the formation of subcommittees, the Finance and Administration and Development planning subcommittees, with the provision of secretary and other officers to all the area council.
Hon. Nii Lartey Oleenu, the Amansie West District Chief Executive (DCE), said the inauguration and operationalisation of the Area Councils forms a critical part of Ghana’s governance structure as they brought democracy and development to the door steps of local communities.
The DCE, who swore into office members of the Area Councils, said these local governance sub-structures would help enhance the work of the District Assembly in the areas of revenue mobilization, budget planning, project monitoring and protection of Assembly’s property within their jurisdiction as well as make proposals to the Assembly for the levying and collection of special rates and levies.
Speaking to media men after the ceremony, the working DCE Hon. Oleenu, explained that, management of the Assembly has resolved to adequately resources these sub-structures with the requisite logistics and supporting staff to enable them functions effectively.
According to the DCE, most of commuters in the Amansie West District, are mainly into farming activities as their main occupation, hence all the seven(7) Area Councils received tricycles (Aboboyaa) each from the assembly, to assist them carries their farm produces.
In addition, for documentation and public announcements, Computers and PA system were also provided to all the 7 area council, to capable produce a desire results for the various communities within their enclave and the Amansie West District Assembly as well.
He said the Assembly has decided to cede some of its revenue collection responsibilities to the Area Councils so that upon collection, they would retain 50% percentage of the revenues for the running of their offices and other mandatory activities whiles rendering accounts to the assembly.
All the elected Area Council chairman pledged to adopt innovative ways to improve revenue collection.
Story by: Kwabena Antwi (Sikka Fm).
