Sekondi: Mr. Sheriff Amarh, the General Secretary of the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG), has commended the President for promoting a fair remuneration system for Assembly members across the country’s districts. He highlighted the significant social and financial responsibilities faced by Assembly members, emphasizing that inadequate compensation exacerbates the stress associated with their duties to the state.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Amarh made these remarks during the opening of a two-day workshop for Presiding Members and Finance and Administration staff of district Assemblies in Sekondi. He stated, “We are pushing hard on this government’s question to resource members as well as prompt payment of end of service benefits.” The Association has also developed a transparent formula for the distribution and allocation of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), ensuring clear allocations without secrecy.
Mr. Amarh emphasized the importance of the training program in equipping new assembly members and Presiding Members with essential skills in financial mobilization. This strategic training aims to enhance their ability to generate and manage funds effectively. He underscored the need for quality human resources and NALAG’s commitment to retooling members for optimal performance. The General Secretary also encouraged networking among members for the holistic development of the country.
Mr. Fredrick Faustinus Faidoo, the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Chief Executive who inaugurated the workshop, stressed the importance of knowledge and financial management in increasing the wealth of the Assemblies. He urged participants to take the training seriously to contribute to local and national development. He reaffirmed the government’s readiness to collaborate with individuals and institutions dedicated to national development and urged Assemblies to become worthy ambassadors.
NALAG is committed to promoting local government administration and decentralization in Ghana through advocacy and lobbying. The Association aims to protect the rights, privileges, and interests of all member District Assemblies, maintain high standards of local government service delivery, and provide a forum for discussion and exchange of ideas related to local governance. NALAG also collaborates with national and international bodies to promote effective and efficient local governance.
The workshop covered topics such as fiscal decentralization, revenue leakages, model standing orders, and public finance management.