Gov allocates $175m to support financial management

By: Masahudu Ankiilu Kunateh

The government has allocated $175 million into the Local Government Capacity Project to support and improve the performance of metropolitan and municipal assemblies in public financial management.
The initiative would provide financial and technical support to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, as well as the 46 assemblies officially designated as metropolitan or municipal assemblies, as at March 2011.
The five years project also seeks to improve citizens’ engagement with urban assemblies and their perceptions of urban management.
Mr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, made this known during the 2012 Civil and Local Government Staff Association (CLOSAG) Activists Awards Night on Saturday in Accra.
The ceremony, which was on theme: “The Role of the Civil and Local Government Staff in Good Governance,” honoured 26 members who had exhibited rare commitment and professionalism in promoting the activities of the Association.
Mr. Ampofo said the work of CLOSAG was very vital in formulating development strategies to stimulate accelerated social and economic growth for citizenry.
He said it was the expectation of every Ghanaian to have access to quality and affordable health care, education, effective waste disposal and goods roads to secure environment for themselves and their families.
“This is what Ghanaians expect from you as CLOSAG members. Such a crucial role has been recognised and accommodated for both the Ghana Shred Growth and Development agenda and the National Democratic Congress manifesto for a Better Ghana,” he added.
He appealed to CLOSAG to support the government by accepting postings to the new districts, and urged the leadership to work closely with the Ministry in identifying the critical core staff for the new districts.
Mr. Nii Laryea Afotey-Agbo, Greater Accra Regional Minister, expressed the government’s commitment to recognise workers who had contributed immensely to the development of the country.
He said cohesion and development of the country did not only rest on the government, but the collective responsibility of all.
He urged the Association to sustain and maintain the spirit of nationalism and resist the temptation of resorting to industrial action when channels of negotiation are not fully exhausted.
Alhaji Mahammadu Assibi Azonko, President of CLOSAG, congratulated the award winners and urged them cultivate the spirit of patriotism and dedication to duty for national development.
In other development, Mr. Kofi Dumo Asuboten, Obuasi Municipal Co-ordinating Director, was adjudged the Best Activist of CLOSAG. – GNA

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