The Western North Regional Minister, Wilbert Petty Brentum, convened a one-day meeting with all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), as well as District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) Coordinators, to discuss the roadmap for the implementation of government policies and to outline performance measurement criteria.
Addressing the MMDCEs, the Minister stressed that their performance will be strictly assessed on twelve key areas:
Fight Against Galamsey – MMDCEs were charged to fight illegal mining in their districts with the full support of the President and himself. He cautioned them never to involve themselves in this deadly menace, warning that any such involvement could cost them their jobs.
Sanitation – The Minister reminded them that government has empowered all Assemblies to ensure cleanliness, insisting that no MMDCE has any justification to allow filth in their jurisdiction.
Communal Labour – They were tasked to organize regular communal labour to involve all stakeholders in enhancing environmental cleanliness.
Project Implementation – MMDCEs were warned to treat every project as critical, ensure value for money, and remain task-oriented.
Security Issues – They were cautioned to be vigilant and proactive on security matters, as they represent the President at the local level.
Street Lighting – Assemblies must ensure the provision of street lights where necessary to enhance visibility and curb crime.
District Assembly Sub-Committee Meetings – The Minister directed them to take sub-committee meetings seriously and keep proper records for monitoring.
Community Engagement – MMDCEs were reminded that they are not “repositories of wisdom” and must engage communities to gather opinions and implement people-centered policies.
24-Hour District Capital Market – They were urged to ensure the construction of the 24-hour district capital market in line with government’s vision.
Apprenticeship Programme – The Minister tasked them to sustain the government’s apprenticeship programme for the benefit of the youth.
Relationship with Chiefs and Opinion Leaders – He advised MMDCEs to respect traditional and community leaders, serve with humility, and avoid prideful conduct.
Accountability on Assembly Projects – All projects will be strictly tracked, and MMDCEs will ultimately be accountable to the people of Ghana.
The Minister concluded with a strong caution that any negligence or misconduct will not be defended, as accountability before the people and the law is inevitable.
On the other hand, Hon. Brentum cautioned DRIP Coordinators not to misuse government machinery. He stressed that all equipment must be used responsibly and strictly for government purposes. Any misconduct, he said, will lead to immediate dismissal.
He encouraged both MMDCEs and DRIP Coordinators to work diligently in support of the government’s vision for development.
Signed:
Mr. Benjamin Afram Kwabena
Spokesperson to the Minister
Office of the Regional Minister
