President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs to establish a dedicated Local Government TV platform to improve citizen access to the activities of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
Local Government Minister Mahama Ayariga announced the initiative on Monday, October 5, during the Government Accountability Series held at the Jubilee House.
According to Mr Ayariga, the proposed platform will give citizens greater access to local government activities, proceedings and decisions that directly affect communities across Ghana.
Local Government Meetings to Be Broadcast Live
The Minister said the initiative will include the live broadcast of General Assembly and Town Hall meetings in selected MMDAs as part of a pilot programme.
He said the Ministry will collaborate with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) and the National Communications Authority (NCA) to implement the project.
“We believe in popular participation. We will work with NCCE, GBC and NCA to pilot live broadcast of General Assembly and Town Hall meetings in selected MMDAs,” Mr Ayariga said.
The initiative is expected to improve transparency and accountability in local government, while allowing residents to follow discussions and decisions taken by their local authorities.
Mahama Government Seeks Stronger Local Governance
Mahama Ayariga said the proposed Local Government TV platform forms part of the government’s broader efforts to make local authorities more responsive to the needs of residents.
He explained that President Mahama’s vision is for every local government authority to become more service-oriented and focused on addressing challenges within its jurisdiction.
“President Mahama’s vision is that every local government authority must be service oriented and also oriented towards solving the problems of residents of their localities,” he said.
Platform to Connect Citizens With 261 MMDAs
The proposed platform is also expected to strengthen citizen participation in local governance by providing residents with more information about the work of Ghana’s 261 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies.
Mr Ayariga said improved access to information will enable citizens to better understand decisions taken at the local level and participate more effectively in governance.
He added that the overall objective is to ensure that residents are properly informed and actively involved in the development and governance of their communities.
The initiative is therefore expected to promote greater government accountability, public participation and transparency across Ghana’s local government system.
Source: newsthemegh.com