The government is preparing to introduce measures requiring Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) across Ghana to broadcast their meetings live on local FM stations as part of efforts to promote transparency, accountability and public participation in local governance.
The Minister of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, announced the proposed policy during a breakfast meeting with development partners, heads of departments and agencies under the Ministry in Accra on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
According to Mahama Ayariga, the government intends to introduce regulations and administrative directives that will make the live broadcast of assembly meetings mandatory.
He explained that MMDAs serve as local legislative bodies and, therefore, their proceedings should be accessible to residents within their respective communities.
“Every assembly meeting, I’m coming out with regulations and directives that say that every assembly meeting must be aired live on the local FM stations because assemblies are local legislative bodies,” he said.
Government Seeks Greater Transparency in Local Governance
Mahama Ayariga said the proceedings of local assemblies should be conducted with a similar level of openness and transparency as proceedings of the national Parliament.
He noted that residents have a right to know about discussions, decisions and policies that directly affect their communities.
The proposed live broadcast of assembly meetings is therefore expected to give citizens easier access to local government proceedings and create opportunities for greater public engagement.
Local FM Stations to Support Assembly Broadcasts
The Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Ministry is already supporting regional broadcasting stations and plans to collaborate with local FM stations to facilitate the live transmission of MMDA meetings.
The initiative is expected to enable residents who may not be able to attend assembly meetings physically to follow proceedings from their homes and communities.
By making MMDA meetings accessible through local radio, the government hopes to strengthen communication between local authorities and residents while encouraging greater civic participation.
Initiative to Strengthen Accountability
The proposed policy forms part of broader government efforts to improve local government transparency and accountability in Ghana.
Live coverage of assembly meetings could provide residents with more information about decisions concerning local development, public services, infrastructure and community projects.
The government says the initiative will ultimately support a more open local governance system, giving citizens greater opportunities to follow and participate in decisions that affect their communities.
Source: newsthemegh.com