Ms. Akosua Atta Nyarko, an esteemed Circuit Court Judge of Akyem Swedru, has presided over the official swearing-in ceremony for elected assembly members and government appointees of both Achiase District and Birim South District Assemblies.
They took both the official oath and the oath of secrecy during the ceremony, which celebrated the official start of the district assemblies.
A total of 24 Assembly members and eight government appointees were officially sworn into office in the Achiase District, while in the Birim South District, 11 assembly members and six government appointees were formally inducted into their respective positions.
During his inaugural address, Mr. Seth Kwame Acheampong, Eastern Regional Minister, highlighted the significance of the district assemblies’ inauguration in strengthening decentralisation, as outlined in Article 35, clause 6(d) of the 1992 constitution.
The article emphasises the importance of promoting decentralisation and encouraging citizen participation in governance.
It also highlights the need to provide ample opportunities for the public to engage in decision-making processes at every level of government.
Mr. Acheampong said it was important for assembly members to be actively involved in team efforts to bring about meaningful change in their electoral areas and improve local governance.
This would ensure that citizens have easier access to essential public services in their districts, rather than having to rely on the central government for such services.
According to Section 16(1) of Act 936, it is required to stay in touch with the electoral area, engage with the people regarding the topics to be addressed in the District Assembly, gather their perspectives, ideas, and suggestions, and actively participate in community and development initiatives.
To achieve this, the minister said the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development, in collaboration with the Institute of Local Government Studies, will be organising an orientation and training programme for them in the coming weeks.
This programme aims to help the assembly members understand and appreciate the roles and responsibilities that are expected of them.
GNA