Three African states form network of local authorities
National associations of local authorities in three African states have formed a network to enhance efficiency in local governance in their respective countries.
The three the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG), the Urban Council Association of Zimbabwe (UCAZ) and the Gambia Local Authority (GALGA), initiated the “Strengthening Transnational Partnership and networks for enhance participatory local governance project (STRAP).
STRAP is being funded by European Union the project which is expected to end this year was launched in Harare, Zimbabwe in March 2011.
Five districts in Ghana, namely Adenta, Atebubu Amantin, Nadowli, Suhum Kraboa Coaltar, and Gomoa West are beneficially of the project.
Speaking at a two-day workshop for stakeholders in Gomoa West District, Mr Theophilus Aidoo-Mensah, District Chief Executive, said NALAG, which represented metropolitan and municipal assemblies, assisted the central government in the implementation and monitoring of government programmes at the district levels.
He said NALAG also provided channels for effective communication between member local government authorities and the central government and also promoted the right and privileges and interest of all local government authorities.
He said overall, STRAP programmes were to support transnational exchange of lessons and good practices between local government associations for enhance service delivery.
Mr Aidoo-Mensah said in line with this objective transnational dialogue workshop was held in Accra, which helped in pairing all the 15 districts and municipality in three countries for international peer review.
He appealed to all districts benefitting from these projects to actively participate and get involved in the activities implemented by STRAP.
“We must make positive contribution towards the growth and development of this programme because it needs the commitment of all district assembly for it success.
Mr Tserayi Macainga of UCAZ, who was the main resource person, said STRAP aimed at three thematic areas – equity, effectiveness and accountability.
He urged women to participate in local governance.
Alhaji I.M. Sharrif, Secretary of NALAG, commended Gomoa West Assembly for the good work being done and urged the beneficiary districts to own STRAP and use it well to promote development.
Source: GNA