President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Minister for Local Government to establish a structured framework that brings traditional rulers and MMDAs together to jointly monitor the progress of development projects across the country.
Speaking at Jubilee House on Friday during a courtesy call by the Northern Regional House of Chiefs, President Mahama said one of the biggest frustrations of Ghanaians was the gap between projects that were announced and projects that were actually completed, and between funds that were allocated and value that was delivered. He said involving chiefs in project monitoring would close that gap.
Under the framework, District Chief Executives and traditional rulers would be required to physically visit project sites together on a regular basis to review the state of work and assess progress.
The President said the arrangement would improve transparency, accountability, and quality assurance in the delivery of government infrastructure.
“One of the greatest frustrations of our people is the gap between projects that are announced and projects that are completed, between funds allocated and value delivered. If chiefs and community leaders become active partners in monitoring mechanisms, we will improve transparency, accountability, and quality assurance,” he stated.
The President noted that the proposal by the Northern Regional House of Chiefs for a structured partnership between government and traditional authority was both timely and necessary, and that he fully agreed with it.
He said his administration did not view chiefs as ceremonial figures to be consulted occasionally, but as strategic partners in governance, peacebuilding, social mobilisation, and development.
President Mahama added that Cabinet had been meeting to consider the Constitutional Review Committee report, and that he had previously advocated for the National House of Chiefs to be captured in constitutional amendments giving traditional leaders a greater role in local administration.
He said the timing of the Northern Regional House of Chiefs’ visit would help guide Cabinet’s deliberations on that aspect of the review.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
