By: Evans Attah Akangla | ignewss – Ho, Ghana
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Ho, Hon. Stephen Adom, has called for closer collaboration between the Ho Municipal Assembly and traditional authorities to accelerate development and address challenges affecting communities in the municipality.
He made the call during an engagement with chiefs and queen mothers from various communities in the municipality on Thursday, August 27.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the assembly to brief traditional leaders on its development agenda, including the mobilisation of Internally Generated Funds (IGF), the utilisation of Common Fund allocations and other government-supported projects.
Hon. Adom commended traditional leaders for their contribution to maintaining peace and supporting development, stressing that their involvement was essential to the successful implementation of the assembly’s programmes.
He noted that as custodians of the land, chiefs needed to be adequately informed about development projects within their traditional areas so they could provide guidance and help facilitate their implementation.
“Our chiefs are now an integral part of the Assembly, and whatever we do, we must ensure that they are involved. They are the custodians of our land and whatever we are doing, they should be aware of it,” he said.
The MCE described the engagement as important to his administration and disclosed plans to institutionalise the meeting at least twice a year.
He said the performance of the Assembly should ultimately be assessed by residents and urged the traditional leaders to use the development information presented at the meeting to monitor the Assembly’s progress.
Hon. Adom said the response from the chiefs and queen mothers had been encouraging, adding that their participation demonstrated their interest in the development of the municipality.
He also disclosed plans to engage the clergy as part of efforts to broaden consultation with key stakeholders.
On cooperation from traditional authorities, the MCE said most chiefs had been supportive of his administration and regularly provided advice on matters affecting their communities.
He nevertheless appealed to the traditional leaders to maintain unity and continue supporting initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and infrastructure.
Hon. Adom also highlighted challenges associated with the implementation of major infrastructure projects, particularly where existing structures have to be removed to make way for development.
He cited the ongoing Big Push road project at Sokode-Bagble, where some properties have been affected by the construction works.
According to him, security agencies had to intervene in some instances to facilitate the relocation of affected property owners following compensation arrangements.
He also disclosed that discussions had been held with some property owners, including regional executives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), to remove structures along the Ho-Denu Highway in accordance with requirements by the contractor.
The MCE further appealed to residents and business owners to comply with Assembly directives concerning structures located along major roads.
He cited the K.K. House–Ahoe Roundabout stretch, where shop owners and other property owners have been notified to relocate structures to enable the Assembly to create walkways and improve traffic movement and pedestrian safety.
Source: www.ignewss.com|Ghana