Okyehene calls for an entrenched decentralized system

Kyebi, April 3, GNA - The Okyehene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori-Panin, has reiterated the need for an entrenched decentralized system in which implementations of national policies would be managed by the decentralized administration. He said every region has to be given its own budgetary allocation to implement its own developmental projects, in line with the national policy. The Okyehene, who made this observation when the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, called on him at Kyebi, indicated that the trend where every project was referred to Accra for financing before implementation was hampering development. According to him bureaucracy and the centralized system of power that every "little thing" was sent to Accra had slowed Ghana's development pace and must be reversed.

The Okyehene said this phenomenon had not only retard the national progress, but also resulted in abject poverty for the majority of Ghanaians and bankrupted the future of Ghana for the upcoming youth. The Okyehene pointed out that the new administration had a lot to do since so many things had gone wrong with the system of governance for which, "Professor Atta Mills must be assertive and bold in decisions that would enhance the wellbeing of the people" He said the change in governance must reflect in attitudes, adding that although not all would be pleased with the change, "I urge the President to be focused in the duty entrusted to him for a better Ghana," he said.

The Abontendomhene of Kyebi, Osabarima Kyeretwie Danquah, who welcomed the Minister, said the elections were over and it was important that government focused on issues that would promote national development. He told the Minister that he was always welcomed for discussion and any business that would promote development and national cohesion. Mr Ofosu-Ampofo described his visit to the Regional NPP office a day after assuming office, as an indication of his resolve to have an open administration. He indicated that the Mills administration recognized the important role of the traditional authorities in the task ahead and thanked them for the warm reception accorded him. 3 April 09