GAIT ends programme in Asante-Akim North

Konongo (Ash), July 28, GNA - A formal ceremony to mark the end of the three-year stay of the Government Accountability Improves Trust (GAIT) in the Asante-Akim North Municipality was on Monday held at Konongo. The ceremony, attended by staff of the District Assembly, education directorate, assembly members, civic unions, school management committees, traditional rulers and the general public, was to share the benefits of the collaboration between GAIT and the Assembly with the public. Mr George Frimpong, the Municipal Chief Executive lauded GAIT for its contributions towards the Municipal's effort at bringing good governance to the door step of the citizenry. He said the presence of GAIT in the Municipality had increased public participation of activities, thereby, strengthening the district assembly's concept.

The Municipal Chief Executive noted that through public fora people had realized the need to honour their tax obligations leading to increased voluntary payment of rates and fees to the Municipal. Mr Frimpong also observed that the role of GAIT had not only enhanced the citizens' trust in the Municipal but also improved transparency and accountability. He assured GAIT of the Assembly's commitment to sustain its programmes and implored all beneficiaries of GAIT programmes to join efforts in moving the Municipality forward. Mr Obeng Mireku, Finance and Administration Convener of the Municipal, said GAIT's programmes had equipped the Municipal with adequate skills to be more transparent, participatory and accountable. He commended GAIT for the series of workshops on decentralization and good governance to build the capacity of management and the Municipal members since 2005. Mr Mireku said the move had strengthened the collaboration between the Municipality and other stakeholders leading to increase in revenue mobilization. Mr Ted Lawrence, Mission Director of GAIT, said effective governance and democracy thrived on mutual trust and stressed the need for public participation in the Municipal's activities. He stated that GAIT's three-year stay in the Municipality had increased community participation in schools as well as strengthened school management committees (SMCs). He challenged the Municipality to adhere to GAIT's programme and build on it to ensure accelerated development.