Decentralisation losing essence - MP

The NDC Member for Upper West Akim, says Ghana?s the decentralisation process is losing essence and called for steps to retrace the purpose and principle behind the concept.

Opening the discussion on the subject in parliament, the Upper West Akyem MP told his fellow MPs that the local government system has over the years drifted sharply from the originators intended it to be.

Mr. Sam Sallas-Mensah said the current system where DCEs are chosen based on political considerations instead of managerial expertise will continue to shift attention from the core duties they are supposed to perform.

He said local governance would only be effective if governments sacrifice their political interests.

Other speakers questioned the relevance of local assembly operated by the central government.

NDC MP for Lawra-Nandom, Dr. Ben Kumbuor and the NPP MP for Brekum, retired Captain Nkrabeah Effah Dartey questioned why local people are not allowed to initiate their own policies.

Dr Benjamin Kumbour asked whether African governments really understood the concept of decentralisation as it related to their peculiar circumstances.

" Or was it just one of those ideas that floated on the Continent,? he asks.

The Member again questioned the constitutional basis of the practice where Minister of Finance and Economic Planning and the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, decided what resource and competence should be used at the district level.

Others attacked the priority settings of the various local government units.

They argued that assemblies do not spend on items that will really improve the lives of the people.

The President appoints a third of assembly members.

Those selected, apart from traditional authorities, are expected to be technocrats and other experts in local governance.

But the MPs argued that political appointees have replaced even the experts. The MPs called for a nationwide dispassionate review of the entire local government system in order to make it work.