The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has presented 128 vehicles to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) across the country as part of its programme to retool local assemblies to enhance governance at the local level.
The Haval H9 Sports Utility vehicles constitute the first batch of vehicles that have been purchased by the government to support MMDAs with tools and logistics needed to deliver development.
At a brief handover the sector Minister, Mahama Ayariga, presented the vehicles, completely documented, to MMDCEs from 11 out of the 16 regions.
He explained that the second pool of vehicles, which includes the remainder of Haval H9 Sports Utility and pick-ups, would be taken through the necessary registration and documentation procedures and distributed to the assemblies.
The minister added that the Greater Accra, Western, Ashanti, Eastern, and parts of the Central Region would receive their vehicles in the next consignment.
"We chose MMDCEs in the farthest and rural regions to have their vehicles first so that the others which are closer and more urban can have the second batch," he explained.
Efficient work, no misuse
Mr Ayariga stated that the Haval H9 Sports Utility were specifically meant to facilitate the movement of MMDCEs to perform their duties effectively, while the pick-ups would be used as operational cars by other officials at the MMDAs.
The Haval H9 Sports Utility vehicles presented to MMDCEs.
"We want to ensure that our MMDCEs and other officers at the assemblies can move well so that they can deliver development to all parts of their districts to benefit the people.
"It is for this reason that the President decided that 80 per cent of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) should come directly to the assemblies, and the Finance Ministry also uncapped the Common Fund," he said.
The minister urged the MMDCEs to use the vehicles judiciously, and only for official purposes.
He also stressed the need for the MMDAs to adhere strictly to proper maintenance culture to keep the vehicles in good shape.
Relatedly, Mr Ayariga said motorcycles were also being procured for assembly members across the country to facilitate their movement within their electoral areas and improve the performance of their responsibilities.
Galamsey fight
During the presentation of the vehicles, Mr Ayariga told the MMDCEs that the government was moving into full action to fight and win the war against illegal mining, known popularly as galamsey.
The minister said in the revised phase of the strategy to clamp down on galamsey, MMDCEs would become the focal point for the implementation of coordinated and sustained measures to curb the menace.
In that regard, he urged the MMDCEs to roll up their sleeves and gird their loins for the task ahead of them.
"We are convening a conference in Kumasi on November 2 this year to forge collaboration between us (Local Government) and the ministries of Lands and Natural Resources, the Environment, Science and Technology (MEST) to tackle galamsey on all fronts.
"We will look at workable strategies, including how to put in place systems that would make the MMDCEs take charge of the fight within their areas," he said.
