Hon Faustina Elikplim Akurugu
Dome-Kwabenya

Mr Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to address this august House on the critical role of local governance in Ghana's democratic development, particularly addressing the challenges faced by unit committee members in our various local government units.

Mr Speaker, local governance continues to form the bedrock of Ghana's participatory democracy, ensuring that governance is brought closer to the people. Ghana's decentralisation system, established under Chapter 20 of the 1992 Constitution and the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), provides the framework for grassroots governance with district assemblies as the highest political and administrative authorities at the local level. The unit committee, as the lowest structure of the local government, is essential in engaging communities, mobilising citizens for development, and implementing policies at the grassroots level.

However, Mr Speaker, despite the importance placed on the unit committee, it continues to face challenges that hinder its work. A couple of days ago, I met with representatives of Unit Committee Members Association of Ghana. The membership, according to them, is 43,500. They asked me to present their challenges on the floor of this august House. In a petition presented to me, they requested an urgent intervention in addressing the following issues.

1. Lack of empowerment
Mr Speaker, the unit committee members feel disempowered due to insufficient authority and participation in the decision-making process. They, therefore, want to urge the Ministry for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs to provide clear guidelines that would enhance their role in the decision-making process.

2. Low Recognition and Compensation
Again, Mr Speaker, the unit committee members state that there is a noticeable low, if not absent, recognition and compensation for them. According to them, this lack of acknowledgement demotivates them and undermines their commitment. They propose that a structured compensation framework be put in place to reward and motivate them for their time and efforts.

3. Neglect by Central Government
Mr Speaker, there is a growing concern among Unit Committee members for neglect by the central government. According to them, this neglect is made manifest in limited communication, inadequate funding, and lack of involvement in policy formulation that affects local governance. As a result, they seek amendment in the Act to promote inclusiveness and participation in the decision-making process and more engagements with the central government regarding local issues.

4. Capacity Building and Training Needs.
Mr Speaker, the unit committee members reckon that there is an urgent need for capacity building through training programmes tailored specifically for committee members. Such training should be tailored to enhance their skills in governance, project management, conflict resolution, and community mobilisation.

5. Misunderstanding with Zonal Councils.

Finally, Mr Speaker, the unit committee members complained of rising misunderstanding with zonal councils, which disrupts collaboration and effective planning for community development. They recommend the establishment of regular dialogue sessions to foster understanding and cooperation.

In conclusion, Mr Speaker, addressing these challenges will go a long way in strengthening the effectiveness of the unit committee in the local government and ultimately, lead to improving the local governance system and community development. I thank you, Mr Speaker, for this opportunity.