REEL G
As part of efforts to track the performance of MMDCEs for improved service delivery, the Ministry developed and rolled out DASHBOARD to all 261 MMDAs and 260 MMDAs were sensitized on the implementation of the YouStart Initiative after the launch.
Also, the Ministry in collaboration with ILGS undertook a 3-Day Zonal Refresher Course on Leadership and Management training for Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in four (4) Zones held in Cape Coast, Sunyani, Tamale and Ho respectively. The 3-day customised refresher certificate course was intended to help MMDCEs reflect on their three months’
experience on the job, bring back some of their job experiences for managerial and leadership analysis and feedback, deepen their understanding of local governance and development management, including requirements for managing their respective local governments with business mindsets of effectiveness, efficiency, value for money, social justice and inclusivity. It also provided the MMDCEs with an opportunity to analyse, reflect and devise innovative strategies to implement the central Government’s Flagship interventions and programmes.
Again, to improve the skills of MMDAs to deliver on their mandate, the Government of Ghana through the Ministry and the Swiss Government signed an Agreement for an amount of CHF 400,800 (GH¢3m) Grant to implement a capacity building project on a “Responsive, Effective and Efficient Local Governance in Ghana (REEL-G). Successful implementation of this pilot project will provide lessons that will lead to the design of a new Capacity Building Framework (CBF) to support the Performance Based Grant System (PBGS).
Furthermore, to strengthen the legal and institutional framework and improve the governance and efficiency of Local Government Service delivery, a draft Local Government Finances Bill has been drafted by the Ministries of Finance and Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development. Also, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has engaged Messrs Digital Cities Solution to develop and roll out a Unified Common Platform for efficient and effective property rate administration and management to improve IGF mobilization in the MMDAs.
The Ministry has revised the 2012 National Urban Policy and 4No. Zonal Consultations were held with decentralised stakeholders (RCCs and MMDA) and other Non-State Organisations.
The Ministry will continue to engage various stakeholders for inputs into the Local Government Finances Bill and finalize the bill for approval by Parliament and continue with the implementation of strategies to improve IGF mobilization and implement the National Decentralization Policy. The Ministry will facilitate the District Level elections at the MMDAs across the country.
To improve service delivery within the Local Government Service, the Office of the Head of the Local Government Service (OHLGS) instituted a Performance Management System for all levels (OHLGS, RCCs MMDAs). The performance contracts for 2022 have been signed and submitted to the OHLGS. The office also assessed the implementation of the 2021 Performance Contracts of the 16 RCCs and 261 MMDAs in September 2022.
The OHLGS organized 2No. working session with representatives from RCCs, MMDAs, and CHRAJ to come out with modalities for the improvement of client service units and this was to enhance and strengthen client service units at the decentralized level.