MMDAs tasked to find innovative ways to get funding

Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), have been called upon to find innovation ways of getting funding for the development of their respective areas instead of over-relying on the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF).

Mr Daniel A. Syme , Upper East Deputy Regional Minister made the call on Friday at the first ordinary meeting of the third session of the Garu-Tempane District Assembly at Garu-Tempane of the Upper East Region.

The Upper East Deputy Minister, who is also acting as the District Chief  Executive for the Garu-Tempane, Builsa South and Biduri, which had no substantive District Chief Executives entreated Assembly members to go extra mile by searching and collaborating with stakeholders especially NGOs to attract them to assist  in developing their  respective communities and the Districts as a whole.

“Lets us explore new areas and ensure cohesive linkages with development partners. This will make our tenure as Assembly Members effective and meaningful. The continuous over-reliance on the DACF will not augur well for us” the Deputy Regional Minister said.

Nr Syme also tasked the MMDAs to help fight against the spate of indiscipline among the youth, particularly in the three northern regions where conflicts abounds.

He told the Assembly members that they could do this by engaging the youth in counseling sessions and also mirroring to them the consequences of their negative actions.

Mr Syme said the Regional Minister had drawn up a programme to visit all the districts in the Region to interact with key stakeholders.

So far, he said, they had paid courtesy calls on the paramount chiefs in the region, stressing that “we are here to serve the good people of the region in such a manner that will lead to the realization of the vision of His Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama”.

Mr Syme said as acting District Chief Executive for Garu-Tempane, Builsa South and Biduri districts, he would on every Monday hold briefings with the District Coordinating Councils Directors and to draw up a program of work for the week.

He said he would visit the districts to interact with traditional authorities, inspect ongoing projects and hold discussions with the District Security Councils (DISECs).

The Assembly at an election to elect Presiding Member (PM) could not do so because the poll ended with no winner.

The two persons, Mr. Edward Dahamani and Mr Cletus Azabe, who contested the election, failed to secure two-thirds of the votes as required by the District Assembly Act.

Source: GNA