Wenchi Assembly SUB-Structures  Inaugurated With Public Hearing On MTDP

Inauguration of the sub-structures of the Wenchi Municipal Assembly and Public Hearing on the 2022-2025 Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP) have been held.

The inauguration of the sub-structures would enable and enhance citizen participation, decentralization, and deepening local governance. It would also help enhance revenue generation and mobilization from the various zones of the Municipality. 

In an address delivered on his behalf to inaugurate the five Zonal Councils in the Wenchi Municipality, the Municipal Chief Executive Alexander Obour Damoah charged the Councils, as a matter of urgency, to prevent and control fire outbreaks including bush fires to protect lives, properties, and the environment in this crucial time of the season.

He said the Assembly in collaboration with the Municipal Fire Command has begun selection and training of Fire Volunteers in various communities.

He disclosed that the Assembly has supported the Fire Command with some quantities of logistics such as wellington boots, cutlasses, and touch lights during the launch of this year's Anti-Bush Fire Officer Campaign as part of the 37th Farmers' Day program at Ayigbe. stipulated in the Local Governance Acts.

The MCE further charged the Councils to intensify revenue generation and work towards the collection of ceded revenue as the Councils would be given 50% of the total revenue they generate to help carry out their approved activities.

"The Councils should liaise with Environmental Health Officers, as part of their responsibilities, to ensure sanitation and promote hygiene in their respective communities", he charged.

An Urban/Zonal Council shall consist of not less than ten (10) and not more than fifteen (15) members made up of the following; (a) not more than five persons elected from electoral areas within the area of authority of an Urban/Zonal Council
(b) not more than ten representatives from the Unit Committees in the area of authority of the Council concerned are elected annually and on a rotational basis; except that each Unit Committee shall be represented on the Urban Council.
(c) Tenure of Office; A member of an Urban/Zonal Council shall hold office for four years.
Sub-regulation (c) shall not apply to the representatives from the Unit Committees. A person elected in this regard shall hold office for one year and shall be eligible for re-election. The election shall be conducted by the Electoral Commission. 

By the Local Government Instrument LI 1967 of 2010, Regulations 6 (1) and 18 (1) the functions of the Urban, Zonal and Town Councils are among others;
Emulate and keep records of all ratable persons and properties in the area.
Assist authorized persons by the Assembly to collect revenue due to the Assembly. 
Recommend to the Assembly the naming of all streets in its area of authority and cause all buildings in the street to be numbered.
Plant trees in any street and erect tree guards to protect them.
Prevent and control fire outbreaks including bush fires. 
Organize with relevant Organisations annual events to discuss developmental issues and raise support contributions for area development.
Perform such other functions as may be delegated by the Assembly. 

Members of the Councils inaugurated were trained on the Local Governance Acts, functions of the Councils, and their administrative duties, mobilization, and uses of Internally Generated Fund (IGF). The capacity building workshop was part of the Assembly's efforts to help develop administrative, budgetary, and financial skills, to enable the Councils to perform effectively and efficiently. They were sworn into Office with immediate effect. The inauguration was held simultaneously in all the five Zonal Centres namely Wenchi, Asuogya, Awisa, Subinso No:2, and Nchiraa by a Team of Resource Persons from the Municipal Assembly. Each Resource Team was made up of Admin Officers, Internal Audit, Planning Unit, Budget Unit, Finance Unit, Procurement Unit. There was a Mobile Team led by the Municipal Coordinating Director Douglas N.K Annoful for supervision of all the Zonal Centres to ensure successful exercise. 

Public Hearing on the Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP) held alongside inauguration of the Councils, was an integral part of the plan preparation process which sought to solicit and incorporate the views and comments, the needs and aspirations of stakeholders to charge the sub-structures to work towards its attainment to enhance development.