“While mobilising resources, you must be directly accountable to the people whom you represent at the assembly; the destiny of our nation lies in the collective hands of all of us,” he stated.

At a one-day orientation programme for 130 appointed assembly members in the Greater Accra Region yesterday, Mr Ashitey said, “Our people are looking up to us to provide and implement policies necessary for poverty alleviation and wealth creation.”

The event sought to build the capacity of the participants to increase their knowledge of local governance framework, legislation, policies and regulations, as well as help them to discharge their roles and responsibilities effectively.

It was jointly organised by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and the Institute of Local Government Studies (ILGS).

Mr Ashitey said though the government was committed to ensuring consistent disbursement of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF)  to the various assemblies, assembly members were also required to initiate steps to mobilise internally generated funds to complement the government’s efforts.

He said the Constitution provided that as far as practicable, the people in particular areas of local government should be afforded every opportunity to participate effectively in their own governance.

He said it was for such reason that the people of Ghana, every four years, regularly exercised the right to elect their own representatives to serve their interests and to spearhead their local development agenda.

Measure up to task

Mr Ashitey expressed optimistism that the orientation programme would build the capacity of the appointees to function effectively in their new office and place them in a better position to appreciate the work expected from them.