The Ga West Municipal Assembly organized a one-day training workshop for all Departmental Heads, Zonal Council Administrators, and Departmental representatives at its Zonal council. The workshop was part of the Assembly's implementation and fulfillment of the 2024 Revised Capacity Building plan towards transforming local authorities into self-reliant, autonomous and active partners for national development.

The training took place on Thursday, 22nd August 2024 at the Assembly Hall and was facilitated by Madam Candid Pwara, Head of the Internal Audit Unit. The purpose of the training was to educate the officers on the functions of the Zonal Council and the duties of the officers assigned at each zonal council.

Speaking on behalf of the Municipal Coordinating Director, Madam Candid Pwara gave a detailed presentation on the roles of the stake holders of District Assemblies, the local governance structure, the models that guide staff in the Zonal Councils, the types of meetings at the zonal council, the notifications, implications and proceedings at zonal council meetings, quorums of order, committees of the council, allowances, and the functions of the zonal council.

She emphasized that the decentralization initiative was aimed at seeking authority and responsibility at the local level to plan and execute activities. Madam Candid also highlighted that the zonal councils must hold at least four(4) special meetings annually called by the chairman. She further stated that regular meetings should be held at least once every quarter at agreed-upon intervals.

Miss Pwara stressed that the notice of meetings of zonal councils should always contain the type of meeting, place, date, day, and time, as well as the signature of the chairman or authorized secretary. She urged all administrators of the zonal council to submit their reports on time.

The Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr. Isaac Kwakye, advised that the growth and implementation of activities by National Disaster Management Organization, Agric Department, Information Services Department and Social Welfare should be reflected in the Zonal Councils.

Source: Dorcas Osei, ISD GWMA