Upper West Region, Ghana – May 2, 2025 – In an inspiring and motivational address, Hon. Charles Lwanga Puozuing Esq., the Upper West Regional Minister, urged nine newly sworn-in Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to embrace transformative leadership that prioritizes the needs of the community. The event, held on Friday, marked a significant milestone as the MMDCEs took on their critical roles amid various challenges facing the Assemblies.
Minister Puozuing emphasized the importance of being accessible leaders who reside within their districts to understand the real challenges faced by their constituents. “Your position is not a ceremonial title. It is a full-time, round-the-clock commitment to service,” he declared, stressing that MMDCEs must live among the people they serve and avoid the pitfalls of partisanship and patronage.
Highlighting the pressing issues confronting the District Assemblies, the Minister pointed to low citizen participation, inadequate internally generated funds, and weak institutional coordination, urging the MMDCEs to engage with the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936) as a guiding framework for their work. “The Assembly is not yours to control; it is a public institution guided by law,” he reminded them, underscoring their roles as representatives of the President and their dual political and administrative authority.
“The performance of your functions must reflect fidelity to the national interest and the aspirations of the ordinary Ghanaian,” the Minister added, calling for a collective commitment to ensure that democracy translates into tangible development for every citizen.
Minister Puozuing’s calls to action resonated with the audience, as he urged the MMDCEs to be bold, wise, and fair in their leadership, striving to deliver the dividends of democracy to their communities. He encouraged them to foster trust, integrity, and unity within their districts while collaborating effectively with local departments and opinion leaders.
Echoing the sentiments of the Regional Minister, Naa Puowele Karbo III, the President of the Upper Regional House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of the Lawra Traditional Area, emphasized the importance of the Minister’s message. He suggested that copies of the speech be distributed to the MMDCEs for their continued reference and study, reinforcing the core areas of their responsibilities.
Naa Puowele congratulated the newly sworn-in leaders and urged them to work closely with key stakeholders, particularly within traditional structures, to ensure meaningful development for their communities.
As the MMDCEs embark on this significant journey, the Upper West Regional Minister’s clarion call for transformative leadership and a commitment to service presents an optimistic outlook for the region’s development. With a focus on inclusivity and accountability, the future of local governance in the Upper West Region holds promise for all its citizens.
