BY: Togbui Dzablu IV | OPINION
As a traditional leader and a concerned citizen, I am compelled to speak out on the plight of our District Assembly members and Unit committee members. These dedicated individuals are the backbone of our governance system, working tirelessly to promote local development and democracy. Yet, they are not paid for their work.
This is unacceptable.Article 242 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana recognizes the importance of District Assemblies in our governance system ¹. However, the District Assembly Elections Act, 1994 (Act 473), does not provide for the payment of salaries or allowances to District Assembly members.
This has far-reaching consequences. Without compensation, Assembly members are often forced to use their own resources to support community development projects, creating a burden on them and their families and potentially leading to corruption and undue influence.Furthermore, the monetization of the confirmation of District Chief Executives and the election of Council of State members has created a system that undermines the integrity of local governance.
Assembly members are expected to play a crucial role in these processes, but they are not paid for their work. Instead, they are often influenced by financial incentives, which can lead to decisions that are not in the best interest of their communities.It is time for the government to recognize the value of our Assembly members and Unit committee members. They deserve to be paid for their work, and they deserve our respect and support.
I urge the recent constitutional review team to consider Act 473 and make necessary amendments to ensure that Assembly members are empowered to perform their duties effectively.I also call on community members to support their Assembly members and Unit committee members, and to recognize the sacrifices they make for our communities.
In many communities, Assembly members are the ones who provide support and assistance to residents. They help to resolve disputes, provide guidance and counseling, and facilitate development projects. They are the face of local government, and they play a critical role in promoting democracy and good governance.
However, despite their importance, Assembly members are often overlooked and undervalued. They are not provided with the necessary resources and support to perform their duties effectively, and they are often expected to work for free. This is not sustainable. If we want to build stronger, more vibrant communities, we need to recognize the value of our Assembly members and Unit committee members.
We need to provide them with the necessary support and resources, and we need to pay them for their work.Let us work together to build stronger, more vibrant communities. Let us support our Assembly members and Unit committee members, and let us show our appreciation for their hard work and dedication.
It is time to pay our Assembly members. It is time to recognize their value and their contributions to our communities. Let us make it happen.
The writer is a media practitioner and Awafia of Kpando Dzewoe