Agona Swedru (C/R), June 18, GNA - Mr Emmanuel Kweku Tetteh, Agona West Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), has said that Unit Committees are the oil which powers the engine of democracy and stimulate the decentralization processes.

He said they also serve as the bedrock of the country's democratic dispensation that enhances the growth of the District Assembly operations. Mr Tetteh said these at the inauguration of unit committees at Agona Abodom and Agona Swedru.

The MCE said the unit committee concept was established by law to support the government and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to undertake and initiate developmental projects to better the lot of the people at the urban and rural areas.

The MCE described unit committees as the lowest arm of the local government at the grassroots level and it plays a pivotal role in the decision making process of the District Assembly concept.

Mr Tetteh cautioned members of the committees not to take advantage of their positions to fight with their assembly members and opinion leaders in their respective areas.

Mr Tetteh said the repeal of LI 1967 which replaced the LI 1589 of 1994 has made changes to the structures, composition and functions of sub-structures of MMDAs.

He warned members about the non-partisan nature of the operations of the District Assembly and called for cooperation among members and the people to enhance the development of their communities.

Mr Eric Akobeng, Agona West Municipal Budget Annalist, exhorted the members to always initiate development projects before seeking financial assistance from assembly.

Mr Leonard Mensah, Agona West Municipal Chief personnel Officer, cautioned the members not to beat the gong-gong without the consent of the traditional rulers to ensure peace.

In a related development, Mr Samuel Oppong, the Presiding Member of the Agona West Municipal Assembly also inaugurated Unit Committee members in seven electoral areas at Agona Nyakrom.