Tepa (Ash), June 16, GNA - Nana Eric Agyemang Prempeh, Ahafo-Ano North District Chief Executive has advised assembly members to be conversant with the Local Government Act 462 and the District Assembly Standing Orders to enable them to play meaningful roles in the socio-economic development in their communities.

The DCE, who is also the Ashanti Regional representative of National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG), said this at a closing session of a three-day orientation course for 49 assembly members in the Ahafo-Ano North District at Tepa at the weekend. The participants were taken through the district assembly common fund, procurement and contracting processes at the district level, the role of assembly members in revenue mobilization and generation as well as the functions of assembly members.

Other topics included the district assembly as a planning and budgeting entity, standing order, the role of assembly members in environmental and sanitation management, gender issues in local governance and NALAG.

Nana Prempeh urged the assembly members to use the skills they have acquired during the training to assist the Assembly to improve its revenue mobilization as well as environmental sanitation management, which are some of the major challenges facing the Assembly. Mr Isaac Kofi Boateng, a resource person, stressed the need for the assembly members to constantly keep in touch with their communities and provide strong leadership and direction for effective local governance and rural development.

Mr Kenneth Adu Poku, on behalf of the participants thanked the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development for making it possible for them to acquire the necessary skills through the orientation course, which would help them to discharge their duties effectively.

He noted that unit committee and town council members have a unique role to play in good governance and suggested that a similar course be organized for them.