You Are Responsible for Decentralisation Success – Otumfuo to Chief Directors
The King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has stated that the realisation of the purpose of decentralisation largely rests on the shoulders of the Chief Directors of Regional Coordinating Councils.
Addressing the officials who serve as administrative heads of RCCs and primary advisors to Regional Ministers, and who coordinate activities across all MMDAs, the Asantehene reminded them that the nation’s development depends on them.
“You are in charge of policies introduced by political leaders. Your office is the foundation of decentralisation. If it fails to deliver its purpose, you are to blame. The politicians will come and go, but you remain at post,” he said.
His Majesty urged them to remain committed to their duty as advisors to Regional Ministers rather than becoming attached to the positions they occupy.
“Don’t regard the CD role as just a title. Let it translate into development. How are you getting water, electricity and good roads to the places that need them? The politicians stand on campaign platforms to make the promises, but its realisation rests on you,” he said.
“Make sure you give sound advice to the political heads. You often fear telling them the truth because you fear losing your jobs, but you will be held accountable for keeping quiet.”
The King further encouraged them to adopt innovative means of registering their objections to unwholesome decisions by their superiors.
“If deaf ears are turned to your advice, document it for future reference. Think about Ghana. Let us see the essence of decentralisation so that every corner of the country can taste and feel it,” he said, with reference to an incident recorded in Ghana’s history.
The directors paid a courtesy call on the Asantehene on August 5, 2026, led by the Head of the Local Government Service, Prof. Lord Mensah, following training workshops for the directors in the Ashanti Region.
In his submission, Prof. Mensah described the Chief Directors as the engine of governance.
He assured Otumfuo that measures had been instituted for the smooth running of MMDAs.
The delegation included Felicia Dapaah Boakye, Chief Director of the Local Government Service; Lawyer Owusu Amoah, Chief Director of the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council; Jemima Lomotey, Chief Director of the Western North Regional Coordinating Council; S.S. Agbeve, Chief Director of the Oti Regional Coordinating Council; Rachel Fosua, Chief Director of the Western Regional Coordinating Council; Alhaji Avona Mohammed Akape, Chief Director of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council; and Rev. Dr Harry Kwatei Owoo, Chief Director of the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
Click to read more: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/
