The Upper East Regional Minister has opened a two-day leadership and development training programme for District Chief Executives (DCEs) and Coordinating Directors, urging them to uphold professionalism, integrity and effective collaboration in local governance.
The programme, organised by the Coastal State Stability Mechanism (CSSM), is being held at the La-Palm Zorkor Hotel and has brought together CSSM officials, resource persons and key actors in local government.
Addressing participants, the Minister described the training as timely, noting that it responds directly to current challenges confronting Ghana’s decentralisation and local governance system. He stressed that leadership at the district level is critical, describing DCEs and Coordinating Directors as frontline leaders whose decisions have a direct impact on peace, stability and development in their jurisdictions.
He underscored the role of District Assemblies in Ghana’s decentralisation framework, explaining that governance outcomes are most visible at the local level where citizens feel the effects of success or failure. Effective leadership, he said, requires not only technical competence but also integrity, foresight and an appreciation of socio-economic and security dynamics.
The Minister said the work of the CSSM is particularly important in addressing vulnerabilities created by weak institutions, poor service delivery and exclusion, which can undermine peace. Strengthening leadership and institutional capacity at the district level, he noted, is therefore both a governance and security priority.
He further observed that the performance of District Assemblies depends largely on the quality of collaboration between political and administrative leadership. He warned that mistrust and unclear roles slow development and weaken public confidence, while cooperation and shared purpose improve outcomes.
The Minister said the training offers participants an opportunity to reflect on leadership approaches, conflict management, stakeholder engagement and development planning in complex environments, and encouraged them to actively participate and share experiences.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment under President John Dramani Mahama to strengthening decentralisation and restoring professionalism in local government, the Minister said district leaders are central to delivering that agenda.
He assured participants of his continued support but said he expects the highest ethical standards from all district officials. He expressed confidence that the training would lead to stronger institutions and more resilient communities across the Upper East Region.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
