In June, the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana – NALAG - held its 20th biennial Delegates Conference in Sunyani, in the Bono Region of Ghana. 

CLGF sponsored LED survey

The theme for 2019 was: Ghana Beyond Aid: A Paradigm Shift For Sustainable Development, The Role Of Local Authorities. This year’s conference created an opportunity to discuss topical issues such as mobilising local resources for sustainable development, during which the CLGF sponsored study on Local Economic Development (LED) as a framework for attaining the Sustainable Development Goals SDGs in Ghana was presented.

Other discussion subjects included: localising the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the role of the Assemblies; the culture of dialogue with citizens: a participatory tool to improve internally generated funds; and waste management: a tool for development. 

CLGF was represented by West Africa Regional Programme Officer, Ms Joyce Ekuful, who conveyed a message of support and solidarity on behalf of the organisation. In her presentation, she highlighted the role of CLGF within the commonwealth and among member countries.

NALAG's important role in providing a voice

She said: “In order to meet the challenge set by the theme of the conference, local governments must be empowered. They must have the capacity and resources to be able to play a full role as partners in development.” She continued by praising the important role that NALAG is playing as an umbrella body, by bringing together the voices of local governments throughout the country to address this challenge.   

As the highest decision-making body of the association, the conference is used as a platform for electing executives to serve on the National Executive Council (NEC), amending the constitution and passing resolutions.

NALAG elects new president

The conference saw the election of new National Executive Committee Members: with Hon Bismark Baisie Nkum, District Chief Executive (DCE) of Gomoa West District Assembly voted in as the New President of NALAG. Hon Williams Aduum and Hon Evelyn Dansoa Boateng maintained their seats as First Vice President and Second Vice President respectively.