30/08/2024
The 1992 Constitution of Ghana outlines the responsibilities and accountability mechanisms for leaders of local government, primarily in Chapter 20, which focuses on "Decentralization and Local Government." Here are the key points related to the accountability of local government leaders:
1. **District Assemblies and Executive Committees (Article 240-243)**:
- District Assemblies are the primary units of local government.
- The Constitution mandates that these assemblies be accountable to the people they serve. It emphasizes democratic principles and requires that local government representatives be elected to ensure they represent the people’s interests.
2. **Accountability Mechanisms (Article 240(2))**:
- Article 240(2) stipulates that the system of local government should include provisions for accountability at all levels. This includes ensuring that the leadership of local government is answerable to the people through appropriate checks and balances.
3. **Financial Accountability (Article 240(2)(c))**:
- The Constitution requires that the financial administration of District Assemblies be conducted in a manner that ensures accountability. This includes proper management of funds and resources at the local level to prevent corruption and misuse.
4. **Appointment and Removal of District Chief Executives (Article 243)**:
- The President appoints District Chief Executives (DCEs), who are the executive heads of the District Assemblies. However, their accountability is ensured through their responsibility to the District Assembly. The Assembly has the power to pass a vote of no confidence in the DCE, which can lead to their removal.
5. **Public Access to Information (Article 240(2)(e))**:
- The Constitution also promotes transparency and accountability by requiring that there be public access to information on the operations of local governments. This ensures that citizens can scrutinize and hold their local leaders accountable.
These provisions in the 1992 Constitution ensure that leaders at the local government level in Ghana are accountable to the people, with systems in place to promote transparency, responsible management, and democratic governance.
