The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has charged Chief Directors of Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs) to take ownership of Ghana’s development agenda, stressing that the success of the country’s decentralisation system depends largely on their effectiveness.
According to the Asantehene, Chief Directors occupy a critical position in the governance structure because they coordinate the activities of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and ensure the implementation of government policies at the local level.
Otumfuo made the remarks when a delegation of Chief Directors paid a courtesy call on him at the Manhyia Palace.
He said although political leaders introduce policies and programmes, the responsibility of ensuring that those initiatives translate into real development rests on the shoulders of administrators.
“You are in charge of policies introduced by political leaders. Your office is the very foundation of decentralisation. If it fails to deliver on its purpose, you are to blame,” he stated.
“The politicians will come and go, but you remain in post. The continuity of government rests on your shoulders.”
The Asantehene urged Chief Directors to see their roles beyond administrative positions and focus on delivering tangible improvements in areas such as water, electricity, roads and other essential services.
“Don’t regard the CD role as just a position. Let it translate into development,” he said.
He noted that many Ghanaians continue to struggle to feel the impact of government policies because of weak coordination and poor implementation at the regional and district levels.
Otumfuo also encouraged the administrators to provide honest professional advice to political leaders, warning that remaining silent over poor decisions could make them accountable for future consequences.
“Make sure you give sound, professional 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,” he cautioned.
He advised Chief Directors to document their professional recommendations where necessary, especially when their advice is ignored.
“If deaf ears are turned to your advice, document it for future reference. Think about Ghana first. Let us see the essence of decentralisation so that every corner of the country can taste and feel it,” he added.
The delegation was led by the Head of the Local Government Service, Prof. Lord Mensah, who was in Kumasi for training workshops for directors in the Ashanti Region.
Prof. Mensah described Chief Directors as “the engine of governance” and assured the Asantehene that the Local Government Service was implementing measures to strengthen capacity, improve coordination and enhance the performance of MMDAs.
The delegation included Chief Directors from various Regional Coordinating Councils, including the Ashanti, Western North, Oti, Western, Volta and Greater Accra regions.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II offered his blessings to the delegation and urged them to remain committed to serving the national interest.
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