Educational units to be streamlined with district administrative structures

Hajia Mahama was speaking at the launch of the book, “Decentralisation in Ghana: a collection of Essays,” written by Prof. Kwamena Ahwoi, the doyen of decentralisation in Ghana.

The launch, which took place last Tuesday (October 31), witnessed the warm gathering of former ministers of state of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), parliamentarians and other political figures.

Health

Hajia Mahama added that although the Minister of Health was a convert to the idea of devolving health structures to the local level, professionals were having a bit of a challenge with that.

She said some professionals were of the view that the devolvement of health structures to the local level administrative authorities would make them lose all linkages with their central affiliate institutions and associations.

“But I believe something can be worked out to ensure some reforms so that some technical responsibilities would still be maintained between doctors at the district level throughout the various districts and the central institutions,” she said.

She described the chapter on the election of MMDECs as “good material in the consultations across the country.”

Publication

Hajia Mahama described the book as simple and readable, adding that the emphasis on the election of MMDCEs and the publication of proceedings of district assemblies were well noted and would be taken on board in monitoring by the ministry.

She also said the author’s 45 indicators spelt out in the publication would be a monitoring framework in their work with local assemblies.

She was sure that the book would enrich the decentralisation process in the country.

Hajia Mahama paid glowing tribute to the author, Prof. Ahwoi, who had been her lecturer and Mr Huudu Yahaya, who was also present at the launch.

She said as a young student and public servant, they had both nurtured her into her present roles and functions.

The former Vice President, Mr Amissah-Arthur, in his remarks said if all former ministers and public officials documented their experiences in office, serving officials would read and avoid pitfalls.

He said it took will-power to discipline oneself and commit to the task of documenting experiences, and commended Prof. Ahwoi for the effort.
The Chairperson for the launch, Dr Esther Offei-Aboagye, in her remarks said Prof. Ahwoi’s previous publication, Local Government and Decentralisation in August 2010, was a goldmine of information.

She added that at the launch of the first publication then, she had asked for more like Oliver Twist.

She was happy, therefore, that the author had brought out the current work, which according to her, was a “treasure trove of information on the subject matter.”

Talent

The Deputy Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Prof. Phillip Duku Osei, who launched the book, paid tribute to the author for his work and contributions to descentralisation in Ghana by his sterling publication.

He said the work was the story of a technocrat, a brilliant lawyer who had brought all his talents together in piecing together information that was relevant for the times and encouraged all to obtain copies.

Copies

The first copy of the book was sold to the Centre for Democratic Transitions for GH¢20,000, while the Minority Parliamentary caucus bought one for GH¢22,000.

The former President, Mr Mahama bought a copy for GH¢25,000.

Source: Daily Graphic | Ghana