A two-day capacity-building training programme for Assembly Members of the Lower Manya Krobo Municipal Assembly was held from 17th to 18th August 2026 at the Assembly Hall of the Municipal Assembly.
The programme was organised by the Institute of Local Government Studies (ILGS) and coordinated by Mr. Nana Sarfo Kantanka and Mr. Boadu. The training formed part of efforts to strengthen the capacity of Assembly Members to effectively discharge their constitutional and statutory responsibilities and contribute meaningfully to local development.
The training focused on key aspects of local governance, administrative procedures, accountability, leadership, representation, and community development. It provided participants with practical knowledge and insights to enhance their effectiveness as elected representatives at the local level.
Among the key areas covered was decentralisation and local governance laws, with emphasis on the roles and responsibilities of local governance institutions and stakeholders. Participants were guided on the legal and institutional framework within which Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) operate.
The programme also examined corporate governance and oversight, highlighting the importance of transparency, accountability, ethical conduct, risk management, and effective oversight in promoting good governance at the local level.
Participants received training on the representative functions of Assembly Members, including identifying and articulating community needs, communicating citizens’ concerns, and promoting inclusive participation in local decision-making processes.
The training further addressed deliberative functions and meeting procedures, equipping Assembly Members with knowledge on effective participation in deliberations, constructive debate, proper meeting procedures, and adherence to Standing Orders. These were emphasised as essential to ensuring orderly, transparent, and effective decision-making within the Assembly.
Another important area of the training was the making and enforcement of by-laws. Participants gained a better understanding of how local by-laws are developed and enforced to promote orderly governance, public compliance, and community development.
The executive mandates of MMDAs and discretionary powers were also discussed, with emphasis on the responsible exercise of authority within the confines of the law. Participants were encouraged to ensure that decisions and actions taken in the performance of their duties are guided by relevant legislation, established procedures, and the principles of good governance.
The final sessions focused on leadership and community mobilisation, with particular emphasis on collaboration, effective communication, inclusiveness, and stakeholder engagement.
Participants were also introduced to the Leadership Change-Making Project, an initiative that encourages leaders to develop and implement practical interventions aimed at addressing specific community challenges and achieving measurable positive outcomes.
The two-day training provided Assembly Members of the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality with valuable knowledge and practical skills to enhance their performance and effectiveness.
The programme is expected to strengthen the capacity of Assembly Members to promote accountability, effective representation, inclusive decision-making, community participation, and sustainable local development. It also reinforced the importance of responsible leadership and collaboration in advancing the development priorities of the Municipality.