On 23rd April 2024, the Asutifi North District Assembly inaugurated the Gambia Area Council as part of its ongoing efforts to decentralize governance and improve service delivery at the local level. The event was attended by the Unit Committee members and Assembly Members, traditional leaders, community members, representatives from various departments, and civil society organizations.
The establishment of the Gambia Area Council is aimed at bringing governance closer to the people, enhancing local participation in decision-making, and ensuring that community-specific needs are addressed more effectively.
To decentralize administrative functions and improve local governance by empowering the Gambia Area Council to manage community affairs and local development projects. enhance the delivery of essential services such as water, sanitation, education, and healthcare through better resource allocation and closer monitoring of projects at the local level. To encourage greater involvement of residents in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of development initiatives, ensuring that local voices are heard and integrated into decision-making processes.
The ceremony began with a welcome address by the District Coordinating Director, who outlined the significance of establishing the Gambia Area Council. He highlighted the council’s role in decentralizing governance and promoting community-led development. in his address, emphasized the importance of local governance and the assembly’s commitment to supporting the newly inaugurated area council. He stressed that the establishment of the Gambia Area Council was in line with national decentralization policies aimed at enhancing the efficiency and responsiveness of local governments.
The council members, who include representatives from the various electoral areas within the Gambia Area, were formally introduced and sworn in. They pledged to serve their communities diligently, uphold the principles of good governance, and work towards the betterment of their area. Traditional leaders from the Gambia Area performed customary rites and blessings, signalling community support for the council. They expressed their expectations for the council to address local challenges, such as improving infrastructure and ensuring the fair distribution of resources. The event also featured the unveiling of the council’s office, which will serve as the administrative hub for the council’s operations. The office is equipped with basic facilities to enable the council to function effectively.
The council is tasked with developing local development plans that reflect the needs and priorities of the communities within its jurisdiction. These plans will guide the allocation of resources and the implementation of projects. One of the council’s responsibilities is to mobilize revenue through local taxes, levies, and fees. These funds will be used to finance development initiatives and improve service delivery in the area. The council will play a key role in monitoring the implementation of projects and services in the Gambia Area, ensuring that they meet the required standards and are completed on time. The council will serve as a bridge between the assembly and the local communities, advocating for the needs of residents and ensuring their active participation in governance processes.
The council members highlighted the need for capacity building to equip them with the necessary skills in local governance, financial management, and community engagement. Limited financial and logistical resources were identified as potential challenges that could affect the council’s ability to effectively carry out its mandate. The council will need to establish strong collaboration with the District Assembly, local government departments, and community stakeholders to effectively address local challenges and implement development initiatives.
It was recommended that the assembly provide training and capacity building for council members to enhance their understanding of local governance processes, financial management, and project oversight. The council, with support from the assembly, should develop a comprehensive resource mobilization strategy to secure funding for its activities, including exploring partnerships with NGOs and private sector entities. To maintain transparency and accountability, the council was encouraged to hold regular consultations with community members, ensuring that their inputs are reflected in decision-making processes. The establishment of a robust monitoring and evaluation framework was recommended to track the progress of projects and assess the impact of the council’s interventions on the community.
The inauguration of the Gambia Area Council marks a significant step towards strengthening local governance in the Asutifi North District. By bringing decision-making closer to the people and enhancing local service delivery, the council is expected to play a pivotal role in addressing the unique needs of the Gambia Area.
The success of the council will depend on continuous support from the District Assembly, effective collaboration with stakeholders, and the active participation of the community. Moving forward, the assembly remains committed to providing the necessary support and resources to ensure that the Gambia Area Council fulfils its mandate and contributes meaningfully to the development of the district.