Upper East MDAs Sign Performance Contracts to Strengthen Accountability

Introduction

In a significant move to enhance governance and service delivery, all 15 Municipal and District Assemblies (MDAs) in the Upper East Region of Ghana have signed performance contracts. This initiative is part of Ghana’s broader decentralization policy and ongoing public sector reforms aimed at bringing modernization closer to the people and ensuring accountability at the local government level.

Key Points

Background

Ghana’s decentralization policy seeks to transfer power and resources from the central government to local authorities, enabling more responsive and effective governance. The Upper East Region, like many other parts of Ghana, faces unique challenges that require innovative, people-centered solutions. By signing these performance contracts, the MDAs are committing to measurable outcomes in key areas such as local economic development, infrastructure, education, health, sanitation, revenue mobilization, social protection, and digital governance.

Analysis

The signing of performance contracts by all 15 MDAs in the Upper East Region represents a major step forward in Ghana’s decentralization agenda. According to Mr. Donatus Atanga Akamugri, the Upper East Regional Minister, these contracts are not mere formalities but are anchored in accountability, results-oriented management, and performance improvement.

The contracts clearly outline responsibilities, objectives, and performance indicators in critical priority areas. By signing, the Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) are signaling their readiness to be held accountable for results, not excuses. This approach is expected to drive better use of public resources, foster effective leadership, and deliver measurable development outcomes for the people of the region.

The Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) will closely monitor performance through quarterly reviews, field inspections, and structured assessments. Excellence will be recognized, while poor performance will attract sanctions in line with established procedures. Importantly, the performance of the assemblies will directly impact the overall assessment of the RCC, with implications not only for individual districts but for the region as a whole.

The Regional Minister also emphasized the critical role of Coordinating Directors as chief advisers and custodians of institutional memory. He cautioned that strict adherence to administrative procedures and reporting timelines is non-negotiable, especially as the region transitions to digitized reporting and monitoring systems.

Practical Advice

For local government officials and stakeholders in the Upper East Region, the following steps are recommended to ensure the success of the performance contracts:

1. **Collaborate Closely**: MDCEs should work closely with their Coordinating Directors, heads of departments, and key stakeholders to foster teamwork, professionalism, and compliance.
2. **Adhere to Procedures**: All assemblies must hold statutory meetings as required by law to ensure proper documentation, accurate record-keeping, and compliance with audit and digital governance requirements.
3. **Embrace Innovation**: Given the region’s unique challenges, officials should adopt innovative, people-centered, and integrity-driven leadership at the local level.
4. **Focus on Outcomes**: Success should be measured not just by reports, but by tangible improvements in roads, schools, health facilities, job creation, and livelihoods.

FAQ

Conclusion

The signing of performance contracts by all 15 Municipal and District Assemblies in the Upper East Region marks a pivotal moment in Ghana’s decentralization journey. By committing to accountability, results-oriented management, and measurable outcomes, local authorities are setting the stage for improved governance and better lives for their citizens. As the region navigates its unique challenges, the success of these contracts will depend on the collective commitment of all stakeholders to uphold the principles of transparency, integrity, and effective leadership.