Breaking Barriers: The significance of ending marginalisation and exclusion in Ghana’s local government systems

The role of local govern­ment systems is crucial in en­suring effective governance at community levels. These sys­tems are mandated to ensure essential services such as access to sanitation, water supply, public health, education, and ensure local infrastructural developments reach residents within their jurisdiction. Local government also contributes to the overall development and well-being of communities.

The closeness of local government to the people promotes a more direct and responsive approach to gover­nance.

To be able to successfully harness the true potential of local governance, it is neces­sary to promote inclusivity by actively looking for representa­tion irrespective of gender or age, from all areas and ensuring that voices from diverse back­grounds contribute to decision-making processes.

Local government is provided for by the Local Government Act 1993, and it is enshrined in the constitution and delivered by Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).

Various research consistent­ly reveals a good correlation between women and young people in leadership and im­proved governance outcomes. This is because women usually prioritise collaboration, con­sensus-building and long-term planning which promotes a conducive environment for holistic development. It is, therefore, very important for women and the youth to always muster the courage to seek election in local governance in deprived areas especially. As women courageously fight to overcome barriers and assume leadership roles, these commu­nities will have the hope of a future marked by equality and sustainable development.

Marginalisation has serious consequences in local govern­ment and history proves this. There are many marginalised areas that have faced serious challenges accessing essential services and participating in decision making processes and enjoying opportunities avail­able to the broader population. An example of a marginalised community in Ghana is Tome­fa, a fishing community filled with vibrant youthful individ­uals located in the Ga South Municipality of the Greater Accra Region. This area, despite being very close to the River Densu, which is the source of purified water and distributed by the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) to communi­ties in the Region, cannot boast of potable water. This problem has persisted for decades and all pleas by residents to the government have fallen on deaf ears. They continue to rely on the unhygienic water from the river for domestic purposes, including cooking. Women and children are mostly the ones directly affected by such conditions so this is one of the reasons why women must muster the courage of coming out to get involved in matters of local governance. In the case of Tomefa, there are a few peo­ple cashing in on the situation by supplying tap water bought from other jurisdictions at high costs to residents who can afford it. This is the same way the community struggled before getting electricity and a public basic school. Even the commu­nity health centre in the area was built just a few years ago. Tomefa still remains among the many marginalised communities in Ghana. It is very important for measures to be put in place to dismantle all such barriers to promote peaceful co-existence because when the people are not happy, they can become aggressive which could even­tually lead to violence. Un­controlled violence can cause serious disturbances which will further plunge such deprived communities into more de­struction because riots hamper development and affect women more. People feel respected and valued when their grievances are addressed, and they are allowed to take part in deci­sion making processes. Men, philanthropists, and corporate institutions must be also ready to financially support women who are willing to get involved in local governance. It is im­portant for women to receive all forms of support that will make them visible in local governance because women leaders often serve as role models, inspiring younger generations to aspire to positions of influence, and this eventually creates a positive cy­cle of empowerment, where the community cultivates a culture of inclusivity and equal repre­sentation. A time must come when people will not accept leaders, even at the community level, without any female repre­sentation.

The 2020 parliamentary elec­tion demonstrated the continu­ous marginalisation of women in national and local level decision making processes

It is possible to change this narrative.

The focus of local govern­ments must also be on bridging existing gaps and cultivating an environment where every citi­zen has equal access to resourc­es and available opportunities.

Stimulating economic growth to create a more resilient local economy is highly possible by removing all hindrances to em­ployment and entrepreneurship.

As part of efforts to address the negativity surrounding Gha­na’s current local governance system, the Institute for Dem­ocratic Governance (IDEG) is proposing the amendment of articles 55(3) to democratise local governance. This reform, according to the policy think-thank, would open the executive arm of the government at both local and central levels of the state, meaning in addition to the national presidency, political parties will also compete for an extra 260 executive positions at the MMDA levels.

“This is going to fundamen­tally alter the architecture of the executive power in the country, because for the first time the president would have to share power at the local level with chief executives who may be opposing parties. We are thus going to witness a shift from the exclusiveness of the current winner-takes-it-all system to an inclusive system of gover­nance.”

IDEG is also calling for the establishment of an indepen­dent Multiparty Democracy and Constitutional Reform Com­mission (MDCRC), separate from the Electoral Commission (EC) to register political parties, regulate their activities, and pro­vide the technical and political support necessary for political parties to play their roles as principal actors in Ghana’s democracy and the creation of Multiparty Democracy Fund.

In his remarks at the just ended 75th Annual New Year School and Conference (ANY­SC), Executive Director of IDEG, Mr Emmanuel Akwetey underscored the relevance of remaining committed to building a transformed local government system that serves the people of Ghana.

He mentioned that the path towards sustainable develop­ment, effective and accountable institutions and inclusive deci­sion-making is clear, adding that “It demands from us a dedica­tion to moving beyond political and partisan interests.”

Indeed inclusive leadership is key to meaningful progress!