He said Some central governments now dictate to assemblies “what they should do with the money that is supposed to be theirs”, adding that local authorities are not allowed  to determine what they want to use their money for, a move he continued had impeded development at the local level.

He described it as structurally wrong for any Central government to impose its priorities on the assemblies. He insisted that such a decision defeats the brain behind the implementation of decentralization in the country.

Speaking on Ghanadistricts TV’s One-On-One program, the former Local Government Minister called for a national dialog and policy framework that can protect local authorities and free them from excessive central government control to enhance development that meets the needs of the people.

In a related development, Mr Ahwoi, who also touched on President Akufo-Addo’s earlier move of making the district level elections partisan and also ensuring the election of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) described it as step in the right direction but was quick to add that policy lacked some basic provisions and proper consultation.

According to him, the President failed to properly engage key actors and major features at the local government level which caused the policy not to see the day light.

“They talked to only the parliamentarians and thought that they had a consensus”

Meanwhile, Mr Ahwoi said he is in full support of any well-structured policy that will free local authorities from external control including election of MMDCEs.