HEAD OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICE TOURS EASTERN REGION TO STRENGTHEN SERVICE DELIVERY

On Wednesday, 14th January 2026, the Head of the Local Government Service, Professor Lord Kwaku Mensah, together with his entourage—Mrs. Felicia Dapaah Agyeman Boakye (Chief Director), Ms. Golda Grace Asante, Mr. Prosper Ahalivor (Director, PPME), Mrs. Doris Adjetey Adjei (Head of the Public Affairs Unit), Mr. Alexander Tay Garsu Mensah (AD1), Mr. Franklin Yangfomenga Walier (Senior Planning Officer), and Mr. Michael Donkor (AD1)—visited the Eastern Region as part of an official tour aimed at strengthening human resource management systems and enhancing service delivery across regional and district local government structures.

During engagements with management and staff, Professor Mensah expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded to his delegation and commended officers for their dedication and commitment to duty. Reflecting on his tenure since assuming office in June 2025, he reaffirmed his commitment to institutional efficiency and responsive governance.

“My priority has been to streamline processes and strengthen systems to ensure that the Local Government Service delivers effectively and efficiently to meet the needs of citizens,” he stated.

The visit provided an opportunity for the Head of Service to gain first-hand insight into operations at both regional and district levels, while encouraging open discussions on achievements, challenges, and opportunities for improvement within the Service.

Professor Mensah outlined four key strategic pillars underpinning his vision for the Local Government Service:

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasizing that decisions relating to postings, promotions, and resource allocation must be based on credible data to promote transparency, fairness, and public confidence.
• Professionalisation of the Local Government Service: Calling for a disciplined, ethical, and highly professional workforce that adheres strictly to established procedures and prioritizes service delivery.
• Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs): Encouraging Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs) and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to pursue credible partnerships with the private sector to address development challenges and reduce reliance on central government funding.
• Fiscal Decentralisation: Stressing the need to empower local governments with the capacity to manage resources efficiently and transparently to advance true decentralisation.

Addressing operational challenges, Professor Mensah raised concerns about punctuality, discipline, and adherence to reporting lines. He called on Chief Directors and Coordinating Directors to work closely to enforce administrative procedures and strengthen accountability at all levels.

He also cautioned strongly against the unethical practice of altering dates of birth in official records, noting that such actions undermine institutional integrity and may attract legal sanctions.

In line with efforts to improve staff welfare and productivity, Professor Mensah proposed the establishment of Parent–Child Care Facilities, including office crèches, to support working parents and promote a more inclusive workplace.

Looking ahead, he announced key initiatives to be rolled out across the Service, including:

• An Anti-Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Policy to ensure a safe and respectful work environment; and
• An E-learning Platform to support continuous professional development, with a minimum target of 40 training hours per staff annually.

Professor Mensah called for sustained collaboration among local government leaders and staff to build a disciplined, professional, and citizen-focused Local Government Service capable of delivering measurable development outcomes.

“Together, we can build a responsive Local Government Service that fulfills its mandate and genuinely serves our communities,” he affirmed.

The Eastern Regional tour served as a critical platform for engagement with staff and stakeholders, reinforcing a shared commitment to improving governance and service delivery across the region.