Administrative and institutional framework

The local Government Law, Act 462, 1993 established the DAs to be responsible for: Over all development of the district (plan, budget and implement development programmes and projects)

Coordination of activities of ministries, departments, public corporations, NGOS etc within the district.

Maintenance of security and public safety. (Execution of laws)

There is an executive committee chaired by the District Chief Executive and relevant sub-committees with deliberative functions. The DCE is the leader of the district assembly and he is responsible for the operations/supervision of all committees and decentralized/sector departments in the district. Eleven sector departments (health, Agriculture, social welfare, community development, etc) are currently operating in the district for detailed list.

List of Institutions West Gonja District 2006

 Key Development Problems 

1. The district assembly is deficient in both quantity and quality staff especially in the decentralized departments.
2. Inadequate revenue mobilization and erratic release of the DACF adversely affects the smooth administration and development of the District.
3. Donor funds/projects are inadequate, unpredictable and often come with counterpart funding which tend to distort and derail planned programmes and budgets of Assembly.
4. There is very limited fiscal decentralization from the national, regional and district levels. This makes the spirit of Act 462 on decentralization a mirage.  
5. Sector departments still owe allegiance to their regional and national offices. Control and monitoring become a big problem at the district level. 
6. Limited capacity of sector departments and sub-district structures to plan and implement development programmes due to lack of qualified personnel and logistics. 
7. High rate of illiteracy leading to low business acumen and skills limits the growth of the private sector. 
8. Inaccessibility and poor road network limits investment and production especially in the agricultural sector. 
9. Inadequate coordination and planning at the District level.

 Political Governance

Key Issue: Ensure that all District Assembly sub-structures are made functional. DA will ensure that all Area Councils and Sub structures are made functional, Construct and equip 2 No. police stations in the District, Encourage women participation in local and national politics, Organise awareness creation on outmoded cultural practices that militate against women advancement (widowhood rites).

Economic Governance

Key Issue: Increase the District Assembly’s revenue base. DA focus will be on widening the District Assembly’s tax net, Intensifying tax education campaigns in the District, Updating revenue database annually, Training and equipping revenue collectors in the district and providing incentive package to hardworking revenue collectors.