Governance analyst and lecturer Dr. Abiire Awineyesema has urged district chief executives to prioritize development and competence over partisan considerations in the appointment of presiding members and government appointees in district assemblies.
Speaking in a one-on-one interview with Dreamz FM’s James Nana Tsiquaye, Dr. Awineyesema said the role of the presiding member is critical to ensuring accountability, transparency and development at the local government level.
He argued that the Local Governance Act does not require a presiding member to belong to the ruling political party, contrary to perceptions often held by political actors.
“To the understanding of my knowledge, if you read the Local Governance Act, there is nothing there that suggests that the presiding member must be a party person,” he said.
According to him, some district chief executives and assembly members push for politically aligned presiding members because they believe such individuals can easily compromise on issues involving accountability and financial oversight.
Dr. Awineyesema explained that the presiding member chairs the Public Relations and Complaints Committee, which has the authority to investigate complaints against district chief executives and even trigger motions for their removal if misconduct is established.
“The PM is a very powerful man,” he said. “The PM is supposed to be revered by the DCE because he represents the interest of the community.”
He stressed that local governance was established to promote participatory development and equitable distribution of resources, not partisan interests.
The governance analyst further urged district chief executives to appoint professionals such as engineers, lawyers, accountants, doctors and environmental experts as government appointees to assemblies to strengthen local governance and development planning.
According to him, many accomplished professionals are willing to support assemblies voluntarily to help improve infrastructure, sanitation, education and healthcare in their communities.
Dr. Awineyesema also criticized what he described as the politicization of local governance, saying some political actors focus more on personal gain than community development.
He warned that assemblies risk poor development outcomes when appointments are based on loyalty rather than competence and integrity.
