President John Dramani Mahama has proposed a stronger partnership between traditional authorities and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to improve accountability and ensure effective implementation of development projects.

Speaking when the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs paid a courtesy call on him at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, July 8, President Mahama said chiefs must play a more active role in monitoring projects within their communities.

According to him, involving traditional leaders in local governance will help ensure that development initiatives respond to the actual needs of citizens while strengthening transparency in the management of public resources.

"I therefore propose a more structured partnership between the Regional House of Chiefs and the assemblies, where chiefs are periodically briefed on development projects and empowered to monitor implementation," he said.

The President suggested that MMDAs hold annual stakeholder meetings with chiefs and other local leaders to provide updates on ongoing projects, account for resources and receive input on priority areas for development.

"I believe that in every MMDA, once a year, we should bring all the stakeholders together and brief the district chiefs on how the resources are being utilised, and also take suggestions from them on the things that are actually the felt needs," he stated.

President Mahama said such engagements would enhance transparency, improve trust between citizens and local authorities, and ensure that government investments deliver meaningful impact.

He added that traditional leaders remain critical partners in national development because of their influence and understanding of the challenges facing their communities.

The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening decentralisation by ensuring that more resources are sent directly to local assemblies.

He said this informed his directive for a larger share of the District Assemblies Common Fund to be released directly to the districts.

"When I came, I gave a directive that 80 per cent of the District Assemblies Common Fund should be transferred directly to the districts. All over the country, we're receiving reports that it is being very effectively used," he said.

President Mahama encouraged traditional authorities to take advantage of ongoing government initiatives and continue working with state institutions to promote accountability, peace and sustainable development.