The Upper East Regional Minister, Mr. Mark Woyongo, has urged District Chief Executives (DCEs) and Coordinating Directors of Assemblies (CDAs) in the region to support Ibis West Africa towards the effective implementation of the decentralization process. Ibis West Africa is an international non-governmental organization (NGO), working to improve good governance in the country. He said “I would wish to use this opportunity to urge you all to redirect your focus in building the capacity of your people as a way of empowering them so they can effectively participate in decision making process on developmental issues that affect their lives.” Mr. Woyongo believes this would make the people feel they are part of the decision-taking process and enable the authorities win the people’s support and commitment for the smooth implementation of projects in the districts, especially those that require community participation. He was speaking at a two-day forum organized by the NGO to brief District Chief Executives, District Coordinating Directors, and Regional Coordinating Councils of the region on the implementation of the Public Participation in Local Governance Two, (PPLG II) programme and to draw up a work plan for the programme, at Bolgatanga during the weekend. The programme would be implemented by the NGO in all the districts in the Upper East Region, some selected districts in Northern and Greater Accra Regions, Tema and Ashaiman. The Minister called on assemblies in the Upper East Region to ensure that all administrative structures, including the Zonal, Urban, Town and Area Councils are established. Mr. Woyongo noted that the Programmes’ objective of ensuring transparency and accountability was in line with the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) Manifesto. He said government would ensure greater transparency by publishing in the media resources made available to district assemblies. Mr. Woyongo said government would also establish a special unit on Evaluation and Oversight at the Office of the President to be responsible for assessing the work of government functionaries as well as policies. Source: GNA