The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has charged Chief Directors of Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs) to take responsibility for Ghana’s development agenda.

He said that the success or failure of the country’s decentralisation policy lies squarely with them.

Otumfuo made the remarks during a courtesy call by the Chief Directors at the Manhyia Palace.

Addressing the delegation, the Asantehene noted that Chief Directors, as heads of the administrative structure in the regions, coordinate the work of all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and therefore wield enormous influence over service delivery nationwide.

“You are in charge of policies introduced by political leaders. Your office is the very foundation of decentralisation. If it fails to deliver on its purpose, you are to blame,” Otumfuo stated.  

“The politicians will come and go, but you remain in post. The continuity of government rests on your shoulders.”

He urged the Chief Directors not to treat their positions as mere titles, but to translate their mandate into visible improvements in the lives of citizens.

“Don’t regard the CD role as just a position. Let it translate into development,” he said.  

“How are you getting water, electricity and good roads to the places that need them? Politicians make promises on campaign platforms, but the realisation of those promises rests on you.”

He noted that Ghanaians do not feel the impact of government policies in many communities because of weak coordination and lack of follow-through at the RCC and MMDA levels.

Otumfuo further cautioned the administrators against silence in the face of poor decisions for fear of losing their jobs.

“Make sure you give sound, professional advice to the political heads. You often fear telling them the truth because you fear losing your jobs, but you will be held accountable for keeping quiet,” he warned.

He advised them to put their objections in writing where necessary.  

“If deaf ears are turned to your advice, document it for future reference. Think about Ghana first. Let us see the essence of decentralisation so that every corner of the country can taste and feel it,” Otumfuo added.

The delegation was led by the Head of the Local Government Service, Prof. Lord Mensah, who was in Kumasi for training workshops for directors in the Ashanti Region.

Prof. Mensah described Chief Directors as “the engine of governance” and assured the Asantehene that the Service had instituted measures to strengthen capacity, improve coordination, and ensure the smooth running of MMDAs across the country.

The delegation included Felicia Dapaah Boakye, Chief Director of the Local Government Service; Lawyer Owusu Amoah, Chief Director of the Ashanti RCC; Jemima Lomotey of the Western North RCC; and S.S. Agbeve of the Oti RCC.

Other members were Rachel Fosua of the Western RCC; Alhaji Avona Mohammed Akape of the Volta RCC; and Rev. Dr. Harry Kwatei Owoo of the Greater Accra RCC.

Otumfuo offered his blessings to the delegation.