All 15 Municipal and District Assemblies in the Upper East Region have signed performance contracts as part of measures aimed at strengthening accountability, improving service delivery and aligning district-level development with national priorities.

The exercise is a critical governance step under Ghana’s decentralisation policy and ongoing public sector reforms, rather than a routine administrative requirement, to bring development closer to the people and ensure accountability.

The performance contracts were signed by the respective Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) and their Coordinating Directors, and witnessed by Mr Donatus Atanga Akamugri, the Upper East Regional Minister, and Alhaji Mohammed Issahaku, the Regional Chief Director.

Speaking during the ceremony held in Bolgatanga, the Regional Minister said the performance contracts represented a firm commitment by local government authorities to the prudent use of public resources, effective leadership and measurable development outcomes for the people of the Region.

“Today’s exercise is not a mere formality. It is anchored in accountability, results-oriented management and performance improvement, which are central to the government’s decentralisation agenda,” he stated.

Mr Akamugri explained that the contracts clearly defined responsibilities, targets and performance indicators in key priority areas, including local economic development, infrastructure and basic service delivery, education and health outcomes, sanitation and environmental management, internally generated revenue mobilisation, social protection, public financial management and statutory compliance.

By signing the contracts, he said, the MDCEs were affirming their readiness to be held accountable for results, not excuses.

The Regional Minister stressed that the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) would rigorously monitor performance through quarterly reviews, field inspections and structured assessments, adding that excellence would be recognised while poor performance would attract sanctions in line with established procedures.

He noted that the performance of the assemblies would directly affect the overall assessment of the RCC, with implications not only for individual districts but for the Region as a whole.

Mr Akamugri urged the MDCEs to work closely with their Coordinating Directors, heads of departments and key stakeholders to promote teamwork, professionalism and compliance in the discharge of their duties.

Addressing the Coordinating Directors, he described them as critical to the success of the contracts, given their roles as chief advisers and custodians of institutional memory, and cautioned that strict adherence to administrative procedures and reporting timelines was non-negotiable.

The Regional Minister also warned that informal practices previously used to regularise documentation would no longer be acceptable due to the transition to digitised reporting and monitoring systems.

He directed all assemblies to hold statutory meetings as required by law to ensure accurate documentation, proper record-keeping and compliance with audit and digital governance requirements.

Mr Akamugri acknowledged the unique development challenges confronting the Upper East Region, including climate vulnerability, infrastructure deficits, youth unemployment and limited fiscal space, and called for innovative, people-centred and integrity-driven leadership at the local level.

“The success of these performance contracts will not be measured by reports alone, but by improved roads, peaceful coexistence, functional schools and health facilities, job creation and better livelihoods for our people,” he said.

He urged all signatories to approach the commitment with seriousness and a strong sense of public duty, expressing confidence that decentralisation would deliver results when leadership was accountable and performance-driven.