Reverend Martin Amenaki, Ketu North Municipal Chief Executive, said meaningful development begins at the Zonal Council level and urged members to take their responsibilities seriously to drive growth in their communities and respective local areas effectively.
He made the remarks during the inauguration and swearing-in of members of the Penyi and Dzodze Zonal Councils on Tuesday.
Rev Amenaki noted that Zonal Councils serve as the first point of local governance and community development, and therefore play a crucial role in ensuring progress at the grassroots.
“Development starts from the Zonal Councils; therefore, council members and their chairmen must work diligently to promote development in their areas,” he said.
He urged members to prioritise revenue mobilisation, stressing that internally generated funds are critical to supporting development projects in the municipality.
Rev Amenaki indicated that Dzodze and Penyi are among the leading revenue-generating areas in the municipality and called on the councils to strengthen collaboration with the Municipal Assembly to improve revenue collection.
“Most of the revenue generated in the municipality comes from Dzodze and Penyi, so the councils must cooperate with the Assembly to mobilise more revenue for development,” he said.
He also charged the councils to maintain law and order within their jurisdictions and support efforts to promote peace and stability in their communities.
Rev Amenaki further urged the councils to place greater emphasis on sanitation by actively observing the monthly sanitation exercise and encouraging residents to keep their surroundings clean.
He assured the councils of the Assembly’s support, noting that the necessary interventions would be made to strengthen their operations and improve service delivery.
“What we need to do as an Assembly to support the Zonal Councils will be done,” he added.
Mr Bernard Sakyiama, the Ketu North Municipal Coordinating Director, said Zonal Councils remain an important structure within the local governance system, serving as a vital link between the people and the Municipal Assembly.
He explained that under Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 1967, Zonal Council members play a foundational role in deepening participatory governance and ensuring effective administration at the grassroots.
Mr Sakyiama said the councils are expected to support revenue mobilisation, maintain proper records, facilitate community development planning, implement by-laws, and serve as focal points for addressing local concerns.
He added that their responsibilities also include promoting effective governance, engaging community members, and ensuring that local development priorities are communicated to the Assembly for action.
Mr Lawrence Sorkpor retained his position as Chairman of the Penyi Zonal Council, while Mr Richard Selasi Ablor also retained his position as Chairman of the Dzodze Zonal Council.
