The Head of the Local Government Service (LGS), Professor Lord Mensah, has visited the Ajumako Enyan Essiam District Assembly as part of his nationwide familiarisation tour of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), aimed at strengthening administration and improving service delivery at the local level.
The visit falls within Prof. Mensah's three-day tour of selected MMDAs in the Central Region, which he concluded on February 16, 2026 . The Ajumako Enyan Essiam District Assembly was among the assemblies covered during the Central Regional leg of the tour.
Purpose of the Tour
According to the Local Government Service, the familiarisation tour sought to assess operations at the Regional Coordinating Council and MMDA levels, acknowledge achievements across the region, identify operational and administrative challenges, engage staff and stakeholders, and inform policy direction and management decision-making .
Key Concerns Raised
During his engagements with staff across the Central Region, Prof. Mensah expressed concern about lapses in punctuality and discipline, improper routing of correspondence, non-compliance with leave procedures, abandonment of post, and weak departmental leadership. He urged strict adherence to institutional hierarchy and due process .
He specifically called on management to ensure compliance with postings, recognise that leave of absence is equivalent to resignation under existing regulations, prioritise staff capacity development, ensure prudent utilisation of capacity-building funds, and improve working conditions and logistical support .
Strategic Priorities
Prof. Mensah used the tour to outline his four strategic pillars for repositioning the Service: data-driven decision-making, professionalisation of the Service, promotion of Public-Private Partnerships, and deepening fiscal decentralisation. He emphasised accountability, digitalisation, ethical leadership, and citizen participation as essential to building a responsive and results-oriented Local Government Service .
Regional Context
At the Central Regional Coordinating Council, management highlighted progress on the Performance Contract between MMDCEs and Coordinating Directors, relative peace in the region, strong collaboration with traditional authorities, and preparations toward the Central Expo scheduled for July 2026. Key challenges identified included non-functional sub-district structures, inadequate vehicles and logistical resources, erratic internet connectivity, delays in the release of funds, and insufficient auxiliary staff .
Prof. Mensah reaffirmed his commitment to addressing immediate administrative concerns and escalating broader policy matters where necessary, as part of efforts to build a world-class, decentralised, and client-oriented Local Government Service .