Report By: Ishmael Barfi
Dr. Nana Ato Arthur, a principal lecturer at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), has emphasized the importance of enhancing local governance and the crucial role well-trained public servants play in this effort.
With extensive experience in local governance, Dr. Arthur has previously served as Deputy Central Regional Minister, Regional Minister, and Head of the Local Government Service.
During a high-level gathering organized by GIMPA on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, he highlighted the need to address gaps between policy and performance at the local level.
He pointed out that the current appointment system, which often prioritizes loyalty to political parties over competence, can impede effective governance.
The event focused on capacity building in local governance, specifically through the Executive Masters in Municipal Management program.
It brought together key stakeholders to discuss the necessity of improving local governance and the vital role well-trained public servants have in this process.
Designed to address existing gaps, the Executive Masters in Municipal Management program equips participants with essential skills and knowledge to enhance productivity and governance at the local level.
The program takes a unique approach by incorporating various aspects of municipal management, including policymaking, administration, and leadership.
This program specifically targets key stakeholders in local governance, including Regional Ministers, Coordinating Directors, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), District Coordinating Directors, middle-level staff within the local government service, and Members of Parliament who serve on the Local Government Select Committee.
It is structured to run for a year, featuring practical courses aimed at enhancing the knowledge and skills of the targeted audience.
Dr. Nana Ato Arthur reiterated that the primary objective of the program is to cultivate 21st-century public servants capable of providing improved public service at the local level.
“By equipping participants with the necessary skills and knowledge, the program aims to improve productivity and governance, enhance public service delivery, and bridge gaps between policy and performance,” he stated.
The Executive Masters in Municipal Management program is a vital initiative that can significantly enhance local governance in Ghana.
By providing key stakeholders with the necessary skills and knowledge, the program seeks to foster more effective governance and improve public service delivery.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
