Depending on central government is outdated; we need to decentralise, says Okyenhene

The Okyenhene says the central government should not be afraid to undertake a wholesale decentralisation which will ensure that local authorities take charge of Ghana’s development.

The Okyenhene, Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin, has said that placing every activity in the country into the hands of the central government is outdated and declared that he wants the government to introduce an effective, decentralised system to ensure rapid development.

For instance, the Okyenhene wants the government to hand over the management of education at the local level to local authorities.

According to the chief, education would be better managed by local officials than the central government.

Speaking with Nana Yaa Mensah on Sunday Night on Asaase Radio, the Okyenhene said: “Centrality of government is outdated and we need to decentralise … we should not be afraid to change that which has lost its relevance.”

The Okyenhene added, “First of all, education: people should take charge of their education. They should know what teachers are teaching them, what curriculum is going on. And how their children establish a relationship with their teachers must start from the local level.

“The board of education in Kyebi will be responsible for managing education in this area and I can tell you, it will be much better than what the central government is doing.”