The National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG) has successfully organized its Regional Delegates Conference for the Ahafo Region on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. The Conference elected its Ahafo Regional Representative to the National Executive Council (NEC), restoring the region’s voice in the national leadership of the Association.

After a peaceful and transparent voting process held at the Ahafo Regional Coordinating Council Conference Room, Mr. Sulemana Baba Amadu, Presiding Member for Asunafo South District Assembly emerged as the winner, securing 19 out of 27 valid votes cast. His contender, Mr. Alhassan Mohammed, polled 8 votes. One ballot was rejected, and no spoiled ballots were recorded. A total of 30 voters were present at the polling station, including one proxy voter.

This election marks a significant milestone for the Ahafo Region, which was unrepresented at the 22nd Biennial National Delegates Conference in 2024 due to the inability to hold its regional delegates conference. In a speech delivered on his behalf by the 1st Vice President, Hon. Patrick Kwame Frimpong, the President of NALAG, Hon. Alfred Asiedu Adjei, lauded the delegates for successfully convening to restore the region’s rightful place in the NEC.

“I commend all of you for convening this critical Regional Delegates Conference. Today’s conference marks a pivotal step in correcting the past and restoring your rightful place at the national table,” the President stated.

Hon. Asiedu Adjei also highlighted key reforms being championed by NALAG, including formal submissions to the Constitutional Review Committee advocating for amendments to enhance local governance. These proposals include:

• Electing Presiding Members by simple majority instead of two-thirds,
• Extending the term of Presiding Members to four years,
• Charging emoluments of Presiding and Assembly Members to the Consolidated Fund,
• Direct election of District Chief Executives, with a proposal to rename them as “Mayors.”

On logistical support for Assembly Members, the President acknowledged delays in procuring motorbikes under the previous administration. He announced that the current leadership will, in the coming months, solicit resolutions from all MMDAs to trigger procurement processes with the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA), and the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF).

He also acknowledged the Ministry’s facilitation of April and May 2025 allowance payments to Assembly Members, assuring delegates that NALAG continues to advocate for the release of outstanding arrears.

Encouraging delegates to elect a dedicated representative, he said,

“Today you are not only gathered to deliberate but also to elect your Regional Representative. I urge you to elect someone with the passion, experience, and commitment to serve the Ahafo Region.”

With the election of Mr. Sulemana, the Ahafo Region is now poised to contribute actively to the work of the NEC. NALAG congratulates all delegates for conducting themselves with maturity and commitment to the principles of local governance.