The four-time Presiding Member (PM) of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Hon. Alfred Asiedu Adjei, has been officially declared President of the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG) after running unopposed. 

The declaration was made on Friday, November 15, 2024, during the 22nd Biennial National Delegates’ Conference in Sunyani under the theme: “Empowering Local Governance: A New Dawn for Electoral Area Development.”

In his acceptance speech, Hon. Adjei, quoting the Gospel of Luke 12:48, stated, “To whom much is given, much will be required,” as he pledged to serve with integrity, vision, and unity. He expressed profound gratitude to the members of NALAG for the trust reposed in him and dedicated the victory to their shared vision for a stronger, empowered local governance system.

“This victory is not mine alone; it belongs to each of you, to our communities, and to the shared vision we all hold for a stronger, empowered local government system. I am filled with a profound sense of duty to serve with integrity, vision, and unity as we embark on this new journey together,” he remarked.

Hon. Adjei acknowledged the contributions of his predecessors, particularly the outgoing NALAG President, Hon. Nana Agyeman Prempeh, and the past executives, describing their efforts as a solid foundation upon which he intends to build.

Under the theme, Hon. Adjei outlined his vision to transform local governance through empowerment, fiscal accountability, and sustainable development.

He detailed a five-point agenda aimed at delivering immediate and long-term impacts, namely advocating for an equitable share of the common fund and increased resources for electoral areas to reduce over-reliance on central government and implementing continuous training programs for Assembly Members, staff, and community stakeholders to enhance their effectiveness in managing projects.

The rest promoted participatory governance models to ensure community needs are at the heart of local development, collaborated with NGOs, private sector players, and international development agencies to bridge gaps in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, and instituted transparent reporting mechanisms and open communication channels to enhance trust in local governance.

Hon. Adjei used the opportunity to urge members to unite around the shared mission of strengthening local governance, emphasising that the success of NALAG depends on collective effort and dedication.

“Let us remember that the strength of our nation is rooted in the strength of our local assemblies. As your President, I am here to unite and to serve, to lead by example, and to ensure that no one is left behind as we work together for progress,” he said.

Hon. Adjei cited Martin Luther King Jr.'s words to inspire excellence in service and dedication, admonishing all members to approach their roles with passion and commitment.