Ho Presiding Member defends Assembly’s partnership with Sub-Saharan African mayors

The Presiding Member of the Ho Municipal Assembly, Hon. Mawunyo Agbe, has defended the Assembly’s decision to join a partnership with the Mayors of Sub-Saharan Africa, describing it as an important step towards accelerating development in the municipality.

He said development could not be pursued in isolation and emphasised the need for local authorities to collaborate internationally and learn from successful development models in other countries.

Hon. Agbe disclosed that he readily supported the proposal when it was presented to him, urging Assembly members to approve the partnership because of its potential benefits to Ho, the Volta Region and the country as a whole.

He explained that Ho’s position as the regional capital made it necessary for the municipality to connect with global development initiatives and strengthen its capacity to support the wider region.

"If your capital is not well endowed and not well structured, there is no way the other districts can boast of a place they call their big home," he said.

He added that Ho served as a home for all districts in the Volta Region and therefore needed to establish stronger connections with the international development community.

The Presiding Member described the Assembly’s approval of the resolution as worthwhile, calling it one of the most important decisions taken by the local authority so far.

The Assembly, at its third general meeting on Thursday, October 29, 2026, passed a resolution permitting the municipality, through the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Stephen Adom, to participate in the partnership.

The decision followed an announcement by the MCE on the proposed collaboration.

Addressing public criticism of the Assembly’s performance, Hon. Agbe said constructive criticism was welcome, as it provided an opportunity to improve governance and guide development efforts.

He noted that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) also recognised the importance of constructive criticism in strengthening public accountability.

He assured residents that the Assembly would continue to listen to their concerns, explain its development plans and work in good faith to deliver projects and services that sustain public confidence.