Decentralisation, Local Development : Mayors Learn Better Collaboration Mechanisms

The Minister of Decentralisation and Local Development, Georges Elanga Obam, has urged City as well as Municipal Mayors to enhance collaboration mechanisms for development to be evident. He was speaking at the close of a two-day symposium that ended yesterday August 1, 2023 in Bafoussam, West Region and grouped together these elected officials. The Minister noted that collaboration amongst elected officials is imperative for the decentralisation policy of the Head of State to be effectively implemented. He further stated that government’s aim of transferring competences to regions is to enhance local governance, strengthen the bottom-top approach in decision making and give a certain degree of autonomy to local institutions. 
Organised by the Ministry of Decentralisation and Local Development, the conference had the objective of making known the responsibilities of each elected official as highlighted in the General Code on Regional and Local Authorities. The Minister reminded City Mayors that it is only through effective collaboration with other officials that the decentralisation process can be accelerated and sustainable development consolidated. Georges Elanga Obam said being a Mayor or actor in the decentralisation process is not just about its accompanying privileges, but about various responsibilities which call for them to demonstrate adequate solidarity and willingness to safeguard development and improve the wellbeing of the population.  He maintained that decentralisation which is enshrined in the 1996 Constitution and other legal ...