Poverty Dimensions of Public Governance and Forest Management ...

Annex 3: 4
Decentralisation also recognises the importance of devolution of resources, decision-making and
tasks to democratically elected lower-level authorities that operate independently of central
government. PNDC Law 207 defines the basic activities of the assembly as consisting of the
following:
1. Developing a comprehensive plan for economic, social and spatial development within the
district;
2. Integrating various sector plans;
3. Preparing a district development plan and annual budget;
4. Mobilising the natural, human, and financial resources within the district and protecting the
environment;
5. Promoting social development and productive activities;
6. Initiating programmes for the development of basic infrastructure and provision of
municipal works and services within the district.
To carry out these responsibilities, the Local Government Act of 1994 reorganises all sector
departments into 12 district departments directly under the district assembly. The District
Assembly comprises a four-tier organisation: the assembly, the executive committee, the subcommittees,
and the sector departments.