The National Council for Civic Education (NCCE) recently held a two-day capacity building workshop for ward councilors on the Local Government Act 2002 Amended in Kerewan North Bank Region. The objective of the training was to equip and empower ward councilors to fully understood the content of the Local Government Act, in order to enable them know their roles and responsibilities in the administration of their functions. Speaking at the occasion the Governor North Bank Region, Eduwar Seckan, underscored the importance government attaches to the establishment of National Council for Civic Education which, among other things, will empower the citizenry to know their civic and constitutional rights. Governor Seckan described the training as timely as new councilors were elected and building their capacity will contribute immensely to the attainment of council development aspiration. Mr. Seckan urged the councilors to forget about their individual and political differences and work for the wellbeing of region.

The Chief Executive Officer of Kerewan Area Council, Alh. Tamba S. Kinteh, applauded the National Council for Civic Education (NCCE) for their timely intervention in capacitating the ward councilors on the local government act, which will go a long way towards strengthening the council in its daily operations. Mr. Kinteh urged councilors to advocate and nurture the cordial relationship that exists between the council, development partners and taxpayers. The rationale of opening of ward accounts by the council is to empower Ward Development Committee to embark on resource mobilisation and start undertaking development project at ward level, therefore councilors should ensure the proper utilization of the fund for the interest of the ward.

The role of the Ward Development Committee is to coordinate development assistance, review plans and prioritise development plans. Mr. Kinteh also used the occasion to commend the outgoing councilors for their dedication, commitment and steadfastness in the execution of their function. Sainey Saho, Civic Education Officer at National Council for Civic Education, underscored the importance his office attaches to raising the awareness of ward councilors on local government acts. The amended act clearly spelt out the roles and responsibilities of councilors in relation to national development.

The Chairman of Kerewan Area Council Alh. Lamin Ceesay commended the government for the establishment of National Council for Civic Council informing and educating the councilors on the local government acts, which will enhance and facilitate the smooth operation of the council towards the attainment of its development aspirations. Chairman Ceesay urged councilors to always view Local Government Acts as user friendly, as it will always guide them to know their roles and responsibilities. Mr. Ceesay assured the electorate of the council’s continued commitment to the welfare of the people.