Identify five ways which the central government can improve upon local government system in West Africa.

Answer Details

Five ways the central government can improve the local government system in West Africa

1. Adequate and regular funding: The central government should grant local councils a statutory share of national revenue and release such funds regularly and promptly, so that they have the resources to provide services and execute development projects.
2. Granting greater autonomy: Reducing excessive control and interference by the central and state governments in the affairs of local councils would allow them to plan, take decisions and perform their functions more freely and effectively.
3. Training of personnel: Government should establish training institutions and organise regular staff-development programmes to equip local government workers and officials with the skills and competence needed for efficient administration.
4. Enlarging the scope of functions and powers: Assigning clearly defined and meaningful responsibilities to local councils, backed by law, would strengthen their relevance and enable them to serve their communities better.
5. Ensuring democratic elections into councils: Government should guarantee regular, free and fair elections into local government offices instead of appointing caretaker committees, so that councils are accountable and responsive to the people.

Other measures include curbing corruption through effective auditing and supervision, and providing infrastructure and logistical support to the councils.