During an interactive session held as part of his working visit to the municipality, Mr. Gunu praised assembly staff who serve as reliable advisors and consultants to the government but warned against creeping political maneuvering within the service.

“If you choose to be a politician, we will treat you as such,” he cautioned. “But if you want to work with us to deliver results for this municipality and the nation, then support government policies and initiatives.”

He stressed that Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) are the “engine room” of national development implementation and called for renewed dedication to the mandate.

Mr. Gunu highlighted that under the current framework, 80 percent of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) is now directly allocated to MMDAs for development. Priority areas include education, health delivery, water, sanitation, the 24-hour economy, and legacy infrastructure projects.

He called for a reset in mindset and work ethic, urging staff to support the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) and collaborate effectively as a unified team. He warned against lateness, laziness, and insubordination, which undermined development efforts.

Acknowledging the difficult working conditions some staff endures, Mr. Gunu noted that many employees lack proper housing and live in rented accommodation.

“The Assembly must support access to decent housing. Without peace of mind, staff morale and productivity will suffer,” he said.

Touching urban development, the Minister raised concern about poor planning and uncontrolled infrastructure development, which, he said, were making towns more vulnerable to environmental hazards such as windstorms and floods.

He urged building inspectors and physical planning officers to enhance enforcement of planning regulations and intensify community education to prevent future crises.

“We must educate the public and plan our cities well—otherwise we will pay the price later,” he warned.

Mr. Gunu underscored the need for teamwork and continuous performance monitoring. He encouraged the establishment of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to guide staff and correct deviations promptly.

Mr. Nicholas Worclachie, MCE for Ketu South, described the Minister’s visit as a wake-up call and a platform to highlight key challenges, especially in resource allocation.

“Government is resetting performance expectations from attitude to delivery. It’s time for a culture shift,” he said, advocating for a work ethic that mirrors private sector efficiency and service delivery.

Mr. Augustus Awity, Chief Director of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC), urged assembly staff to uphold integrity, adhere strictly to procurement laws, and remain committed to their duties.