By:tntnewspaprgh.com

Nana Yaw Wiredu, the Ashanti Regional representative of NALAG, who doubles as the Presiding Member (PM) for Asokwa Municipality has called on his colleagues to lead their various Assemblies with integrity, serve with dedication and work tirelessly to improve lives of people they represent.

The Asokwa PM, who’s also the Nkosuohene of New Juaben traditional area and the Chief of Nyamekrom,made the called at the 2026 annual Conference of Presiding Members, Ashanti Region.

The three days conference held at Miklin Hotel from Wednesday, 5th to Friday, 7th August, 2026, was on the theme “Leading change at the grassroots:The role of Presiding members.”

Nana Yaw Wiredu speaking at the conference

Nana Yaw Wiredu, who’s also one of the longest serving elected Assembly member for Ahinsan Easte electoral area argued that Leading change at the grassroots is not merely about implementing policies, it is about inspiring trust,fostering participation, and ensuring inclusiveness in decision-making.
Adding that ” it requires that we listen attentively to our constituents,engage stakeholders meaningfully, and champion development initiatives that truly reflect the aspirations of our people.”
The Ashanti NALAG Representative described the theme, “Leading Change at the Grassroots: The Role of Presiding Members,” wqs both timely and critical.

A section of participants

According to him, it speaks directly to the heart of their collective responsibility to serve as catalysts for transformation in their communities.
He observed that Presiding Members occupy a unique and strategic position within their local govemance system. “You are not only leaders within the Assembly but also the bridge between government demands integrity, vision, and a deep understanding of the needs of your communities. structures and the people at the grassroots.
Your leadership sets the tone for the effectiveness of the assembly. You are responsible and promoting unity among assembly members. In for maintaining order, ensuring fairness in deliberations, doing so, you create the enabling environment neces sary for development to thrive. ”
He, however, cautioned them that leadership at this level is not without its challenges,imited resources, rising expectations from citizens, and the complexities of decentralization demand innovative and adaptive approaches.

This,he observed ie where their role as change leaders becomes even more crucial. Presiding Members (PMs) must embrace transparency, accountability, and collaboration as guiding principles in their work.
Nana Yaw Wiredu assured them that NALAG remains committed to supporting presiding members through capacity building, advocacy, and partnerships to enhance their effectiveness. Saying that NALAG believes that whenever presiding members are empowered, local governance becomes stronger, and development becomes more impactful.

“Let me also emphasize the importance of unity and networking among yourselves. Platforms like this conference provide an opportunity to share experiences, learn best practices, and collectively find solutions in common challenges. Let us use this opportunity to strengthen our collaboration and build a more responsive and resilient local govemance system. ”

The Ashanti NALAG representative reminded participants that the future of their communities depends on the decisions they make today. “Let us rise to the occasion and lead with purpose, courage, and commitment. Let us be agents of positive change, ensuring that development reaches every corner of our districts.In conclusion, I urge all presiding members to embrace your role as leaders of transformation. Lead with integrity, serve with dedication, and work tirelessly to improve the lives of the people we represent”.