Eastern Region Sets Sights on 2026 Local Government Top Ranking
Determined to end Volta RCC’s long-standing dominance, the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council (ERCC) has set its sights on the top position in the Local Government Service’s 2026 performance rankings. Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey the Eastern Regional Minister announced the bold ambition at the signing of the 2026 Performance Contract for Municipal and District Assemblies in Koforidua.
Addressing Municipal and District Chief Executives, Coordinating Directors and Heads of Departments, the Minister described the performance contract as a key tool under the Local Government Service’s Performance Management System, aimed at boosting productivity, accountability and service delivery across all MMDAs.
Although the Eastern Region performed commendably in the 2023 Performance Evaluation Report with Abuakwa South Municipal Assembly emerging first and Atiwa East District Assembly second nationally the ERCC itself ranked 5th among Regional Coordinating Councils, a position Madam Awatey vowed to improve.
“This year, I have already told my management and staff that we are aiming for the first position. I know Volta RCC has held the top spot for some time, but we are going to beat them this time round,” she said.
The Minister stressed that the Eastern Region is “poised for excellence,” urging all 33 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to focus on the Key Performance Indicators outlined in the 2026 Performance Contract. She called on first-time Chief Executives to approach the contract seriously and collaboratively, while reminding Coordinating Directors of their leadership role in ensuring effective implementation.
Highlighting teamwork, staff motivation and adequate resourcing as crucial for success, she expressed strong confidence that the region could dominate national rankings if all hands are on deck. She urged participants to “hit the ground running,” aiming to restore pride and place the Eastern Region at the pinnacle of national performance assessments.
The signing follows the earlier 2026 regional signing in Kumasi on January 27, officially paving the way for MMDAs across the country to begin implementation.
The Local Government Service ranks the 16 Regional Coordinating Councils and 260 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies based on Annual Performance Evaluation Reports from the signed performance contracts. RCCs are assessed on general administration, human resource management, financial management, and services, while MMDAs are evaluated on administration, human resource management, financial management, infrastructure, service delivery, economic development and environmental and sanitation performance.
