He said it is important for the various assemblies to seek alternative ways of generating revenue internally to fund needed projects and avoid over dependence on the central government for support.
“Government continue to support assemblies with the District Assemblies Common Fund and DFID funds to improve the decentralization system but it behooves on you to also generate more revenue,” he said when he inaugurated new the Juaben Municipal Assembly.
Eastern Regional correspondent, Yvonne Neequaye reported that a total of 78 assembly members comprising 54 elected assemblymen and 24 government appointees were sworn into office. Women representation dropped from six to three.
Mr. Debrah, expressed worry that filth and slums continue to be the major headache of assemblies, saying, “the issue of slums and waste is still challenging”. He urged the various assemblies to make appropriate bylaws to prosecute culprits those found culpable.
The New Juaben District Chief Executive, Dr Owusu Acheampong, noted hard work, dedication and consensus building was critical to achieve results for the assembly, hence urged the assembly members to learn the local government Act and standing orders to be abreast with proceedings.
“Learn from the experience ones and endeavor to work within the law,” he advised.
Member of Parliament for New Juaben South, Dr. Mark Asibbey-Yeboah on his part observed flooding and sanitation were becoming a major issue, and urged the assembly members prioritize the issues and other developments in the district
“ The floods are becoming perennial and sanitation too is a challenge, support the municipal assembly to carry on the development agenda,” he advised the members.
Nana Nyantakyi Tutu Boateng, the Krontihene of the New Juaben traditional asked the members to create partnership and linkages in strengthening community interactions.
“ Implement institutionalized project and serve the community’s developmental need. Do not lord over the people who elected you,” he urged.
From Kumasi, William Evans-Nkum reported that a total of 147 assembly members were sworn into office by a High Court judge, Justice Gibson Adzatli, to serve a four-year term in the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly.
The number excludes Dichemso electoral area where the incumbent is currently seeking a redress in court for an alleged abuse of the electoral rules.
The assembly members will have the onerous responsibility to among other things, help the Chief Executive of the Assembly Kojo Bonsu to rid the city of Kumasi off filth. The newly assembly members are confronted with issues like poor sanitation, security and inadequate infrastructures within the kumasi metropolis.
Mr. Bonsu said he expects a non partisan assembly to ensure development at the more than 100 electoral areas in the metropolis.
“Let’s eschew party politics in the assembly in order to achieve the collective target,” he said.
At Asokore Mampong municipality, a total of 15 assembly members were sworn into office while 35 members were ushered into the Bosomtwe Assembly.
By: 3news.com/Ghana
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