Yilo, Manya Krobo & Asuogyaman Sworn Assembly Members Into Office; Female Inclusion Low

A total of 162 Assembly members, constituting of 114 elected members and 48 government appointees were inaugurated to begin their four years term in three MMDAs: Upper Manya Krobo, Asuogyaman Districts and the Yilo Krobo Municipal.

The exercise which took place at the respective assembly’s premises yesterday, made honourable members sworn their oath of allegiance and secrecy before justices of their magistrates court.

While Yilo Krobo Municipal inaugurated 44 and 19 elected and government appointees in that order, Asuogyaman and Upper Manya Krobo districts respectively sworn in 37 and 17; and 33 and 15 elected government appointees respectively.

However, a total of 9 women were also part of the exercise across the 3 districts.

In Upper Manya Krobo, the only elected member, honourable Esther Ladjer Ayeh of Osusun Electoral Area will be in assembly meetings with her two government appointed colleagues.

Report says, Asuogaman and Yilo Krobo districts did not register any elected member but shall hear female voices in Assembly decisions from the respective 3 female appointees.

The female representation from the 3 districts indicates a clear violation of Ghana’s affirmative action law, which gives 40 per cent appointment quota to women.

Meanwhile, Hon Eric Tettey, government appointee and banker, polled 72 per cent against 26 per cent of Hon Baah Isaac Tetteh to occupy the seat of the Presiding Member for the second time in Upper Manya Krobo District.

Hon. Robbert Kwesi Agede of Odave Electoral Area has for the first time become the Presiding Member after securing 42 of the 62 total valid votes cast. His only contender, Hon Ebenezer Nartey Teye representing electorates of Oterkpolu polled the remaining 20 votes.

Hon. Jonathan Hagan maintained his Presiding Membership role after sweeping 51 confirmation vote in the unopposed contest.

The President of the Republic through the Eastern regional Deputy Minister, Hon Samuel Nuertey Ayertey has tasked Assembly Members to work effectively with MMDCEs and champion a successful implementation of government programs.

“Together with your MMDCEs, I charge you to advance the implementation of Government programmes in the co-ordinated programme of Econpmic and Social Development Policies 2017-2024,” Hon Nuertey read.

As enshrined in Local Governance Act, 2016, the Upper Manya Krobo District has formed the five mandatory sub-committees; the Agric Sub-Committee, Development Planning Sub-Committee, Works Sub-Committee, Social Services Sub-Committee and the Security and Justice Sub-Committee.

Source: ritefmonline.org