Minister takes over 4 districts

Two Municipal District Chief Executives (DCEs) and a DCE in the Upper East Region who were directed by President John Mahama to leave office recently have officially handed over to the Upper East Regional Minister, Alhaji Limuna Mohammed-Muniru, at separate functions.

Consequently, the Upper East Regional Minister has assumed supervisory role at the three Assemblies.

The Bawku MCE, Abdulai Musah and the Kassena-Nankana MCE Emmanuel Andema handed over duties to the Regional Minister at Bawku and Navrongo respectively.

The Bongo DCE, Clement Akugre, who had plans to vacate office, also handed over to the regional minister at a function at Bongo.

At Bongo, the Mr Akugre announced that during his tenure of office, a chunk of the Assembly’s resources was used to improve health and educational infrastructure.

He noted that the next DCE would have to commit the Assembly’s funds to other equally important areas and construct residential units for staff of various decentralized departments at Bongo.

Clement Akugre was first appointed DCE for Bongo in 1999 by former President Rawlings.

He was appointed to occupy the same position in May 2009 by the late President John Evans Atta Mills.

A statement issued by Peter Atogewe Wedam, acting Public Relations Officer (PRO) at the Regional Coordinating Council, said Alhaji Mohammed-Muniru would have oversight responsibility over the three assemblies until substantive DCEs are confirmed.

It noted that Alhaji Mohammed-Muniru advised all public office holders to put in place exit plans so that retirement from active service would not surprise them.

The minister commended Clement Akugre for not lobbying some influential persons to prolong his stay in office after his tenure.

The minister, according to the acting PRO, warned various heads of department, who took part in the ceremonies, against lateness, absenteeism, among others that hamper the development of the areas.