Volta Regional Minister commends South Dayi District Assembly

Kpeve, Oct. 31, GNA - Mr Kofi Dzamesi, Volta Regional Minister on Monday predicted that South Dayi District Assembly though young, was on the threshold of becoming the reference point of the practice of de-centralization in the country.

His prediction followed the 18-member assembly's unanimous decision to elect Mr Nelson Owusu 56, an Educationist as the Presiding Member during its inauguration.

"Your example will bring people from elsewhere here to see decentralization at work unimpeded by parochial interests," Mr Dzamesi added.

He said "If all District Assemblies in the region were like South Dayi, I will have my peace of mind."

Mr Dzamesi recalled a similar unanimous decision with a 100 per cent vote to endorse the current District Chief Executive, Mrs Woyram Boakye-Danquah a couple of years ago.

Though, Mr Owusu was unopposed at the close of nominations, officials of the Electoral Commission advised that voting took place to test his popularity and he had all the 18 votes cast.

Mr Dzamesi said the show of confidence in officials of the assembly, by the members constituted a good example of unity of purpose in addressing the developmental challenges of the district rather than the pursuit of individual and parochial group interests. He promised to give everything within his power to assist the assembly and promised to give the assembly members a cow for a party. Dr Kwame Ampofo, Member of Parliament for South Dayi, said events during the inauguration showed that the assembly was evolving from a humble beginning towards growth.

"If in three years we solved teething problems in our small South Dayi then our assembly would be a shinning example to all," Dr Ampofo added.

Mr Owusu said the confidence reposed in him was an indication of the members commitment to pursue the welfare of the people in the district.

He pledged to work to unify and mobilize all talents and aspirations in the assembly towards accelerated development of the district.

The Presiding Member said as a small district there was no reason why it should not be the first to achieve the overall goals of decentralization in the country.

Lecturer elected as Presiding Member of Ejisu-Juaben Assembly

Ejisu-Ashanti, Oct. 31, GNA 96 Members of Ejisu-Juaben District Assembly on Monday re-elected Mr Michael Dwomor Sarpong, a lecturer at the Department of Building Technology of Kumasi Polytechnic as Presiding Member at Ejisu.

Mr Sarpong who has been the Presiding Member since 2002, polled 43 votes to beat his opponent Mr Nicholas Owusu-Sekyere who had 18 votes. Inaugurating the assembly, Mr Andrew Adjei-Yeboah, Deputy Minister of Lands, Forestry and Mines, commended the members for the peaceful election and asked them to support the assembly to develop the area. He told Mr Sarpong to be ready to serve and not to lord over the assembly members while striving to provide exemplary leadership. Mr Yaw Ahenkora Afrifa, Ejisu-Juaben District Chief Executive, congratulated the assembly members for the commitment shown during the election and pledged to co-operate with them to move the district's development Forward.

Mr Sarpong appealed to the members to maintain the peace and congenial atmosphere the assembly had enjoyed in the past.