Dangme West Assembly fails again to elect PM

Dodowa (G/A), Nov. 16, GNA - The Dangme West District Assembly in the Greater Accra Region, has for the second time failed to elect its Presiding Member (PM), after two ballots at Dodowa on Thursday. The first ballot of the 53-member Assembly held at Dodowa on October 30, this year also failed to affirm a PM.

Mr Kwabena Apea Ayeh, District Electoral Officer, who conducted the election, stated that the Assembly bylaws regarding elections stipulated that a winning contestant should obtain at least two-thirds of the total ballot cast, hence to poll 35 out of the total 53 votes. Each of the two vying candidates, Nene Tetteh Afutu III, incumbent and Mr Emmanuel Akornortey, obtained 26 and 24 votes respectively in the first round, when 52 members cast their votes, with one member absent. A ballot paper was rejected, while one of the ballot papers was reported missing.

In the second ballot for the day, Nene Tetteh polled 25 votes, while Mr Akornortey had 26 votes. One ballot paper was rejected. Sitting was therefore, adjourned sine die, but until a date was fixed for the third time. Mr A K Agblewornu, the District Co-ordinating Director (DCD), meanwhile, would act as the Assembly's Secretary.

Mr Agblewornu stated: "We are repeating what had happened in the past, this is not good for democracy".

He urged traditional rulers not to regard the assemblies as having been established to usurp their powers and authorities, but to see them as partners in development.

The DCD noted that the district assembly concept had chalked some successes, since its inception in 1988, but stated that more were expected from the members, especially in revenue generation and waste management to develop the environment.

Mr Michael Adjowerh-Nortey, District Chief Executive (DCE), who chaired the meeting, reminded the West Dangme assembly members of the onerous responsibility they carried in championing the welfare of their electorate.

He said whether elected or appointed to the assembly, they all had a stake in the development of their communities, adding: "It is my wish that you place all considerations aside, so that a Presiding Member is elected".

The DCE told them that there was one more meeting to be convened to approve the assembly's budget, before the end of the year. According to him, the district was a deprived one that needed much attention to concentrate on its developmental efforts with a view to enhance the living conditions of the people.

He expressed regret about moneys spent at these sittings which did not yield any results, adding: "The assembly spends 16 million cedis at each sitting, an amount which could be utilised for other social amenities".

In attendance were, Mr. Yaw Twumasi Ankrah, the District Magistrate and the District Police Commander. 17 Nov. 06