Ga West District approves Quartey-Papafio as new DCE

Accra, June 2, GNA - The Ga West District Assembly on Thursday approved Mr Eric Quartey-Papafio, the President's nominee for District Chief Executive (DCE), with 95 per cent of members giving him the nod. Out of a total of 40 votes cast, 38 were in favour and two were against the nominee, who needed 27 votes to be approved. Sheikh I.C. Quaye, Greater Accra Regional Minister, in remarks before the voting described Mr Quartey-Papafio as a humble, obedient and submissive public servant.

"Today's job (confirmation process) is a 'one touch' one and we are not going to repeat it", he said, and urged members exhibit maturity and let the exercise to go on without any rancour.

Mr Kofi Poku-Edusei, Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, told the new DCE that he had two challenges before him - to prove to the President that he had made the right choice and the other to prove to the assembly members that he was indeed the correct material.

"In both cases you cannot run away from public scrutiny," he said. "You must therefore be impartial and non-discriminatory in all your duties, you must be transparent and live above reproach."

Mr Poku-Edusei urged the new DCE to ensure that peace prevailed in the district and there was also successful revenue generation. He emphasised the need for the DCE to be regular and punctual at meetings and participate fully in the sub-committee meetings.

Mr. Quartey-Papafio thanked members for the confidence reposed in him and promised to fight poverty and illiteracy in the district. He urged the people to put their political affiliations aside and work together to bring the needed progress in the district. 02 June 05