Minister asks assemblies to rise above Common Fund

Alhaji Amidu Sulemana, Upper West Regional Minister has expressed worry about the inability of most district assemblies in the area to function effectively without their share of the District Assemblies’ Common Fund.

“Indeed there is now virtually total dependence on the common fund for almost all activities of District Assemblies to the extent that when the fund is not released, activities of district assemblies grind to a halt,” he stressed.

Describing the situation as unfortunate, he stated that even before the introduction of the fund, the assemblies were able to undertake their own programmes and development projects from their internally generated money.

"Assemblies should take up this issue seriously if they want to achieve sustainable development" he said, when swearing two new district chief executives (DCEs) into office in Wa on Friday.

The two new DCEs who were presented with their instruments of office at the brief ceremony are Mr Ernest Dasaana Adamu for Wa West and Mr Moses Dramani Luri for Sissala West.

They were nominated by the President and confirmed by their various assemblies to replace Mr Seidu Tungbani, Wa West and Mr Robert Wavei, Sissala West, who were relieved of their posts by the President.

Alhaji Sulemana urged the two district chief executives to give attention to the enforcement of bye-laws on buildings and sanitation.

He advised them to build harmonious relationship with stakeholders, partners and interest groups in their districts and be fair and friendly in their dealings with them.

A member of the Council of State, Naa Seidu Braimah, urged them to fashion out policies that would generate jobs for the youth.

He asked them to be aware of chieftaincy, land disputes and other challenges they would face, which are likely to undermine peace.

Naa Braimah tasked the DCEs to deal with problems fairly and firmly when they arise and seek help when necessary.

Mr Luri thanked the President for nominating he and his colleague and promised that they would work assiduously and diligently to improve the socio-economic lot of their people to justify the confidence reposed in them.

He stated that during their tenure, peace, unity, understanding and development would prevail in their districts.**