Nat’l Tymes News Desk
THE AYAWASO Central Municipal Assembly (ACMA) has finally elected a new Presiding Member (PM), bringing an end to the prolonged wait for someone to steer the affairs of the Assembly.
The new Presiding Member, Hon. Alexander K. Mensah-Twumasi, has pledged to promote accountability, cooperation and people-centred development as he takes up the important role.
Hon. Mensah-Twumasi, in his remarks, recognised the important role of traditional authorities in the development of Ayawaso Central.
He said traditional leaders remained important custodians of the land, culture and peace of their communities.
He pledged that the Assembly would consult traditional authorities on important matters concerning land, culture and local disputes. He also appealed to traditional leaders to help the Assembly educate residents on revenue payment, sanitation, social discipline and peace.
“Help us carry the message of revenue payment, sanitation, social discipline and peace to your communities,” he appealed.
Hon. Mensah-Twumasi described the Assembly’s staff and heads of departments as the “engine room” of the municipality.
He acknowledged that while Assembly Members debated policies and development issues, the staff were responsible for implementing many of the decisions taken.
He therefore called for stronger support for departments and units, including adequate resources, timely release of budgets and proper consideration of work plans and reports.
At the same time, he demanded professionalism, punctuality, accurate data and zero tolerance for financial leakages.
“Let’s make ‘the Assembly works’ a compliment again,” he said.
Hon. Mensah-Twumasi further welcomed collaboration with civil society organisations, development partners and the media, describing them as important partners in promoting accountability and development.
He encouraged development partners and NGOs working in the municipality to align their projects with the Assembly’s Medium-Term Development Plan to prevent duplication and ensure resources were used effectively.
He also urged the media to continue scrutinising the Assembly while highlighting positive efforts by Assembly Members to address community challenges.
The new Presiding Member placed particular emphasis on revenue mobilisation and accountability.
He said residents and businesses were among the most important stakeholders of the Assembly and deserved to see the benefits of the taxes, property rates, Business Operating Permits and other revenues they paid.
He pledged to support measures that would promote value for money, transparency and accountability in the use of municipal revenue.
He also called for improved systems at revenue points to reduce unnecessary harassment of ratepayers.
“Pay your rates, and hold us to account for how we use them,” he told residents and businesses.
In his closing remarks, Hon. Mensah-Twumasi appealed to residents, Assembly Members, traditional leaders and other stakeholders to pray for, advise and correct him whenever necessary.
He said his ultimate goal was to help build an Assembly that would be remembered for putting the interests of the people first.
“From today, let us be known as the Assembly that puts the people first, last and always,” he said.
He ended with a call to action: “Let’s get to work now.”
His remarks have set the tone for what he says should be a new chapter of cooperation, accountability and people-centred development at the Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
