Nat’l Tymes News Desk
HON. ALEXANDER Kwame Twumasi has been sworn into office as the new Presiding Member (PM) of the Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly.
He was sworn in by a Magistrate of the District Court:
Speaking to Nationaltymes.com after the ceremony, Hon. Twumasi outlined plans to make the Assembly more accessible to residents, improve revenue mobilisation, enforce municipal bye-laws and support the implementation of the 24-Hour Economy Market project.
Taking Assembly Services to Residents:
Hon. Kwame Twumasi said his immediate priority would be to bring the Assembly closer to residents by visiting every electoral area in the municipality at least once a month.
He said the visits would involve technical officers from departments such as Social Welfare, Budget, Births and Deaths and Transport.
According to him, the initiative would help residents better understand the work of the Assembly, know where to channel their concerns and improve communication between the Assembly and the people.
He also plans to provide residents with flyers containing contact information to make it easier for them to reach the Assembly when they need assistance.
Common Fund and Accountability:
On the District Assemblies Common Fund, the new Presiding Member said the Assembly must strictly follow the guidelines governing its use.
He said he would ensure that the guidelines were available and properly followed whenever funds were received to promote accountability and responsible use of public resources.
Revenue Mobilisation and Enforcement:
Hon. Kwame Twumasi also identified revenue leakages as an area requiring urgent attention.
He said the Assembly would enforce its rules without favour, stressing that people who violate municipal regulations would be dealt with according to the law, regardless of their status.
He also raised concerns about developers who begin construction without first obtaining the necessary approval or permits from the Assembly.
According to him, strict enforcement of building regulations was necessary to help prevent avoidable building disasters.
The new PM further warned residents and developers against leaving sand and other building materials on roads for extended periods.
He said the Assembly would give offenders a limited period to clear such materials or face penalties.
He also announced plans to remove abandoned vehicles from public roads, noting that such vehicles could obstruct traffic and emergency services, including the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).
24-Hour Economy Market:
On the proposed 24-Hour Economy Market project, Hon. Twumasi said he would request a comprehensive progress report to establish the current status of the project.
He said some activities had already taken place at the project site, in Mallam Atta Market, including the relocation of some people and the allocation of spaces for traders to place their containers and kiosks.
He expressed hope that further work would be undertaken soon, adding that the project, when completed, would benefit residents and businesses in the municipality.
Hon. Alexander Kwame Twumasi acknowledged that the Assembly would face challenges but said his administration would work with stakeholders to ensure that projects and services delivered by the Assembly served the people.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
