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16.04.2014 Press Release

Group Kick Against Calls To Sack Local Gov't Minister

By DEFEND OUR DEMOCRACY ALLIANCE (DODA)
Group Kick Against Calls To Sack Local Gov't Minister
16.04.2014 LISTEN

CALL FOR THE DISMISSAL OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT MINISTER BASED ON THE REJECTION OF SOME METROPOLITAN, MUNICIPAL AND DISTRICT CHIEF EXECUTIVES IS MISCHIEVOUS AND MYOPIC


Defend Our Democracy Alliance (DODA) has noted with grave concern the conscious efforts of

some individuals to undermine the work of, the Local Government Minister, Hon. Akwasi Opong-Fosu, as mischievous and myopic to say the least. DODA makes particular reference to the comments attributed to one Anthony Nukpenu purported to be the Deputy Greater Accra Regional Organiser of the National Democratic Congress who is reported to have said on a First Digital TV show that the Minister of Local Government should be sacked due to the rejection of some MMDCEs.


In the first place it is not the duty of the Minister for Local Government to appoint MMDCEs. The 1992 Constitution and the Local Government Act, 1993, Act 462 vest the power of appointment of MMDCEs in the President of the Republic. It is important to explain that the selection process of MMDCEs begins from the constituency level where candidates are screened and shortlisted for consideration at the regional level.

Three successful candidates at the regional level are then submitted to the National Interview Board for final interview and recommendation for appointment by the President. In all these processes, the various interest groups including traditional authorities, Members of Parliament and party executive among others are consulted.

The President is however not obliged to accept the recommendations of the National Interview Board. It is therefore surprising to fault the Minister for Local Government for the rejection of some MMDCEs. At any rate, this is not the first time MMDCE nominees have been rejected.

Moreso, the core function of the Minister of Local Government is to set the policy framework for the development of local communities and oversee the performance of MMDAs which the Minister is doing so well.

DODA is of the view that Hon. Akwasi Opong-Fosu remains one of the most hardworking Ministers State who needs to be supported. We therefore urge the Hon. Minister to remain focused on his work and IGNORE attention-seeking detractors.

Signed
RICHARD SHIANGBOR
(DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH)
0246355827

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