You are not mandated to settle cases - Unit committees cautioned

Agona Swedru(C/R), Feb. 5, GNA - Unit committee members have been warned to avoid settling defilement and other criminal cases as they do not fall within their jurisdiction.

Mr Peter Antwi-Boasiako, Agona West Municipal Coordinating Director, said this when he inaugurated unit committee and urban council members at Agona Swedru.

He urged them to refer those criminal cases to the appropriate security agencies to deal with as the law requires.

Mr Antwi-Boasiako cautioned members not to use their positions to set up court in their respective localities.

He called on members to put their political affiliations aside, saying showing such political inclinations would derail the essence of local governance.

He said the essence of the unit committee and urban councils are to bring local government structures to the door steps of the people and urged them to avoid dabbling in chieftaincy matters.

Mr Antwi-Boasiako said the members had no power to initiate vote of no confidence in any elected assembly member.

He said the functions of the unit committees are to help curb criminal acts and seek ways to improve the society.

He said the Assembly would empower them to collect revenue at their areas and a percentage would be given to them to undertake development projects.

He assured the members that the Agona West Municipal Management headed by Mr Samuel Oppong, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), would provide them with the necessary support.

Mr Akyea Addo, Assemblyman for Agona Swedru Nsusososo Electoral Area was elected Urban Council Chairman for one year term. GNA