DCEs found guilty of “African time”

The Western Regional Minister, Anthony E. Amoah has registered his disapproval of the “African time” syndrome by leaving a meeting he was scheduled to open at Sekondi because the participants were late.

Mr. Amoah, who was to open the 2006 regional conference of the National Association of Local Authorities at 10 am, arrived at the venue some minutes early, together with his deputy, Kwesi Blay, and the Regional Coordinating Director, David Yaro.

However, when they were ushered into the hall by the District Chief Executive for Ahanta West, Kwesi Biney, only four of the over 30 delegates were seated.

Before leaving the meeting, the Minister said, “I will have to impress upon members of the NALAG the essence of time.”

The NALAG is the association of metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives.

The conference eventually started about one hour late, with some delegates citing the change in venue from the Shama Ahanta East Metropolitan Assembly hall to the Regional House of Chiefs Conference Room as the reason for their lateness.

Mr. Biney, who chaired the conference, entreated the members to do away with the “African time” attitude by attending functions punctually in order to promote good governance.

He pointed out that because of their lateness; they missed the opportunity to be addressed by the new regional minister.

“Let us all try to do away with this bad attitude which tends to undermine the progress and development of our country.”

He appealed to government to motivate assembly members since they handle most of the problems facing the people at the grass roots.

Source: The Ghanaian Times