Ho MCE summoned to PRCC for describing Assembly Members as thieves

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Ho, Hon. Divine R.K Bosson is set to be summoned to appear before the Public Relations and Complaints Committee (PRCC) following defamatory remarks made against Assembly Members.

Honorable Raphael Dogbe, the Assembly Member for the Klefe Electoral Area, has called on the Presiding Member of the Ho Municipal Assembly, Hon. Mawunyo Agbe, to invoke Section 217(2) 936 of the Local Government Act to compel the MCE.

The MCE allegedly referred to the Assembly Members as "thieves" in relation to his refusal to hand over streetlights for installation in the various electoral areas.

The MCE reportedly said he has evidence that the Assembly Members sell the streetlights meant to be installed in the various Electoral Areas.

An audio recording of the alleged statement has surfaced as evidence. The defamatory remarks made by the MCE have sparked outrage among Assembly members.

According to the provisions of the Local Government Act 217(2) 936, “where in the opinion of the Presiding Member of a District Assembly, a statement made by a member of the District Assembly is defamatory of any person in the first instance, the Presiding Member shall refer the matter for inquiry to the Public Relations and Complaints Committee of the District Assembly which shall report its findings to the District Assembly not later than fourteen days after the matter was referred.”

Based on this Act, the Presiding Member has referred the case to the PRCC for further inquiry.

The PRCC, in line with its mandate, will thoroughly investigate the incident and report its findings to the District Assembly within 14 days as stipulated by the law. The potential outcome of the enquiry According to Section 20(4) of the Local Government Act, 2016 (Act 936) can lead Assembly Members to pass a Vote of No Confidence in the MCE or otherwise.

The summons to the PRCC is a significant step in ensuring accountability within the Municipal Assembly, upholding the principles of mutual respect, and safeguarding the integrity of public office holders.

The Ho Municipal Assembly reassures the public that the matter is being handled with due diligence, and further developments will be communicated as necessary.