Assembly members asked not to abuse right of Vote of No Confidence
The Minister of Local Government and Rural development, Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, on Monday expressed concern about the way some assembly members were abusing the no confidence vote in attempts to remove Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executive (MMDCEs) and said the vote should be used sparingly.
He said the use of the vote was becoming a norm than an exception and that it should not be the first option but the last after all avenues to resolves issues had failed.
Mr Ofosu-Ampofo, who was addressing the Review Conference of Regional Ministers held in Elmina, said it was unacceptable for a few disgruntled assembly members to pass a vote of no confidence in MMDCEs.
The review conference, which was attended by the all the Regional Ministers and their chief directors, is to take stock of their performance, share experiences and plan strategies that would enhance the implementation of the Better Ghana Agenda objectives.
The conference would also deliberate on pertinent issues such as the challenges facing the educational sector, disbursement of MASLOC loans, state security, activities of Fulani herdsmen, decoupling RCC budget from the budget of the government machinery and the provision of resources to RCCs including vehicles to facilitate monitoring.
Mr Ofosu-Ampofo said although assembly members had the right to use the no confidence vote to remove MMDCEs from office, it should not be abused, adding that in the Ashanti Region about five districts attempted to pass the vote of no confidence in their District Chief Executive, creating unnecessary confusion and insecurity.
He appealed to the regional minister to step up their monitoring and supervisory roles at the district level.
“Increase your interaction with the assemblies and use your capacity as representatives of the President at the regional level to resolve all disputes at the district assembly,” he said.
Mr Ofosu-Ampofo said the legislative instrument on the creation of new of districts was before parliament and appealed to the ministers to institute measures to welcome the new districts, adding that seed money of GH¢42 million had been made available for the new districts.
He urged the ministers to liaise with traditional rulers to create the enabling environment and ensure that facilities were provided for a smooth take off of the new districts.
The Minister said the Ministry had taken delivery of some refuse collection trucks that would soon be distributed to the regions and districts and that the government was spending so much money on waste management.
Mr Mark Woyongo, the Upper East Regional Minister and Chairman of the Conference, said government policies were on course and urged the members to ensure that the 2012 election was conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.
Mrs Ama Benyiwa Doe, the Central Regional Minister, expressed concern about the insecurity situation illegal mining was creating in the country and said the activity was being extended to the beaches, especially in Elmina.
Source: GNA