Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister slams monetisation of assemblies

Mr Paul Evans Aidoo, Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister, has expressed concern about the alleged use of money to influence assembly members before the appointment of   chief executives.

Mr Aidoo expressed the concern when addressing the second Regional Coordinating Council (BARCC) meeting for 2013 in Sunyani.

The meeting attended by Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs), Presiding Members, staff of the BARCC and Heads of Departments, was to evaluate activities of the council and strategise for the general development of the region.

Mr Aidoo noted that the situation has assumed alarming proportion and is threatening unity.

The Regional Minister, who is also Member of Parliament for Sefwi-Wiawso in the Western Region, said: “It is openly alleged that monies have to pass hands before assembly members agree to cast their votes for the confirmation of municipal and district chief executives.”

Mr Aidoo said the unfortunate development had culminated in the difficulty of some appointees of the MDCEs getting confirmation.

He asked the assemblies to adopt prudent measures in the management of their scarce resources, and generate revenue from their local sources.

He observed that because some of the assemblies have not put in place the right measures to maximise revenue, most of them lack the necessary funds to execute their projects and programmes.

Mr Aidoo called on the assemblies to acquire land banks, invest in projects like guest houses and collaborate with the private sector to promote the growth of local industries to provide jobs for the teeming youth to facilitate development.

Source: GNA