Unit Committee members call for ex-gratia

Some unit committee members at lower Bobikuma in the Central Region have proposed that the government consider paying ex-gratia to committee members after their term of office.

Mr Abraham Asomani Weitey said the unit committee members were officially elected in an election conducted by the government and therefore saw no reason why nothing was paid to them.

Mr Weitey made the proposal at the inauguration of the 15-member Area Council for Lower and Upper Bobikuma and Agona Kwamang at Upper Bobikuma.

He expressed disappointment about the situation where assembly members benefited from ex-gratia and nothing was given to unit committee members who worked hand in hand with them.

He said the unit committee members do not even enjoy sitting allowance and other benefit and therefore suggested that some money be given them as ex-gratia to serve as motivation.

He said this would encourage more elites and other highly professional people to contest the unit committee position.

Mr Weitey said the unit committees deserve better conditions at least to help them work assiduously to ensure development of the communities.

Mr Samuel Ayitey, affectionately called Otutum, a Unit Committee member at Agona Swedru Ankyease Electoral Area, also added his voice to the call by Mr Weitey that ex-gratia be paid to them.

He said assembly members take their sitting allowances at every session, while unit committee members receive nothing.

Mr Ayitey appealed to the government to impress upon the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to roll out plans to cater for unit committee members, to enable them deliver.

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Agona West, Mr Samuel Oppong in response to the appeal assured the members that the proposals and suggestions raised at the inauguration would be forwarded to the Local Government Ministry.

Source: GNA