MMDCEs cautioned against get-rich-quick attitude

Metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives (MMDCEs) have been cautioned against adopting the ‘get-rich-quick’ attitude while in office.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Eric Opoku, said the position they occupied could push them to use illegitimate avenues to make money but warned that the government would not protect anyone who would fall foul of the law by traversing that path.

He gave the warning when he swore in six new DCEs in Kumasi last Friday.

They are Madam Mary Juantuah for the Bekwai Municipality; Mr Stephen Yeboah, Atwima Mponua; Mr Emmanuel Dede Appiah, Amansie Central; Mr Kwabena Nkrumah, Atwima Kwanwoma; Mr Alex Kwame Bonsu, Amansie West; and Madam Veronica Antwi-Agyei, Bosomtwe.

Reminding them of their position as direct representatives of the President in their respective districts, the regional minister said it was important for them to live modest and humble lifestyles, the same way as the President carried himself in his political life.

“I need not remind you of the high level of confidence reposed in you by the President and the assemblies that confirmed your appointments, hence the need not to disappoint them. It is thus important that you work hard to win the support and co-operation of the people you serve rather than lording it over them,” the regional minister stated.

He identified some of the surest ways for them to exact respect and win the support and confidence of their people as making themselves accessible to the people, listening to them, empathising with them and sharing their aspirations.

Mr Opoku also charged the assemblies to work extra hard to win the war against insanitary conditions in their localities.

Making reference to the sanitation action plans that had been prepared by the assemblies, he told the DCEs to make good use of the plans by implementing them effectively.

He stressed the need for urgent execution of the programme for street naming and property numbering in the districts.

Mr Opoku pointed out that development in the various districts would result in the overall development of the Ashanti Region. He, therefore, admonished the DCEs to share ideas among themselves and have a holistic view of the region’s development.

The Mahama administration, he noted, was on course to delivering on its promises and said the pillars underpinning the President’s vision must guide MMDCEs in their work.

The principles are putting the people first, building strong and resilient economy, expanding infrastructure, and transparent and accountable governance.

In a related development, a day’s orientation programme has been organised for all MMDCEs in the Ashanti Region to prepare them for the work ahead of them.

Addressing the opening session, the regional minister said the region would continue to get its fair share of the national cake under the NDC government.

“By the end of the first term of President Mahama, we want everyone in this region to come out and say the President and his government have done well. This places a responsibility on MMDCEs to lead the way in making strides in all sectors of national development, including education, health and roads,” he said.

By Kwame Asare Boadu/Daily Graphic/Ghana