Let the people feel as part of decision-making and governance-President

Tema, March 15, GNA - President John Atta Mills on Tuesday reminded Assembly Members that their election and appointment was a mark of confidence the electorate had in them.

For this reason, he said, it was the bounding duty of assembly members to serve the nation in a way and manner that would let people appreciate the fact that they were truly part of the decision-making process and governance of the country.

President Mills' reminder is contained in an address read for him by the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development at the inauguration of the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) in Tema. The 77-member Assembly of the TMA is made up of 50 elected members, 23 government appointees, the Metropolitan Chief Executive, and the two Members of Parliament for Tema.

President Mills appealed to Assembly members to have due regard for the national interest and that of the people in their various districts, municipalities and metropolis He told them not to seek favours from Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) and Management, as that could undermine their authority to demand accountability from Management. President Mills reminded the MMDCEs that as representatives of the President and first servants of the State at the district level, they were expected to comport themselves in the administration of the MMDAs, to demonstrate to the people that they were indeed available as chief servants of the districts.

He further urged them to be diligent, accountable and responsive to their individual assemblies and the people. The President charged the new Assembly members to evolve new strategies in collaboration with Management, to generate adequate revenue to complement the efforts of central government. President Mills warned them against the misuse and misapplication of funds, adding that funds from both the central government, as well as internally-generated monies, should be prudently managed.

On Sanitation, the President charged Assemblies to put premium on sanitation and waste management activities to rid their communities of filth, and health problems associated with insanitary conditions and practices.

He assured the MMDAs of government's continued support in their quest to render better services to the people, and to develop the country. Mr Robert Kempes Papa Nii Ofosuware, Tema Municipal Chief Executive, urged the assembly members to co-operate with the TMA in order for the Assembly to achieve set goals. The new Assembly members were later sworn in by Mrs Justice Anin Yeboah, High Court Judge.