Confusion Over Ketu South MCE Confirmation

The Volta Regional Minister, Joseph Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo was said to have dismissed 12 government appointees in the Ketu South Municipal Assembly to pave the way for Mr Lamptey's endorsement.

The alleged conduct of the minister contravened the Local Government Law (Act 462, 1993).

The exercise, according to the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Akwasi Oppong-Fosu, was null and void.

A statement posted on the website of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) on Tuesday night after DAILY GUIDEreported the matter, said the purported revocation of the mandate of government appointees of the Ketu South Municipal Assembly was null and void.

Mr. Bronson Lamtpey was endorsed by majority of the assembly members in the controversial election on Monday, 28 th October 2013. Assembly members and residents, who spoke to DAILY GUIDE, noted that Pascal's confirmation was a clear case of arm-twisting by government officials.

Officials alleged to have perpetuated the illegality include the Member of Parliament (MP) of the area, Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, who is also a Minister of State at the Presidency, Deputy Volta Regional Minister, Francis Ganyaglo, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, who is also an assembly member, Dzifa Gomashie and the Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Kofi Adams.

The nominee failed to secure two-thirds majority of Assembly members present on Friday, October 18 th  2013 in the first round of voting.

He polled 33 out of 56 votes, representing 59 percent while three votes, representing five percent, were rejected. He needed at least 38 votes to be confirmed.

Since Pascal Lamptey, who is also the Deputy Constituency Youth Organiser secured more than 50 percent of the votes, he was entitled to take part in the second confirmation ceremony.

Few days to the second round on Monday, the Regional Minister allegedly issued two letters; one to revoke the mandate of government appointees and another to appoint new ones.

Out of 18 government appointees, 12 were replaced while six were maintained in a desperate attempt to confirm Pascal as new MCE for Ketu South.

Writ Of Summons 

On Monday, 28 th October 2013, the Presiding Member of the Assembly, Cephas Yao Anagbo recused himself after a writ of summons was served on him in relation to the confirmation ceremony.

The Assembly, with the backing of the Regional Minister, who is acting as MCE, appointed a new member, Mickson Akpavor to supervise proceedings.

The election was held immediately the new members were sworn into office by Judge Owuahene Acheampong.

Pascal polled 47 out of 55 votes, representing 85 percent.

There were no rejected ballot and he was quickly sworn into office.

Several police personnel, led by the Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Fred Agyepong Asare were at the premises of the assembly to provide security.

However, in the latest announcement by the Local Government Ministry, it has emerged that the letters were truly illegal.

The statement stressed that the President had not authorised the revocation of the appointment of any assembly member in the area.

The Local Government Minister, Akwasi Oppong-Fosu assured the public and the people of Ketu South in particular that under the Local Government Act, the President has the sole prerogative to revoke the appointment of government appointees of the Assembly.

 From Fred Duodu, Denu (Daily Guide)