Politics of Monday, 18 February 2008

Source: GNA

Break tradition of changing MPs every term - Opinion leader

Accra, Feb 18, GNA- The electorates in the Odododiodioo constituency in the Greater region have been urged to break the "unhealthy tradition of changing MPs every term", Mr Amos Nii Okai Torto, an opinion leader in the community has said.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Accra on Saturday, he noted that since the beginning of the fourth republic, no MP in the area had been retained for more than one term.

He noted that the tradition was not a healthy one for the area because it had an adverse effect on the community in terms of development.

Mr Torto explained that just as an MP was gaining experience in the legislature to enable him to make a positive impact on the development of the area he was dropped.

He called on the people to have a second thought on the issue and resolve to change the "unhealthy tradition" for the socio-economic development of the area.

Mr Torto called on the people to stand by the current MP; Mr Jonathan Nii Tackie Komme, who he said had performed creditably. He commended the MP for his commitment towards the provision of educational infrastructure in his two years in office.

The opinion leader mentioned the provision of educational infrastructure and furniture, jerseys and footballs to schools in the area as well as his support for social activities including supporting Moslems to mark their Eid-Ul-Fitre and Eid Ul Adha celebrations.

Some of the schools that had benefited from the MP's support include the Holy Trinity Cathedral Secondary School, Bishop's Mixed JSS, Richard Akwei Memorial School, St Mary's Anglican, Derby Avenue, Private Odartey Lamptey, Bishop's Girls, Independence Avenue and the Ayalolo Cluster of schools.

The MP later told the GNA that the provision and improvement of educational infrastructure had been his focus.

He said it was his belief that such social services, apart from improving the lives of the people, were a long-term investment in human resource development, which benefited a broad section of the people. Nii Tackie-Komme said he had established a computer laboratory with 21 computers and accessories at a cost of GH¢100 thousand from his share of the GETFund at the Holy Trinity Cathedral Secondary School. The MP, who is also the Chairman of the School's Board, said he would ensure the installation of air-conditioners at the laboratory to ensure a longer life span of the equipment.

Nii Tackie Komme said last month he also commissioned a refurbished computer laboratory for the Sacred Heart Technical Institute at Jamestown in Accra.

The MP said he spent GH¢4,950 to provide the 20 computers, a cabinet and other accessories hooked to the INTERNET and opened another Laboratory with 15 computers at the Accra Sempe Primary School. He pointed out that Information Communication Technology (ICT) had become a major driving force and a tool for promoting development, combating poverty and facilitating the integration of developing countries into the global economy.

The MP noted that in spite of the fact that the Ghana Education Service had made ICT a core subject in its examination a large number of schools did not have the facility.

"I have also spent over GH¢ 35,000 in rehabilitating the compound of Bishop's Girls School, repaired the roof and the ceiling as well as extending electricity and ceiling fans for some classrooms at the Independence Avenue cluster of schools".

The MP had also donated GH¢5,000 to support the construction of three classrooms with the assistance of some NGOs for the Shift B of the Akwei Memorial School.

Nii Tackie Komme stated that he was in touch with some Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to assist with loans and other inputs for the people of his constituency, especially women, to establish and improve their economic ventures to improve their living standards. 18 Feb. 08