Accra, Aug. 22, GNA - Government has approved ex-gratia awards to be paid to assemblymen who have successfully completed their four-year tenure.

For all assembly members, who are completing their tenure next month the approved range for payment is between 1.5 million cedis and two million cedis.

A statement signed by Mr Stephen Asamoah Boateng, Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Environment, said the payment of the amount should be based on the financial status of the assemblies, as had been the practice over the years.

In 2002, between 500,000 cedis and 800,000 cedis was paid to all assembly members, who completed their term. The actual amount paid was subject to the financial standing of the assemblies. The statement, therefore, directed all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to authorise the payment of end-of-service benefit to assembly members, who had successfully completed the four-year term. The statement also announced new dates for the dissolution and inauguration for all Assemblies.

All existing MMDAs are requested to dissolve on or before Wednesday, September 20, 2006 by the Presiding Members. The inauguration of the new MMDAs is scheduled to take place between Thursday September 21, 2006 and Friday September 29, 2006. 22 Aug. 06