Sunyani (BAR), Jan. 31, GNA - Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives in northern sector of the country have commended President John Evans Atta Mills for allowing them to remain in office until the end of the transition period.

They said the decision would enhance national cohesion, unity and sustainability of peace in the country.

They made the commendation at the end of a meeting organised by Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development in Sunyani. It was attended by 190 local government officials including chief directors, coordinating directors and metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives in Ashanti, Brong-Ahafo, Upper East, West and Northern Regions.

Mr Apraku Tanor, Jaman South District Chief Executive said "The decision is good because handing over cannot be done in a vacuum". Mr Salifu Saeed, Bimbilla District Chief Executive, said the decision was not political but to sustain internal security, and was optimistic subsequent governments would follow the example. Some of them however, expressed concern about the ill-treatment meted out to them by some NDC activists who "intimidated, harassed and threatened our lives, confiscated our properties and office materials because we belong to the NPP".

Mr Opoku Peprah, Asutifi District Chief Executive alleged that he received anonymous telephone calls that threatened his life in the office and appealed to President Mills to advice NDC activists to refrain from such acts "or we shall abandon our positions for the sake of our lives and families."

They also expressed concern about some issues during the transitional period, these included capital expenditure, ban on payment of contractors, sustainability of employment as projects were time-bound, early payment of end- of-service benefits, waste and sanitation management and their tenure of office. Mr D. A. Nyankamawu, Chief Director, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, urged them to accord the transition team the necessary courtesies and co-operate with them in the interest of the State.

Mr Akwasi Oppong-Fosu, President's Representative at the Ministry gave the assurance that NDC activists would be cautioned to desist from engaging in such acts and pledged to forward their grievances to President Mills.