Mr Richard Fiadomor, the Presiding Member, of the Tema Metropolitan Assembly, has said the assembly’s debate and work are not characterised by partisanship but by objectivity and patriotism.

He said: “Although some residents perceive some assembly members as members or supporters of political parties no, one can tell this from the way they debate, vote, and work as assembly members.”

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, he said the assembly members were devoted to the development of their areas because those who voted them into office would assess their performances by how well they addressed these.

According to him, the non-partisan and development-oriented nature of local governance should be maintained in order to have a more unified approach to development at the local level.

Mr Fiadomor, who used to be a special assistant to the Metropolitan Chief Executive, said after his election as the Presiding Member, he ceased to be at the beck and call of his former boss.

“Both of us appreciate our roles,” he said. “We now have boundaries which should not be crossed. We consult each other on matters of importance having in mind the rules, expectations, and concerns of the Assembly.”

He called for a peaceful campaign towards the general election, saying, “Some of us came to Tema before the political parties.

“We made friends not based on political and ethnic considerations and we hope that we will still keep our friends and enjoy life in the Metropolis even when we disagree politically.”