Regional News of Monday, 15 September 2003

Source: GNA

Chief calls for national debate on whether assembly members should be

paid

Kwamirekrom (B/A), Sept. 15, GNA - Nana Akwasi Oppong, Krontihene of Kamirekrom in the Asunafo district of the Brong Ahafo Region has called for a national debate on whether assembly members should be paid for their services.

He argued that assembly members would perform creditably if they were put on government payroll.

Nana Oppong made the call when staff of the Asunafo District Office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) met the Kamire community to educate them on the civic responsibilities of traditional rulers, assemblymen and unit committee members.

He said the work of assembly members, like that of parliamentarians, put additional financial burden on them and this could only be overcome if they are paid monthly.

Mr Emmanuel Aduse-Poku of the NCCE office reminded the Chiefs and Unit Committees to let national issues take precedence over their personal and partisan interests.

He urged opinion leaders in the community to educate the people about the Intestate Succession Law (PNDCL 111) to enable widows and vulnerable children

to enjoy their fair share of the estates of their families. Mr Joseph Eric Domfeh, assemblyman for the area commended the government for embarking on the mass cocoa praying exercise and called on the people to assist the spraying gangs to ensure the success of the programme. 15 Sept. 03