Regional News of Thursday, 23 September 2004

Source: GNA

Furore over re-election of Presiding Member for Hohoe District Assembly

Hohoe, Sept. 23, GNA- There was furore at a Special Session of the Hohoe District Assembly, on Wednesday, when Mr Samuel Danso, a government appointee, questioned the eligibility of the Presiding Member (PM), Mr Albert K. Agra to preside over proceedings. He contended that Section 17, and sub-section 4 of ACT 462 and the paragraph 2 of the District Assembly Standing Order 10, indicated that a PM should serve a two-year term of office, and to be re-elected by a two-thirds majority.

Mr Danso explained that since the two-year term of Mr Agra had elapsed, he ceases to be the PM and besides he could not preside over his re-election bid.

This attracted uproar from members resulting in a temporary hold-up of proceedings.

Mr Danso said there was the need to declare Mr Agra unopposed since he was the sole candidate.

Calm was restored when the District Coordinating Director, Mr Musah Gado was invited by the members to preside over the meeting.

Mr Agra was subsequently declared the new PM by Mr Victor Edifor, the District Electoral Officer and sworn into office by Mr Samuel K. Budu, a Judge at the Hohoe Magistrate Court. Mr Agra pledged to serve diligently devoid of partisanship, fear or favour.

Meanwhile, a re-constituted 25-member Executive Committee, chaired by Mr James Dogbe, the District Chief Executive and 10 Sub-Committees comprising Works, Agriculture, Tourism and Culture, Social services, Finance and Administration, Water and Sanitation, Women and Children, Environment, Development Planning and Justice and Security were inaugurated.