Wassa-Akropong (W/R), Sept 10, GNA - Mr Joseph Boahen Aidoo, the Member of Parliament for Amenfi East, has said it would not be economically prudent now for the country to pay assembly members salaries especially when most assemblies could not meet revenue targets. He said the job of assembly members was part time, hence they are paid allowances and ex-gratia in recognition of the importance of their work.

Mr Aidoo said this when he addressed the last session of the Wassa Amenfi East District Assembly at Wassa-Akropong on Friday. Mr Aidoo who, until recently was the Western Regional Minister, said MPs are paid salaries because the constitution does not allow them to engage in any profit making business except with the permission of the Speaker.

He said as one of the new districts the Wassa Amenfi East District was investing much of its resources in infrastructure development and not social services that many people would have wished. The MP paid tribute to the founding fathers of the assembly, particularly Kasapreko Kwame Bassanyin III, Omanhene of Wassa-Amenfi and some civil servants for their selfless devotion to the development of the area.

Mr Aidoo gave the assurance that the government would honour its promise to developt the area and said 25 communities would be connected to the national electricity grid under the Rural Electrification Project.

He called for peace, unity and patriotism among the people to enhance the development of the area.