Governance expert warns Assembly Members against corruption - Ghana Business News

Local governance expert Richard Fiadomor has warned Assembly Members against corruption. He cautioned them during the upcoming confirmation of Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs).

Fiadomor described this process as "cocoa season." He emphasized that it should not be an opportunity for personal enrichment. Assembly Members must confirm or reject nominees based on merit, not personal gain.

In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), he expressed satisfaction with President John Dramani Mahama's list of nominees for the Volta Region. He hopes assembly members will endorse these nominees to promote progress.

"The confirmation process is for development, not personal enrichment," he stated. Nominees can assist assembly members with transportation fares but must avoid any appearance of bribery, which is illegal.

Fiadomor believes assembly members are well-positioned to evaluate nominees. They may know their strengths and weaknesses better than others. He encouraged them to investigate the nominees' experiences and capabilities.

He praised President Mahama's policy to provide monthly funds for assembly members. This could help ease their economic burdens and support community development.

"The confirmation of MMDCEs is crucial for local governance," he said. The process must be transparent and free from corruption. Expertise can help ensure informed decisions by assembly members.

Some MMDCE nominees expressed hope they would receive the necessary two-thirds votes from Assemblies. This support would allow them to lead development efforts effectively.

The Volta Regional Coordinating Council announced confirmation dates for MMDCEs. These will take place from Wednesday, April 2, to Friday, April 11, in various district assemblies within the region.

As the confirmation process nears, Assembly Members are urged to focus on community development needs. They must ensure nominated MMDCEs can drive progress in their areas.

Residents in Keta shared their belief in the region's rich history of community-driven initiatives. They reminded assembly members to uphold integrity throughout this process.