- 2024.
The sovereignty of the Ghanaian Republic provides constitutional remit in Section Six of the Local Governance Act 2016 [Act 936] as amended by Act 940, that District Level Elections should be held every four years with an interval between it and the Presidential and Parliamentary elections being at least six months apart.
The North Gonja District after successful District Level Elections in December last year was all set and ready to embark on the all-important nationwide inauguration in 259 assemblies. The assembly elected members in 15 electoral areas and 75 unit committee members [5 members each from the 15 electoral areas] to serve for the next four [4] years.
Section 5 (1) (b) Local Government Act, 2016 (Act 936) states that “A District Assembly shall consist of one person from each electoral area within the district elected by universal adult suffrage following regulations made for the purpose by the Electoral Commission”.
The District Chief Executive, Hon. Adam Eliasu alias Red Bawa delivered an opening remark with a warm welcome to all assembly members especially new members while congratulating them all for their success in the elections. He acknowledged them for their contribution in the last assembly and urged all members to eschew partisan affiliations in the discharge of assembly duties to foster unity and forward match of citizens of the District.
As part of the inauguration, the President’s representative delivered his inaugural address and all elected assembly and unit committee members across the 15 electoral areas of the assembly were sworn in to officially commence their mandate to ensure the smooth and effective discharge of their duties in their respective electoral areas.
The Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development (MLGDRD) rescheduled the nationwide inauguration of the MMDAs, to yesterday, February 12 after an initial announcement of February 6, 2024, for the event. The event was rescheduled as it coincided with the reconvening of Parliament and also to allow MPs who were part of the assemblies to attend the inauguration today.
The Electoral Commission conducted the election of the PRESIDING MEMBER portfolio by presenting Hon. Takora Issah Razak [Assembly Member for Daboya West] and Hon. Sumani Hudu [Assembly Man for Wawato]. At the end of the guidelines, Hon. Sumani Hudu was declared Presiding Member after pulling 20 votes against 3 by Hon. Takora Issah Razak. A motion was moved and seconded by Hon. Issahaku Gyan [Assembly Member for Daboya East] and Hon. Osman Boasah [Assembly Member for Lukula] respectively for the adjournment of the sitting.
Representatives from the Wasipe Traditional Council, Security Institutions, Heads of Departments, other state institutions and the clergy were all present to witness the process.
Source : Ridwan Afeso Abubakari
[Aide/PRO Hon. Adam Eliasu – DCE NGDA].
