By Edward Williams
Ho, March 29, GNA – The Gbefi and Sovie Traditional Councils in the Kpando Municipality of the Volta Region have raised concerns about the changes made to the list of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) for the Region.
The Councils said to their great dismay, they learnt that some individuals with vested interests in Kpando altered the list by removing the name of their preferred candidate.
In a press release by the Councils, Madam Elizabeth Edem Tsekpodoe, was rightfully nominated for the position of MCE for Kpando Municipality and they had concrete evidence to support the claim.
“The master list visibly shows that a name starting with “E” and ending with “e” was canceled and replaced with the word “pending.”
The Councils said none of the other candidates from Kpando Municipality had names that fitted the pattern.
They said it also strongly indicated that Madam Tsekpodoe was indeed the President’s chosen nominee.
The Councils said the development had triggered widespread concern, growing speculation and deepening anxiety among the people of Kpando Municipality.
They also added that such actions only served to breed suspicion, fuel division and disrupt the peace of the Municipality.
“The appointment of an MCE should be a process that enhances governance, promotes unity and fosters development not one that stirs controversy and discord.”
The Councils underscored the importance of fair representation adding that it was essential to acknowledge that Kpando Municipality comprised the Kpando, Gbefi and Sovie Traditional Areas.
“When North Dayi was carved out of Kpando in 2012, and Kpando was elevated to a Municipality, these three traditional areas under the leadership of their respective paramount chiefs, Okpekpewuokpe Togbuiga Dagadu VIII (Kpando), Togbega Akom VIII (Gbefi), and Togbega Kofi Nyanku VII (Sovie) reached a consensus and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to ensure fair rotation of political appointments within the Municipality.”
The Councils further provided evidence of past Chief Executives who hailed from the three Traditional Areas.
They said the Chiefs, Elders, and people of Gbefi and Sovie firmly believed that it was now Gbefi’s turn to be considered for the MCE position.
They said Kpando and Sovie had already had their fair share of representation, and currently, the sitting Member of Parliament for Kpando hailed from Kpando-Dzogbesiati.
“It is only fair and just that Gbefi is now given the opportunity to serve in the role of MCE.”
The Councils said the Gbefi Traditional Council had had the honour of witnessing Madam Tsekpodoe’s outstanding leadership, deep commitment to public service and passion for community development.
They said her relentless efforts to improve the lives of the people and her ability to unite communities, address pressing concerns and implement effective solutions made her the ideal candidate for the role of Municipal Chief Executive.
Meanwhile, a communication from the Presidency signed by Callistus Mahama, PhD, Secretary to the President on Friday nominated Mr Killian Donkor, Municipal Chief Executive of Kpando, subject to approval by the Assembly.
GNA
MA/LAA