By Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo, GNA
Tema, March 04, GNA – Members of the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) have elected Mr Joseph Kojo Ofori, the Assemblyman for the Sealight Electoral Area in Tema Manhean, as the new Presiding Member (PM) of the assembly.
Mr Ofori received a 100 per cent ‘yes’ vote after Mr Lasisi Baba Tunde, the Assemblyman for the Horticulture Electoral Area, stepped down from the race after the nomination of candidates.
He thanked the Assemblymembers for the confidence reposed in him, promising to work with them for the development of the metropolis.
Prior to the voting process, Ms Ebi Bright, the Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), commended Mr Felix Fauchie Sobreh, the outgoing presiding member, for the cordial working relationship.
“I have enjoyed a surprisingly wonderful cordiality from the outgoing PM. I expected to come into an assembly with a lot of rifts and trouble, but he has run a regime that is very calm and focused. A united one that has been inclusive and accommodating. As you can see, with all our unique personalities, he has managed to run this assembly quietly and purposefully,” she praised.
She noted that among his achievements were the increment of the Consolidated Fund, the increment of the Assembly Members Development Fund, the increment of the IGF staff wages and benefits, and the enhanced cordial relationship between assembly staff and assembly members.
“ Sometimes I even fight with him for being too accommodating and understanding because before we even sit at the table, he has made a considered evaluation of the situation,” she added.
The MCE reminded the newly elected PM that the achievement of his predecessor was a tall order for him to meet, emphasising that “so apart from our other expectations, I want to tell you that this is the barest minimum that we expect from you.”
The election of the PM is legally covered by the Local Government Act, pages 15 and 24, and the Model Standing Orders Part 2 Section 9(1).
The TMA is made up of 34 members comprising two Members of Parliament who have no voting rights, the MCE, 21 electoral members, and 10 government appointees.
GNA
Edited by Christabel Addo