By Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo
Tema, March 06, GNA – Mr Joseph Kojo Ofori, the newly elected Presiding Member of the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA), has pledged to promote electronic governance, strengthen capacity building for assembly members and intensify sanitation efforts within the metropolis.
Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) after his election, Mr Ofori said the office of the Presiding Member was clearly defined with responsibilities outlined in the Assemblyâs Standing Orders.
He said although the mandate of the office remained unchanged, he intended to introduce initiatives that would enhance the work of the assembly.
He mentioned the effective implementation of the Electoral Area Development Fund to ensure that every electoral area benefitted from the assemblyâs resources.
He explained that the fund would help address priority development needs within communities and ensure equitable distribution of projects across the metropolis.
He promised to promote the use of electronic systems in the work of the assembly to reduce excessive paperwork.
He said the assembly would explore the use of laptops and other electronic devices in its operations to improve
Mr Ofori said he also planned to organise annual capacity-building programmes for assembly members to enhance their knowledge and improve their performance in local governance.
He noted that strengthening the capacity of assembly members would enable them to perform their oversight and representation roles effectively.
On sanitation challenges in Tema Newtown, particularly in the Manhean area, Mr Ofori acknowledged that poor sanitation and open defecation remained major concerns, and although public toilets were provided at intervals within the communities, some residents continued to engage in unsanitary practices.
He attributed the situation partly to attitudinal challenges and stressed the need for intensified public education and community engagement to address the problem.
On infrastructure development, he said plans were underway for projects in the area, adding that preparations were at the design stage with support expected from a development partner.
Mr Ofori, who is the assemblyman for the Sea-light electoral area in Tema Manhean, expressed optimism that with collaboration among assembly members and residents, the assembly would be able to address key development challenges within the metropolis.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba