By Frank Kwame Abbor
Dzolokpuita (V/R), May 15, GNA-Tension flared at a meeting of the Ho West District Assembly after some Assembly Members openly accused Mr Profer Francis Dusey, the District Chief Executive (DCE) of sidelining elected representatives during official engagements within their electoral areas.
The disagreement, which centered on concerns over stakeholder involvement and communication, saw members expressing dissatisfaction with what they described as the growing exclusion of Assembly Members from community activities and development discussions led by the DCE.
Mr Constance Agbevienu, the Assembly Member of the Avenui Electoral Area on Friday May 15, 2026, strongly criticised the conduct of the DCE, warning that the continuous failure to involve Assembly Members in official visits and assignments within their electoral areas risked undermining trust and unity within the Assembly.
“We are your board members, and it is expected that you will keep us in the loop whenever you are in our areas for official duties,” he stated.
He added: “You go into our communities, work with random people, and leave out the elected Assembly Members who are supposed to represent the people.”
He alleged that dissatisfaction was gradually growing among Assembly Members and some staff of the Assembly, cautioning the DCE against what he described as a leadership approach that could damage his reputation and administration.
“You have the opportunity to become one of the best DCEs in the history of Ho West, but your goodwill is beginning to decline because of these actions,” he added.
Mr Agbevienu’s remarks, however, generated sharp reactions within the Assembly, with some members describing portions of his comments as offensive and contrary to the Assembly’s standing orders.
Mr Robert Elikem Ameh, the Assembly Member for the Amedzofe Electoral Area, rose on a point of order and called on Mr Agbevienu to withdraw and apologise for some of his comments directed at the DCE.
“This House is governed by rules and regulations. We cannot use offensive or insulting language against one another,” he stressed.
“Whatever disagreement we may have, there are proper ways to express them respectfully.”
Mr Pascal Newton Epou, Assembly Member for the Honuta Electoral Area, also appealed for restraint and moderation in the discussions, urging colleagues to address concerns in a more respectful and constructive manner.
“In as much as we all agree that Assembly Members are key stakeholders in local governance, we should also be measured in our words and ambitions,” he advised.
Responding to the concerns, Mr Dusey rejected claims that he deliberately sidelined Assembly Members, insisting that his administration remained one of the most consultative and democratic in the history of the Assembly.
“I am the most democratic DCE ever in this Assembly. I do not take decisions alone, not even without management,” he stated.
He added: “Every major decision is discussed collectively because this Assembly belongs to all of us.”
The DCE explained that many of the community visits cited by members were based on invitations from chiefs and elders, particularly regarding ongoing discussions on infrastructure projects such as bridge construction and community development matters.
“When chiefs and elders invite me to explain issues affecting their communities, I cannot ignore them,” he said, adding, most of these meetings were not organised by me personally, and in some cases, even the Assembly Members concerned do not reside within those communities.”
Mr Dusey acknowledged concerns raised about communication gaps but cautioned members against personalising issues and using language that could inflame tension within the Assembly.
“We can disagree, but we must do so respectfully,” he stated. “If concerns are presented with decorum, I will always listen and work with members in the interest of the district.”
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah