By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu
Keta (VR), Oct. 31, GNA-The Keta Municipal Assembly, has recommended for the immediate transfer of Mr Mohammed Abass, Head of the Assembly’s Works Department, following alleged acts of misconduct and disruptions during its Second Ordinary Meeting of the Third Session of the Ninth Assembly.
The recommendation, according to Mr Christopher Mensah, Presiding Member of the Assembly, followed deliberations on allegations involving the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr Wisdom B. Seade, and subsequent confrontations during the meeting.
Mr Mensah disclosed that the meeting, held on October 28, considered questions filed by the Assembly Member for the Abutiakope Electoral Area, Mr Promise Kofi Baccah, concerning allegations contained in viral audio recordings attributed to Mr Abass.
“The recordings allegedly suggested that the MCE had unlawfully withdrawn GHS 120,000 from the Assembly’s account and that certain building permits had been backdated,” he said.
Mr Mensah said the Assembly’s Standing Orders allowed members to file questions on matters of public interest and municipal administration, while heads of departments were expected to attend meetings to provide technical advice and respond to issues concerning their respective departments.
He said Mr Abass sought to contribute to discussions on the floor of the House, but his conduct disrupted proceedings despite attempts by the Presiding Member and other persons present to restore calm.
“The House subsequently went into committee and resolved that Mr Abass should apologise for his conduct. He later rendered an apology, expressed regret over his actions, and the Assembly Members accepted it.”
Mr Mensah explained that proceedings continued until Mr Seth Kpodji, the Coordinating Director, who serves as Secretary to the Assembly, presented responses to the questions filed by Mr Baccah in the presence of relevant technical officers, including Mr Abass.
According to the Presiding Member, the responses presented to the House did not substantiate the allegations contained in the audio recordings.
He said Mr Abass was given an opportunity to express contrary views or raise further concerns about the responses but allegedly reacted inappropriately and directed offensive remarks at persons present, particularly Assembly Members.
Mr Mensah said further attempts to restore order proved unsuccessful, compelling the House to go into committee again for deliberations, after which it resolved to recommend to the Head of the Local Government Service the immediate transfer of Mr Abass in the interest of peace, order and the smooth functioning of the Assembly.
The Presiding Member further disclosed that on October 29, he received a report alleging that Mr Abass had physically assaulted Mr Baccah, the Assembly Member for the Abutiakope Electoral Area, who raised the matter for clarification during the assembly section.
He described the reported incident as serious and disturbing, and stressed that physical violence, intimidation and misconduct involving public officers and elected representatives were unacceptable and should be addressed through appropriate institutional and legal procedures.
Mr Mensah emphasised that the development raised concerns about the safety of Assembly Members and the need to maintain a peaceful, respectful and professional working environment within the Assembly.
He therefore appealed to the Head of the Local Government Service and relevant traditional authorities to intervene urgently and consider the Assembly’s earlier resolution recommending Mr Abass’s immediate transfer, pending the necessary administrative processes.
He assured the public that the Assembly remained committed to transparency, accountability, peaceful deliberations and development, adding that the safety of Assembly Members, staff and other stakeholders remained a priority in the discharge of its constitutional and administrative responsibilities.
Meanwhile, all efforts by the Ghana News Agency, to get Mr Abass to response to allegations was not successful.
GNA
Edited by: Maxwell Awumah /Kenneth Odeng Adade