Assembly Members in the Bosomtwe District of the Ashanti Region have petitioned President John Dramani Mahama to remove their District Chief Executive, Hamidu Abdallah, over allegations of persistent overspending and commercialisation of the District Road Improvement Programme equipment.
Audit Report Exposes Excessive Administrative Expenses
Assembly Members have accused Hamidu Abdallah of overspending on administrative expenses, particularly on communication, despite budgetary provision for laptops to make communication with members cheaper and more efficient. The Assembly Members say the DCE's actions are a waste of resources, as the budget had already made provision for laptops.
At a press conference, the Assembly Members said an audit report has exposed excessive administrative expenses. Nana Akwasi Asare Nyansapor, Assembly Member for Akokofe and leader of the petitioners, questioned the need for the Assembly to spend heavily on printing letters and using vehicles and fuel to distribute them to members across the district.
Obstruction of the District Road Improvement Programme
The Assembly Members also accuse the DCE of deliberately obstructing the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP). They claim that the DCE has refused to release the DRIP machines for the MP's initiative to reshape inner roads in all 67 communities. Instead, the machines are promptly released to private individuals and communities who pay cash.
The Assembly Members allege that the DCE is profiting from the commercialisation of the DRIP equipment. They say that the DCE's actions are hindering development in the district and are a breach of trust.
Other Allegations Against the DCE
Beyond the audit and DRIP issues, the petition accuses the DCE of misplaced priorities. The DCE is accused of renovating and refurnishing his office, which was not captured in the approved budget, at the expense of streetlights. The petitioners also accuse the DCE of failing to brief the Assembly on the government's 10km-per-district road project, frustrating communal self-help projects, and condoning illegal mining.
The DCE has dismissed all allegations, stating that his actions have been geared towards development. However, the Assembly Members have given the DCE and his Coordinating Director a two-week ultimatum to respond, but they failed to do so.
What's Next for the Bosomtwe District
The petition has been addressed to the Ashanti Regional Minister and the Minister for Local Government. The outcome of the petition is uncertain, but it is likely that the DCE will face a vote of no confidence if the President fails to act. The Assembly Members are determined to see justice served and are willing to take further action if necessary.
The fate of the Bosomtwe District's development hangs in the balance. The Assembly Members' petition has brought to light several serious allegations against the DCE, and it remains to be seen whether the President will take action. One thing is certain: the people of the Bosomtwe District deserve better than the alleged mismanagement and commercialisation of public resources.
Source: Joy Online
