The Local Government and Rural Development Committee of Parliament has issued a terse warning to the District Chief Executive (DCE) of Afadjato South and officers of the district assembly, cautioning them against sidelining or sabotaging the Member of Parliament (MP), Hon. Frank Afriyie.
During a public hearing in Parliament on Thursday, September 18, the Committee members expressed displeasure after learning that the DCE and his officers had excluded the MP from the execution of key projects in the district.
Chairperson of the Committee and MP for Agona East, Hon. Queenstar Maame Pokua Sawyerr, did not mince words, criticising the assembly’s conduct as disrespectful and counterproductive and described them as ‘snobbish behaviour’ toward their legislator.
“You represent the President in the district, but you must not sideline the MP who campaigned and made promises to the people on behalf of the government. How can the President’s agenda succeed if the MP is excluded from decision-making?” she charged.
The Committee pressed the DCE on whether the MP was consulted in selecting sites for 10 boreholes being constructed with funds from the District Assembly Common Fund. The DCE admitted that the MP was not involved, explaining that the sites were picked from the district’s medium-term development plan.
But the Chairperson dismissed the explanation.
“When you get the opportunity for boreholes, you must involve the MP, because he was the one who promised the people during the campaign. If you continue to make decisions without him, how can your district succeed?” Hon. Sawyerr queried.
The Committee further warned that the DCE would be held accountable for all documents and projects endorsed in the Assembly, urging him to foster collaboration rather than isolation.
“A DCE who sits in the district and does not work with the MP cannot deliver on the President’s agenda. You must change this approach immediately,” the Chairperson stressed.
The Committee also reviewed documents submitted by the Assembly and inspected ongoing projects, noting that performance assessments would be based on both governance and project execution.
“Do you know the MP was voted for, and you were appointed? Somebody campaigned with their heart, sweat, money, and probably mortgaged their ex-gratia to make you who you are today. If you try to sabotage your MP, then you are not serving the purpose for which the President appointed you,” Hon. Sawyerr charged.
Several members of the Committee also registered their frustration, pointing out that MPs play a critical role in the development agenda of the government and must not be sidelined by district executives.
“We are going to write a report. How do you expect us to recommend you to the President if you continue to undermine the MP?” one member questioned.
The Committee reminded the DCE that while he represents the President at the district level, it is the MP who campaigned across the constituency, made promises to the electorate, and bears political accountability to the people.
Another member emphasised the importance of collaboration: “You cannot work in isolation. We have observed that Hon. Afriyie is meticulous and committed, always detecting errors and guiding Parliament to correct them. Such a personality is an asset you must work with. You don’t need to be friends to work together. Don’t throw away such an asset. Let him help you so that together you can execute the President’s agenda.”
The Committee underscored that development can only be achieved when DCEs and MPs work in partnership, warning that continuous disregard for MPs could negatively impact governance and service delivery at the local level.
