Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Hajia Alima Mahama has rubbished earlier statement by former president John Dramani Mahama to pay Assembly members in his second government.
According to her, the statement from the opposition leader is unfortunate as it is not possible for Assembly members to be paid in the current Local governance system.
She insisted that members can only be paid if they are considered to be engaging in a full-time job, indicating most of them are already on government payroll with different professions.
Speaking at the groundbreaking for the construction of the Nsukwao drains in Koforidua, Hajia Alima Mahama chided Mr Mahama of even failing to procure motorbikes for Assembly members, let alone place them on the payroll.
Former President and flagbearer of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in a meeting with some Assembly members pledged to support them with monthly salaries to enhance their contribution to the development of the various Assemblies.
But the minister, in a quick reaction, has hinted Mr Mahama did not meet the recognised members of the Association and that, they are not known in the local governance system.
On the Nsukwao drainage, the minister added that the 6 months duration project is expected to cost Ghc15m.
Upon completion, it is expected to end the perennial flooding that causes stir anytime it rains in Koforidua and it’s environs.
Source: Mybrytfmonline/Kwabena Nyarko Abronoma
