Former Assembly members of the 8th Assembly of Asuogyaman district Assembly in Eastern Region have threatened to storm the assembly to demand payment of their end of service benefits.
The Local Government Act (Act 936), section 11 (2), stipulates that the assembly should determine ex-gratia payments based on its revenue capacity after end of each tenure.
However, the Asuogyaman District Assembly has failed to honour this obligation since the end of their term.
All efforts made by 37 elected assembly members and 16 appointees have not been successful.
Sadly, they accused the District Chief Executive Mavis Opokua Akunnor and the District Coordinating Director of demonstrating bad faith for dragging her in resolving the issue.
Hon.Osagyefo Kwaku Aboagye
Former Assembly Member, 8th Assembly,Asuogyaman District stated in a petion that,
“I write to you with a heavy heart and deep concern as a former Assembly member of the 8th Assembly of the Asuogyaman District. It is with great displeasure that I address the ongoing issue regarding the non-payment of ex-gratia to members of the Assembly, an issue that has not only affected us personally but has also cast a shadow on the integrity and commitment of our local governance”.
He continued to outline the issues.
” As a former member who dedicated time and effort to serve the interests of our constituents, it is disheartening to witness how the current District Chief Executive (DCE) and District Coordinating Director have treated us. Despite the significant contributions we made during our tenure, we are now left feeling disregarded and unappreciated. The ex-gratia payment is not merely a financial matter; it is a recognition of our service and dedication to the people of Asuogyaman”.
He expressed frustrations of the assembly members in their quest to demand there end if service benefits.
“What compounds our frustration is the fact that the current DCE was once a part of the 8th Assembly and should understand firsthand the sacrifices made by Assembly members. It is deeply troubling to see the DCE turn a deaf ear to our plight, ignoring our calls for justice and fairness. This lack of responsiveness is not only disappointing but also undermines the spirit of collaboration and respect that should exist within our local governance.
We understand that challenges may arise in the administration of funds and resources, but it is imperative that the DCE and the District Coordinating Director prioritize the well-being of those who have served the district with honor. We deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and our contributions should be acknowledged appropriately.
I call upon the DCE and the District Coordinating Director to take immediate action to address this issue. It is time to put aside any indifference and recognize the importance of honoring commitments made to those who have served. We urge you to communicate transparently with us and provide a timeline for the resolution of this matter”.
Osagyefo Aboagye concluded that “Asuogyaman District deserves leadership that values its people, including those who have served in the Assembly. Let us work together to restore the trust and respect that should be the foundation of our governance”.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
