A controversy erupted Thursday November 28 in the Asuogyaman District in Eastern Region as the District Chief Executive (DCE), Mavis Opokua Akunnor, prevented the District Director of Education, Headmistress, teachers, and students of Adjena Senior High Technical School from attending the commissioning of a teachers’ bungalow built in the school by the Member of Parliament (MP), Thomas Ampem Nyarko.
The facility, a three-units chamber and Hall self contained modern bungalow, was funded by the MP through his share of the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF).
Few days to the ceremony, the DCE warned education officials not to attend the ceremony unless the MP postponed the exercise until after the December 7 elections, allowing the Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Acheampong, to participate.
In an interview with the Media, the DCE justified her actions stating that project was funded directly from central government through the District Assembly Common Fund,and such projects requires the Regional or Sector Ministers to commission.
The directive is seen the MP as an attempt by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the constituency to undermine the his achievements, fearing it could boost his political standing against their candidate, Pius Enam Hadzide.
Adjena SHTS, with a student population of about 2,000, has long struggled with lack of teacher accommodation.
The school has only one bungalow housing the headmistress. This challenge, coupled with lack of a perimeter wall, has led to indiscipline, with students sneaking out at night.
To address these issues, MP Thomas Ampem Nyarko initiated the construction of the three-unit chamber and hall self-contained facility in May 2023.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the MP expressed disappointment at the DCE’s actions, accusing her of sabotaging development efforts for political gain by denying him the political credit for a project that directly addresses the needs of the school.
“the statement made by the DCE that the Regional Minister is the one who will come and commission it because I did not use my pocket money but used public funds is so absurd . Because when you are elected a Member of Parliament you are not expected to use cocaine money or galamsey money to do your work.You are required to use the public funds available to you ” Said Thomas Ampem Nyarko.
He added “I am entitled to 5% of the District Assembly’s common fund ,i was expecting that if i have been able to put out up three-units teachers bungalow they controlling 95% of the fund will be challenged and come and put up may be 10 bungalows for the teachers then we are developing the school.But for them to fold their arms and only try to prevent me from doing my work is so disappointing”.
He also criticized the Assembly for failing to account for its 95% share of the Common Fund while he continues to deliver projects with his 5% .
Thomas Ampem Nyarko claimed that for four months, the DCE has withheld approval of his share of the Common Fund due to partisan politics.
The Chief of Adjena Tafoman, Nana Twum Barimah III, commended the MP for his developmental initiatives and called for unity and selflessness in promoting peace and development in the constituency.
He cautioned against actions driven by political or personal interests that could undermine the welfare of the community.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
