The NDC Women’s Wing in the Akim Oda Constituency in Eastern Region has expressed strong condemination over what it describes as the insensitive childbirth comment and treatment of the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Birim Central, Hon. Solomon Brako Kusi, during recent proceedings of Parliament’s Local Government and Rural Development Committee.
Tempers flared at the committee on Local Government and Rural Development in Koforidua on Friday, June 19, 2026, after comments by the Committee Chairperson, Hon. Queenstar Maame Pokuah Sawyerr, sparked reactions from participants.
The Chairperson, who is also Member of Parliament for Agona East, came under criticism after suggesting that the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Birim Central, Solomon Kusi Brako, should have attended the committee meeting despite his wife undergoing a Caesarean section at the hospital.
According to proceedings at the meeting, the MCE had informed leadership that he might not be able to attend because his wife was in theatre for surgery.
Responding to the explanation, Hon. Sawyerr questioned the justification for the absence, stating that since the MCE was not directly involved in the medical procedure, he could have reported to the committee and later returned to the hospital.
In a statement issued on Monday, the group said it was disturbed by reports that the MCE had been required to attend the Committee’s proceedings despite earlier communicating his inability to do so due to his wife’s imminent childbirth.
According to the statement, Hon. Solomon Brako Kusi had sought permission through the appropriate channels, including the Regional Minister, similar to arrangements reportedly made for some other Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) who were unable to attend the session.
The Women’s Wing alleged that while some officials were excused, the Birim Central MCE was insisted upon to appear before the Committee on the same day his wife delivered a baby.
Describing the development as unfortunate, the group argued that childbirth is a critical family moment that requires emotional support and the presence of close relatives.
The statement expressed disappointment in the handling of the matter by the Chairperson of the Committee, Hon. Queenstar Maame Pokua Sawyerr, stating that parliamentary oversight should be exercised with fairness and compassion.
The group also referenced the presence of the Member of Parliament for Akim Oda, Hon. Kwasi Acquah, who serves as Ranking Member on the Committee, noting that previous public political disagreements between the MP and the MCE could create perceptions of political bias.
While acknowledging the importance of accountability and parliamentary oversight, the Women’s Wing argued that public service obligations should not override humanitarian considerations during exceptional family circumstances.
The group called on Hon. Queenstar Maame Pokua Sawyerr to apologise to Hon. Solomon Brako Kusi and his family for the inconvenience and distress caused.
Additionally, it urged Parliament’s Local Government and Rural Development Committee to ensure future engagements balance accountability with empathy and professionalism.
The statement concluded by emphasizing that public institutions should demonstrate both firmness and humanity in carrying out their responsibilities.
Source: Mybrytfmonline.com
