The Member of Parliament for New Juaben South, Michael Okyere Baafi, has underscored the limits of authority between Members of Parliament and Municipal Chief Executives (MCEs), stressing that MCEs have no control over funds allocated to MPs for constituency development.
Speaking in an interview on Bryt Adekyee Mu Nsem with Kwamina Sam Biney, the MP stated that while such funds pass through the Municipal Assembly for administrative purposes, decision making power rests solely with the MP.
“As an MCE, you have no power over funds allocated to an MP,” he said. “The money only passes through the Assembly so payments can be made for projects. It is the MP who has authority over how those funds are used.”
Hon. Baafi emphasized that expecting an MP to seek approval or make personal calls before projects are executed undermines governance structures.
“I cannot be required to call you before you sign or act on something for me. That is not how we build a democracy or develop a country,” he added.
He noted that his concerns stem from a shift in working dynamics, pointing out that he previously maintained a smooth relationship with former MCE Appau Gyasi.
“This is not my first time working with an MCE. I worked with the previous MCE for four years without any public disagreements. So, if I am speaking out now, then it clearly indicates that there is a problem,” he explained.
The MP further stressed the importance of clearly defined roles in government, noting that public officials are each assigned responsibilities alongside resources to execute their mandates.
“Every government worker has duties to perform, and funds are allocated accordingly. Those resources must be used for their intended purposes without unnecessary interference,” he stated.
Source: Mybrytfmonline.com/Joseph Asare
