In a move to demand accountability and transparency, members of the Ellembelle District Assembly are set to embark on a peaceful demonstration to express their discontent with the district’s management. In a formal letter dated October 7, 2024, addressed to the District Commander of the Ghana Police Service in the Ellembelle District, the assembly members outlined the reasons behind their planned demonstration, scheduled for Thursday, October 17, 2024.
Under the banner “ENOUGH IS ENOUGH,” the group seeks to draw attention to several pressing concerns, including alleged violations of financial management practices, lack of transparency, and failure to convene key assembly meetings.
The assembly members, representing over two-thirds of the elected officials, have formally notified the police in accordance with the Public Order Act, 1994 (Act 491). According to their letter, the management of the Ellembelle District has failed in five key areas:
- Unapproved Budget for 2024: The management’s failure to facilitate the approval of the Composite Budget for the 2024 fiscal year has been a major concern. Despite this, expenditures continue, raising concerns about the proper use of public resources.
- Lack of Revenue Accountability: The management has not rendered an account of internally generated funds (IGF), royalties from corporate bodies, or other district funds, including the District Assembly Common Fund and donor grants, from 2023 to date.
- Failure to Convene Assembly Meetings: For over a year, management has failed to convene subcommittees, the Executive Committee, or the General Assembly. This lack of governance undermines the district’s decision-making process, transparency, and accountability.
- Inaction on Forming Committees: The management has failed to constitute key committees, including the Executive Committee and the Public Relations Committee.
- Inaction on Illegal Mining: The assembly members also raised concerns about the lack of action on addressing illegal mining activities, which they say are destroying the district’s water bodies, ecosystem, and cash crops.
The planned demonstration will commence at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 17, 2024, from Esiama Abrantee Street, and will culminate at the office of the Ellembelle District Assembly. The protesters intend to present their petition to the Presiding Member of the 5th General Assembly of Ellembelle District at exactly noon.
This protest highlights the growing dissatisfaction among local assembly members with the current state of affairs in the district. As the date approaches, attention is now on the district’s management and the response they will provide to address these concerns.
See full release below:
Source: Ekuzoanews.com
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