The Ho West District Assembly inaugurated twenty-five (25) elected Assembly Members and twelve (12) government appointees on Monday, 12th February 2024, in accordance with Section 3 of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), at the forecourt of the Assembly. The District Magistrate, Her Lordship Comfort Apalayine, administered the oath of Office, Oath of Secrecy, and Oath of Allegiance to the members.
In his welcome address, the District Chief Executive of Ho West, Honorable Ernest Victor Apau, congratulated the Assembly Members on their election. He also highlighted various achievements accomplished since he assumed office, including One Paramountcy-One Stool Farm, One Household One Fruit Tree initiatives, DCE learning model for Basic Schools and other development projects. He urged them to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to propel development in their respective areas.
The Member of Parliament for Ho West Constituency, Hon Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah also called for support for amendments to the constitution to allow for the election of District Chief Executives (DCEs) by residents within the district.
Following the swearing-in ceremony, Hon. Sam Okudzeto, a member of Council of State, delivered the President’s speech. He emphasized the mandate of the Assembly Members to maintain close contact with their electoral areas, consult constituents on issues to be discussed in the District Assembly, and participate in communal and development activities to promote participatory governance and local development.
He urged them to build strong working relationship with colleagues, the District Chief Executive, Member of Parliament, District Assembly staff, constituents, as well as establish partnerships with town and area councils, Unit committees, Traditional Authorities, and other groups to facilitate Assembly work.
Hon. Sam Okudzeto also called on Assembly Members to support government programs and projects for the benefit of the people, emphasizing the importance of improving the mobilization of Internally Generated Funds (IGFs) for development within their areas.
Mr. Christopher Afenyo took Hon. Assembly Members through the Local Governance concept, their roles, and responsibilities to enable them to execute their mandate effectively.
After the inauguration, the Fourth Assembly of Ho West convened to elect a Presiding Member. Four (4) members, namely Honorable Robert Elikem Ameh, Honorable Mawuli Kwaku Atidey, Honorable Samuel Ntow, and Honorable Adamu Osman Kasim, contested for the position.
After the first round of voting, none of the candidates secured the required two-thirds majority approval of 26 valid votes from the Assembly. Three (3) contestants withdrew, leaving Honorable Adamu Osman Kasim to contest alone in the second round. He secured 26 YES votes against 12 NO votes, thus becoming the elected Presiding Member.
The newly elected Presiding Member, Honorable Adamu Osman Kasim, was sworn in by the District Magistrate, Her Lordship Comfort Apalayine. He expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in him and pledged to work closely with all stakeholders to promote unity and development.
Source: ISD, HO WEST DISTRICT
