23rd December Minutes of General Assembly Meeting

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The meeting commenced at 10:53am. The opening prayer was said by Hon. Derrick Boadi Tweneboah.

OPENING REMARKS BY THE PRESIDING MEMBER (PM)

Hon. Presiding Member, in his opening remarks, welcomed members to the meeting. He thanked members for responding positively to the invitation and told the house that the day’s meeting was the last meeting for the year. He said the purpose of the meeting was to deliberate on issues relating to the development of the Obuasi East District. He therefore, called on members to make their contributions to the day’s business to ensure proceedings go on smoothly so that business would be completed on time.

READING AND DISCUSSION OF THE PREVIOUS MINUTES

The following corrections were made by the house.

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                    I.            Business corrected to be business

                 II.            Such staff replaced with they were

               III.            Service corrected as Services

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Needs corrected as need

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       I.            Insertion– Motor bikes ridders who had legal documentation for their bikes had been released.  

     II.            ASP corrected as DSP

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        I.            Constitution corrected as construction

     II.            Toiler corrected as toilet

   III.            NO 1 corrected as 1 NO

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Sunset corrected as sennet

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Adjournment corrected as closure.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE PREVIOUS MINUTES

Illegal Occupants of AGA Bungalow

The house wanted to know the action taken by Management on illegal occupants of the A.G.A bungalow. Hon. DCE in response informed the house that processes had begun to eject all illegal occupants living in the AGA bungalows before the end of January 2022 saying that the Rent Control Department had been mandated to handle the matter.   She continued that the boundaries for the Assembly’s share of the bungalows was now known and so it was not difficult to issue the notices of ejection to illegal occupants. She therefore, commended Rent Control Department for the good work done.

Hon. Mike Afoakwa applauded management and the Rent Control Unit for the good work done and the high level of professionalism exhibited so far to secure the Assembly’s bungalows. The meeting discussed the issue at length and resolved that management should ensure that the approved date for ejection was met.

Street lights

The house enquired to know the level of the implementation of the Assembly decision to replace all damaged street lights in the District.

The DCE responded that the Assembly had procured One Hundred and Fifty (150) street bulbs and had tasked the Works Engineer to submit report on all damaged street lights in the district to enable management implement the decision adding that low tension electric poles had also been procured and would be distributed to Hon. Members for the use of their electoral area.

Hon. Members reported that some of the street lights photocell need to be replaced and therefore, urged Management to act on that. The PM tasked stores to check whether streets bulbs bought had photocells before issuing out to members.

Hon. Yakubu Lamini suggested that Management could use the new street lights procured to replace the old ones gradually since the new once in stock cannot match the deficits created.

The meeting after deliberating on the matter tasked management to ensure that the Assembly members who were yet to receive their street bulbs and the low-tension poles receive them as soon as possible.

Transportation of Electric Poles  

Hon. Members registered their displeasure as regards high cost of transportations of the electric poles to their various Electoral Areas. Hon. Members therefore, recommended that subsequently, the Assembly should make arrangement for the transportation of such items to their various electoral areas.

The DCE in commenting apologized for the inconveniences caused and assured members that Management had even arranged with ECG to use their truck for the purpose. Unfortunately, such arrangement could not materialize as the ECG failed to turn up for the exercise.

Members discussed the matter and resolved that management must ensure that works department fix all the Low Tension Poles and the Bulbs in all the electoral areas to ensure accidents free during the Christmas season. 

BRIEF REPORT BY POLICE COMMANDER

The District Police Commander in his brief on the state of security of the district told the members that generally, the crime rate in the district had been reduced and all inmates put on remand were still in custody at the Police. He said the MTTD, a department of the Police service detailed to do patrolling the streets as a result of the Christmas festivities. Saying that directives had also been issued to pastors, elders and organizers of conventions and entertainment programs to ensure that their programs were security conscious. Adding that Covid-19 vaccination cards would also be inspected at the event centers to ensure that people observe Covid-19 protocols

Comments from Members

Hon. Members wanted to know the roles of Community Police Assistant. The Police Commander responded that the Community Police Assistant were there to assist in Policing duties. He mentioned that the Community Police Assistant undertake appropriate level of enforcement activities in accordance with relevant legislations and policies as well as undertaking any other operational support activities and administrative duties as directed and prepare evidence as necessary such as taking of statements, attending court to give evidence as required. However, he said the Community Police Assistant could not arrest or perform a task without a commissioned Police officer.

Members wanted to know the current state of the Kwabenakwa Police Station. Hon. DCE answered that the project was 100% complete and the Assembly will soon commission same which will be done by the Ashanti Regional Minister.

Hon. Members wanted to know why culprits were discharged or granted bail while the cases were still in court.

DSP Assenso responded that there were special cases for instance if a case in question involves perishable goods, then the law states that a picture of the perishable goods must be taken as evidence and then give the goods back to the owner. Adding that the court would recognize the picture of the goods in question as evidence so that a bail could be granted to the alleged culprits.

The house discussed the security report of the district and resolved that management must take steps to commission all completed projects of the Assembly.

LEGISLATION OF PRAGIA TRICYCLE

Hon. members wanted to know, whether pragia operations in the district were legal. The MTTD Commander responded that the operations of Pragia in the District was illegal since the Government and Obuasi East District had not authorized the operations of pragia in the District. He stressed that the pragia tricycle was for private use and not for commercial purposes and must be observed as such.

The meeting extensively deliberated on the pragia operation and resolved that as far as the Obuasi East District Assembly was concerned, permit would not be granted for pragia operators within the district to operate.

Brief Report by Build Operate and Transfer committee (BOT)

The Chairman, Hon. Daniel Obeng told the house that the committee inspected Stores of Wawasi and Kwabrafoso markets respectively. He said other markets were yet to be inspected. He said that the committee observed that most of the stores/stalls had been closed while others were used as Warehouses instead of running them on daily operations.

The Chairman said the committee was still working and assured the house that in due course the committee would finalize their work and submit comprehensive report on their task for the house’s consideration.

Comments by the Members

The house wanted to know the progress of the BOT Committee’s work and also suggested that the BOT committee reports must be on Electoral Areas basis.   

The Hon. DCE in response, told the house that the committee was formed by the General Assembly and therefore, their reports will be compiled and submitted to the General Assembly.

BRIEFING BY DISTRICT HEALTH DIRECTOR

The District Health Director, informed members that the directorate currently recorded One Hundred and Ninety-Five (195) active COVID-19 cases in Greater Obuasi, saying that 41 cases were from Obuasi East while One Hundred and Fifty-Four (154) were from Obuasi Municipal and other adjoining towns within Greater Obuasi. She said the directorate had no Covid-19 vaccination for both first and second dose and that once the directorate receives vaccines it would inform the general public. Meanwhile education on Covid-19 was still on going at the markets and other public places. Saying that the new virus was deadly hence the need for all and sundry to observe the protocols to reduce the spread of the virus. She ended by stating that vaccine hesitant had increased by 60% which meant that people were responding positively to Covid-19 vaccine.

Sensitization Program On Covid-19

Members discussed the report from the health directorate and resolved that the NCCE and the Information Service should be made to embark on serious sensitization program on Covid-19 activities in the communities and the public places within the district.

Inclusion of Ex-gratia of the Hon Assembly Members.

Hon Members wanted to know why the Ex-Gratia for Hon Assembly members had not been budgeted and incorporated into the 2022 District Medium Term Development Plan. The DPO responded that it was an oversight and would be added to the plan accordingly.

The house resolved that management should include Ex-Gratia for Hon Assembly members into the District Medium Term Development Plan.

Tables & Chairs and T-Shirts for Hon. Assembly Members

Members of the house wanted to know the state of the Assembly’s decision to purchase Tables & Chairs and T-Shirts for Hon. Assembly Members to be used for Assembly Meetings.

The DCE told the house that the current meeting place of the Assembly was- temporal and therefore, it would not be prudent for the Assembly to fix tables and chairs at the current place so pleaded with the house to manage the situation till the completion of the newly built office complex at Pompomso.

T-shirts for Hon Assembly Members for Assembly’s Meetings

Regarding the above resolution of the house, Members after deliberating resolved for cloth instead of the T- Shirts for Hon. Members.

The Assembly tasked Management to work on the Assembly’s decision and report.

Desilting of Kokoase, Kwabrafoso and Akoporiso-Obaapanin Drains.

Hon. members wanted to know when the above drains would be desilted, The Hon. DCE told the house that currently the Assembly had no financial capacity to execute the desilting and construction of Kokoase and Kwabrafoso drains. She however, assured the house that desilting of the Akaporiso-Obaapanin drains was ongoing and work would soon be completed.

The meeting tasked the Works engineer to visit the site and report the current states of work.  

Proposal to Procure Grader

The house proposed for the procurement of grader to be used by the Assembly. In response, the DCE told the house that the Assembly share of Common Fund could not support the procurement of the grader since it involved huge amount. She however, assured the house that as the Assembly’s revenue improved, management would arrange to procure the grader one day.

Registration of Assembly Members Motor Bicycles

The house pleaded with the management to ensure that Hon. Assembly Members Motor Bicycles are registered.

Hon. DCE told the house that the documents to enable the Assembly register the motors were not ready. She then assured the house that once the documents are ready Management would do the needful and register all motor bicycles.  

DISCUSSIONS OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT

Hygiene and taking Over of the Public Slaughter House

The House tasked the District Environmental Health Officer to ensure that management of the Public Slaughter House in terms of sanitation situation improves at the facility.

Again the house resolved to take over the management of the Public Slaughter House facility to enable the Assembly renovate the facility and outsource same. Management was tasked to take over the facility by February,2022 and report back to the Assembly. 

Street lights

Hon. members wanted to know when would their street bulbs procured was going to be fixed in their electoral areas.

The DCE responded that management had done the distribution list and members could go for the street bulbs after the meeting. DCD was tasked to ensure that members receive their respective allocation of the street bulbs.

Drains at Boete Near NHIS Office

The meeting tasked the works engineer to inspect the drains at Boete and report to the house for their next line of action.

Tarazzo Floor

The house resolved that henceforth, Tarazzo be made on all the Assembly projects floor for longevity.

MOTION

After the detailed discussions of the Address and the Executive Committee Report, Hon District Chief Executive moved for the acceptance of the Executive Committee Report. Her motion was seconded by Hon. Mike Afoakwa and the reports was carried.

PRESENTATION OF PUBLIC RELATION AND COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE REPORT (PRCC)

Miss Anna Aidoo Acquah, secretary to the PRCC presented the committee’s report to the house with respect to the insubordination attitude demonstrated towards management during the activities in a run to the organization of the 37^th Farmer’s day celebration anniversary by Mr. Jonny Oduro an Assistant Chief Production Officer.

Findings

1.      That he does not respect his superiors

2.      That his action would have jeopardized the programmed if he was not sanctioned not to appear on the programme on the day of the celebration.

3.      That he also incites other staff against his superior

4.      That he also does not have any good relationship with his boss

5.      He should have stopped asking further question when he was being answered for the first question.

Recommendation

The committee recommends that Mr. Johnny Oduro be released to the Regional Co-ordinating Council for reposting elsewhere.

Motion to Accept PRCC Report

After lengthy discussion of the PRCC report on Mr, Jonny Oduro, Hon. Daniel Obeng moved for the acceptance of the committee’s report. The motion was seconded by Hon. Listowel O. Darko.  

PRESENTATION BY MTTD COMMANDER

In his brief, the MTTD commander told the meeting that his outfit had been receiving support from the Assembly in the performance of its duties but said the command had a challenge with respect to their accoutrement and therefore, called on Assembly to support them whenever the need arises.

Comments from members

The house registered its displeasure on some negative activities of some of the Police officers in the course of performing duties saying that some of the officers do not respect Assembly’s stickers

Hon. Members wanted to know when is the ideal time for a policeman to demand for a driver’s license from drivers.

The commander responded that it was unlawful for a police officer to seize Driver’s license for an alleged road traffic offence. He said Driver’s license was normally requested by Traffic police for inspections to make sure that the class of licence the driver holds mandates the driver to drive a particular type of vehicle or whether or not the licence had expired.

Road Marking and Zebra Crossing

Hon. Members expressed the need for renewed road markings in all the Zebra crossing in sections of the roads in the district.

The meeting discussed the issue of the road marking and Zebra Crossing at length and directed the Works engineer to assess all the road markings and report.

ADDRESS BY HON. MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT

Hon. Dr Patrick Boakye Yiadom Memgber of Parliament for Obuasi East constituency in his brief, thanked Hon. Members for the opportunity to brief the house and apologized on behalf of his colleagues’ parliamentarians for gross misconduct during parliamentary proceedings which had gone viral recently. 

He applauded honorable members for confirming the DCE- Hon Faustina Amissah on her reappointment as the DCE for this district and encouraged them to continue to work in harmony for the betterment of the Obuasi East District Assembly. He thanked management and the Committees for the smooth organization of 37^th Farmers’ Day Celebration as well as the Green Ghana Project.

Updates on Covid -19 vaccines

On the above, the MP told the house that Government had procured Seventeen Million (17 million) single dose of Johnson & Johnson vaccines, through the African Medicine Supply Platform, urging all to get vaccinated and also observe all the Covid-19 protocols especially during the Christmas season.

On-going projects

The Hon. MP told the house that very soon, all completed projects within the district such as Police Station at Kwabenakwa, Library complex at Bossman and others which had been completed would soon be handed over to management for commissioning and use.

E-Levy

Hon. Patrick Boakye said every government needs money to run and steer the affairs of the land hence, the introduction of Electronic Taxation to raise revenue to finance government projects. He therefore, called on members to accept the E-Levy as parliament was discussing to introduce.

Security

On security, the MP praised the security agencies operating in the district for the good work and the strategies put in place to curb criminal activities within the district. He urged Hon. Members to collaborate with the security agencies and assist them with the necessary support in the performance of their duties.

Fixing of 200 Bulbs

The Hon MP concluded his briefing by saying that he had arranged for two hundred (200) bulbs to be fixed along the major roads in the district to help improve lighting systems before, during and after the Christmas festivities.  

PRESENTATION BY THE DISTRICT NATIONAL IDENTIFICATIONN AUTHORITY OFFICER 

the NIA officer informed the meeting that the NIA Office was in full operation and were doing registrations and issuing of cards in the districts. He said their activities had been slow due to inadequate staff in that there were a lot of cards ready for collection but people were not coming for them. He therefore urged Hon members to inform people in their communities to come for their cards.

Comments from Members

When Hon. members wanted to know why they could not serve a lot of people daily, the Officer responded that their system had a number of people it could register per day.

Hon. Members also wanted to know the process of replacing lost card. The officer again responded that replacement of a lost card requires police extract before the process starts.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS

1.      E-block building

Hon Maxewll Owusu-Ansah complained that management should use all available means to ensure that the E- Blocks at Kwabenakwa was completed for use.

The meeting discussed and tasked management to visit the project site and revert.

2.      Hon. Daniel Obeng thanked Hon members for the support and contribution on his wedding ceremony.

CLOSING REMARKS BY THE PRESIDING MEMBER.

The Presiding Member, Hon. Jeff K.A. Oware, thanked members for making the meeting successfully. He advised Hon. Members to go back to their various electoral areas and educate their electorate issues discussed at the general Assembly meeting for their information. He wished the house a Merry Christmas and a prosperous new year.

CLOSING

In the absence of any further deliberations, Hon. Fosu Donkor moved for the closing of the meeting. His motion was seconded by Hon. Isaac Nsaah. The closing prayer was said by Hon. Isaac Nsaah and the meeting closed at 3:08 pm.

HON. JEFF K. A. OWARE                               ERIC ABOAGYE-MENSAH

(PRESIDING MEMBER)                                   (SECRETARY)

ABDALLA SHAMSU

(RECORDER)

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