The Local Government and Rural Development Committee of Parliament has issued a stern warning to the District Chief Executive (DCE) of Afadjato South and his officers, cautioning them against sidelining or sabotaging their Member of Parliament (MP), Hon. Frank Afriyie.
At a public hearing in Parliament on Thursday, September 18, the Committee expressed outrage over revelations that the DCE and the assembly had excluded the MP from the execution of major projects in the district.
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Chairperson of the Committee and MP for Agona East, Hon. Queenstar Maame Pokua Sawyerr, described the conduct of the assembly as snobbish behaviour and accused the DCE of undermining the President’s development agenda.
“You represent the President in the district, but you must not sideline the MP who campaigned and made promises to the people on behalf of the government. How can the President’s agenda succeed if the MP is excluded from decision-making?” she charged.
The DCE admitted that Hon. Afriyie had not been consulted in selecting sites for 10 boreholes funded by the District Assembly Common Fund, insisting the locations were chosen from the district’s medium-term development plan. But the Committee rejected the justification, stressing that promises made by MPs during campaigns must guide project siting.
“When you get the opportunity for boreholes, you must involve the MP, because he was the one who promised the people. If you continue to make decisions without him, how can your district succeed?” Hon. Sawyerr queried.
Committee members reminded the DCE of his appointed status, contrasting it with the MP’s electoral mandate.
“Do you know the MP was voted for, and you were appointed? Somebody campaigned with their heart, sweat, and money to make you who you are today. If you sabotage your MP, then you are not serving the purpose for which the President appointed you,” Hon. Sawyerr added.
Other members echoed the warning, questioning how they could recommend the DCE to the President if he continued to isolate his MP.
They praised Hon. Afriyie’s diligence in Parliament, urging the DCE to recognise his value.
“You cannot work in isolation. Hon. Afriyie is meticulous and committed. Such a personality is an asset you need by your side. You don’t need to be friends to work together. Don’t throw away such an asset,” one MP advised.
The Committee stressed that governance and service delivery at the local level can only succeed when DCEs and MPs collaborate, warning that continuous disregard for MPs will undermine the government’s broader development agenda.