John Dumelo
The Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly has refuted claims that it stopped John Dumelo from carrying out dredging works in the Municipality.
Mr Dumelo, the opposition National Democratic Congress’s parliamentary candidate for Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency, a few days ago shared images showing him carrying out dredging works in the area, saying the works were in response to pleas made on him by residents.
However, reports said he was later stopped by the Assembly from doing the work.
But in a statement, the Municipal Chief Executive of Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly, Sandra Owusu-Ahinkorah, says reports that the actor cum politician was stopped, is “false.”
“We want to put it on record that the said report is false,” the statement said.
“It is unfortunate that people will for whatever reason put a spin on an invitation we made to Mr. Dumelo as a Stop notice.”
“Whilst it is true that my outfit invited him for a meeting with the Municipal Urban Roads and Workers Directors, it was to encourage him to liase appropriately with departments at the Assembly for effective supervision,” it added.
“The Assembly is doing its best in tackling the numerous challenges facing the municipality,
individuals can take care of some challenges if it posses a nuisance to them.”
“The Local Government Act also requires that if a persons activities will pose a problem to the public the Assembly should intervene.”
“In the case regarding Mr. Dumelo, he is dredging a major storm drain that links Ayawaso West and Okai Kwei North Municipalities. Such works are carried out under the supervision of experts such as Municipal, Highway and or Hydro Engineers. Mr. Dumelo is undertaking this exercise without these experts,” it added.
“Dredging is a major activity that requires expert advice from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other agencies of state.”
“We therefore invited him to draw his attention to these facts and to encourage him to seek assistance from the Municipality as required by law,” it added.
“The Municipal Assembly will support all private efforts aimed at community development regardless of motive.”
“The public is therefore called upon to disregard the falsehood and the mischief the publication sought to create.”
By Melvin Tarlue