Abdul Mumin Issah
The suspended Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) for Sekondi-Takoradi, Abdul Mumin Issah, has broken his silence since his encounter with the police and subsequent suspension.
A letter dated February 4, 2022 and signed by him reads, “I have accordingly been informed of His Excellency the President’s decision to suspend me from office as the MCE of Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly following the unfortunate incident that ensued between myself and a police officer at a check point close to the Takoradi Cemetery on the night of Wednesday, February 2, 2022.”
“As I proceed on my suspension, I first wish to express my gratitude to the President for his fatherly love and the opportunity to serve in his government,” a section of the letter said.
He stated, “I am convinced that in the fullness of time, the real truth surrounding that unfortunate incident will prevail.”
He added that he would cooperate with the Police administration for the successful prosecution and determination of the case.
Local Govt Chamber
Meanwhile, the President of the Chamber of Local Government (ChaLog), Dr. Richard Fiadomor, has indicated that the powers of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, as enshrined in the Constitution, gives him the power to sack the MCE and not to suspend him.
He indicated that the only body entitled to take such an action is the General Assembly of Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA).
“It was the President who nominated the Chief Executive for the assembly and once the Assembly confirmed him, he became a member of the Assembly of STMA. So it’s the members who can meet and suspend the Chief Executive on stated grounds. The President doesn’t have the requisite standard to suspend the Chief Executive,” he explained.
Dr. Fiadomor maintained that, “Article 2431 of Ghana’s constitution is clear that the President should nominate. Once the President nominates, the Assembly Members by two-thirds majority present and voting will confirm.
“The President, having nominated and the Assembly Members confirming the nominee, the President doesn’t have control over whether he can be suspended or not.”
He stated four ways in which any Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executive could be removed.
He said the President can revoke the appointment of the Chief Executive, or the MCE can resign.
He said the General Assembly by the two-thirds majority can remove the Chief Executive from office and lastly when the Chief Executive unfortunately dies.
Issue
The beleaguered MCE was arrested Thursday for an alleged motor traffic offence, verbal assault and offensive conduct against a police officer performing his lawful duty.
He was subsequently hauled before the Takoradi Circuit Court ‘A’ and charged with assault of police officer, offensive conduct and disturbing the peace of public place.
He was granted GH¢100,000 bail by the court, presided over by His Honour Michael Ampadu, after he pleaded not guilty to all the three charges.
Suspension
Immediately after the court decision, the President, through the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, suspended the MCE from office.
A statement issued and signed by the sector minister, Dan Botwe, stated that: “On the instructions of the President, the Metropolitan Chief Executive for Sekondi-Takoradi Assembly, Mr. Abdul Mumin Issah has been suspended from office with immediate effect pending an inquiry into his encounter with the Police.”
According to the prosecutor in the case, Supt Emmanuel Basintele, on February 2, 2022, at about 8:30pm, Inspector Andrews Sarfo, the complainant in the case, was on duty at the Kwesimintsim cemetery snap check point together with two other police men.
While on duty, a Nissan Pajero 4X4 with registration number GE 5615–20, driven by the accused person, emerged from the Takoradi direction on top speed towards Kwesimintsim.
The complainant signaled the accused person to stop but he could not control his speed and nearly knocked the complainant at the check point.
MCE’s Insults
According to the prosecutor, the complainant approached the accused and questioned him as to why the dangerous driving.
He said the accused because of his position, became offensive because the complainant was performing his lawful duty.
The accused started abusing the complainant verbally with insults, to wit “Stupid police officer”, “Ugly, I will beat you to death. I will transfer you to Enchi”.
Resisting Arrest
The prosecutor said the complainant decided to apprehend the accused for his conduct but the MCE resisted the arrest.
Due to the behaviour of the accused person, the complainant had no option than to call the night patrol team.
“Upon the arrival of the patrol team, they got to know that the accused was the MCE of Sekondi-Takoradi. They allowed him to go but to report to the Regional Police Commander the following day,” the prosecutor disclosed.
The prosecutor noted that on February 3, 2022, at about 10am, a team that was at the snap check point reported the matter to the Regional Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for investigations.
He said at about 12:45pm same day, the accused was arrested and subsequently charged with the offences.
2nd Charge
Immediately after the court granted bail to the accused, the MCE was called into ‘the box’ for a second case in which the accused has been charged with careless and inconsiderate driving and causing danger to road users.
The MCE pleaded not guilty and the court granted him a self recognizance bail.
The accused will reappear before the court on March 17, 2022.
FROM Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi