Dr Afriyie (right) swearing in the MCE
The Western Regional Minister, Dr Kweku Afriyie, has charged the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), Anthony Kobina Kurentsir Sam akad KK Sam, to play his expected roles in helping to improve the lot of the people in the metropolis.
He noted that the overwhelming endorsement of KK Sam by the elected assembly members some few months ago was an indication of the trust and confidence the people have in him.
“Your appointment as an MCE is a call to serve and not an opportunity to lord it over the people who have vested their mandate in you,” he told the new MCE as he was being sworn into office.
KK Sam, 59, took the official oath of allegiance and secrecy.
Dr Kwaku Afriyie implored members of the various local assemblies to get acquainted with the Local Governance Act to enable them execute their duties effectively.
According to the regional minister, the Act categorically spells out the functions of a District Chief Executive, which include presiding over meetings of the executive committees of the district as he is the chief representative of the central government there.
He pointed out that as spelt out by the Legislative Instrument (LI) establishing the district assembly, it is the responsibility of the MCE to mobilize internally generated funds for all development initiatives.
He urged the Mr Sam to approach all matters addressed to his office with caution and serve as a role model to all in the metropolis.
Dr Afriyie charged him to practise an open-door policy, be transparent and accountable to his people, adding, “You must solicit ideas, opinions and best practices on all issues from traditional authorities and other stakeholders”.
Mr Sam, an educationists, thanked President Nana Akufo-Addo for giving him the opportunity to serve the people of the metropolis and promised to operate an open-door policy.
He revealed that his vision for the area was to help achieve the campaign promises of the governing New Patriotic Party for the metropolis.
“I am therefore calling for cooperation among all stakeholders and the people in the metropolis to enhance the rapid development of this area,” he implored.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Sekondi