The confirmed President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s District Chief Executive (DCE) nominee for North Tongu District Assembly in the Volta Region, Mr Divine Osborn Kwadzo Fenu, has entreated his constituents to put away their political differences and support him to bring sustainable growth and development to the various electoral areas within the district.
“I underscore the pledge that l shall be a DCE for all the people of North Tongu. Every stakeholder plays his or her role genuinely, without mischief and prejudice. Together, we shall build a prosperous North Tongu,” he stressed.
According to Mr Fenu, a teacher by profession, he will operate an open-door policy, and that “no one would be left behind under his administration, and therefore, pledged to relegate partisan differences and work together to improve the living conditions of the people.”
Mr Fenu gave this assurance while he was delivering his acceptance speech after he was overwhelmingly confirmed by the assembly members, made up of elected and appointed members in an election conducted by the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana on Tuesday, October 5, 2021.
The 41 members of the North Tongu District Assembly voted in favour of the President’s nominee.
Unlike the outgone District Chief Executive for the area, Mr Richard Collins Arku, who suffered outright rejection by the assembly members at the first instance, and was re-nominated by the President, Mr Fenu secured 100% confirmation by the assembly members.
The government attests to the fact that Mr Fenu is truly a grassroots person and a vindication of President Akufo-Addo, that Mr Fenu is the one the constituents want as their new DCE.
Pledging to work to the expectation of the President and the constituents, Mr Fenu assured to team up with the assembly members to foster the growth of the district and stressed that he would continue to pursue pro-poor policies to ensure the completion of all ongoing social and infrastructure projects of his predecessors.
He thanked President Akufo-Addo and the assembly members for the confirmation and assured them of his readiness to consult and work with relevant stakeholders towards the development of the district.
He further assured the Volta regional minister that he would engage the assembly members towards the development of the district and called on all to unite for the development goal ahead.
Further, the new DCE pledged to improve the revenue mobilisation efforts of the assembly and urged the residents to remain law-abiding and give him their support to develop North Tongu.
He called on the assembly members to consider the development of their respective assemblies devoid of religion, politics or ethnic considerations.
He promised to serve in humility and run an all-inclusive, transparent, accountable and open administration with selfless dedication.
“My preliminary commitment is that I will serve with humility! We shall run an all-inclusive, transparent, accountable and open administration, with selfless dedication.
“We shall work in harmony with all stakeholders; especially our MP, Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the traditional councils, the youth, all development-oriented agencies in the district, among others, to ensure that the district derives maximum benefits from every government policy and development opportunity,” he stressed.
Additionally, he stated that “I challenge the staff members and other agencies of the assembly to work with diligence, devotion and professionalism.”
“My approach is that, “it is always better to get it right than to offer explanations for getting it wrong”! I urge you to work with renewed attitudes to ensure that going forward, North Tongu scores the highest marks in all key performance assessment arrears. Even as we shall be firm and result driven, I assure you of my full cooperation and humility to learn from your rich experiences and knowledge as well.
“To the honourable assembly members, I have taken serious note of your concerns shared with me when I came around to solicit for your support. I assure you that you will form a core part of my administration,” he promised.
He indicated that “We cannot do it without you. You shall be accorded the honour and recognition due you, especially in embarking on every project, activity or development in you respective areas. We shall work to clear every arrear of ex-gratia owed you and going forward, that “thank You token” shall not longer be in arrears.
“I understand your emphatic endorsement as an assurance of your full support and cooperation and I count on just that; your utmost cooperation.
“Let me seize the opportunity to acknowledge the foundational work done by my predecessors, especially Hon Richard Collins Arku. We shall build on your legacies and tap into your experiences as well; and I trust that your doors will remain open to us,” he said.
The DCE assured the assembly members of working to clear monies owed to them and promised the members would form a core part of his administration.
The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, congratulated the DCE and assured him of his support in the development of the district.
He said the DCE could not do it all alone hence the need for the DCE to solicit views and advice from past assembly members.
In attendance was the Volta Regional Minister, the Central Tongu Member of Parliament and chiefs from the various traditional councils in the district.
Writer’s email: koryekporfreeman@yahoo.com
Pix:Mr Divine Osborn Kwadzo Fenu, New DCE for North Tongu District
Pix:Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu Constituncy
