News:
February 17, 2025
The South Tongu lawmaker, Kwame Maxwell Lukutor believes for accelerated development at the various constituencies and Assemblies there is a need for strong collaboration between Members of Parliament and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDAs).
According to him he has decided not to take sides as to who becomes the next Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) in his Municipality so he has decided to stay neutral.
He affirmed that he was elected to represent the people at the legislature and not as an MCE, and that is what he is focused on. But hopes who ever will be given the opportunity would be someone who will deliver effectively whether the MP is there or not. “You must be sure someone is keeping your back not withstanding his position”.
He believes that any party member who has helped the party to come to government and is competent for the role and being appointed should not be an issue.
For us, once we all believe we are from one constituency and understand each other we hold it a duty to work together to promote development. We should be able to help whoever is given the nod to play his or her role as an MCE. “There were ten people for that slot, I called all of them and assured them I was positively neutral and wish all of them well”, he said in an interview.
He disclosed that in the build-up to their short listing, there were some misunderstandings and “I tried to resolve them and cautioned people to tone down because we are one people; it’s only one who will be selected and appointed. Some have been short listed, we are waiting for the one person to be appointed by the president, we will all be behind and ensure the assembly members confirm them”.
On the issue of MPs not being development agents, he maintained that despite their primary role as lawmakers, they owe some responsibility to their constituents, adding that one cannot only come to make laws and leave development out in the constituency.
“The responsibility given to you as an MP, you need to widen your scope with the MPs common fund; you need to leverage on your position to get more for your constituents” stating that he has had some meetings with leadership of some companies to see what they can do in terms of corporate social responsibility to be able to help the constituents.
Kwaku Sakyi-Danso/Ghanamps.com