The Concerned Assembly Members Association of Ghana (CAMAG) has conveyed its gratitude to the President of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, for fulfilling his commitment to provide monthly allowances to Assembly Members, as revealed in the budget presented recently by the Finance Minister, Honorable Cassiel Ato Forson.
According to the Finance Minister, the government has allocated GH¢100 million to be given as monthly allowances to assembly members, in line with the president’s pledge.
CAMAG regards this development as a commendable initiative that will significantly bolster their endeavors as assembly members.
Speaking in an interview, Honorable David Atta Twum, the National Coordinator of CAMAG and Assembly Member for the Amasu Adumasua electoral area in the Dormaa Central Constituency, expressed appreciation on behalf of all Association members to the NDC government and President Mahama for honoring his promise.
He asserted that this decision will facilitate the attraction of suitable human resources to the assemblies, as many young individuals, post-education, who aspire to become prominent political figures, may vie for positions as assembly members to cultivate their political acumen through the local governance framework. Furthermore, the allowances will assist them in their sustenance.
The Honorable David Atta Twum further remarked that, in accordance with President Mahama’s vision to transition to an electoral process for selecting MMDCEs rather than through appointments, the ongoing constitutional review will incorporate this decision.
According to him, this measure aims to ensure that future governments and administrations empower constituents to elect the most suitable individual as MMDCE, thereby fostering the development of the various assemblies.
He asserted that enabling the populace to vote for MMDCE aspirants will avert scenarios where party executives wield undue influence to obstruct a candidate from contesting for the position of DCE or MCE.
BY NANA MENSAH ABRAMPA – DORMAA AHENKORO
