Although young, I have witnessed several district level elections and seen several Assemblymen /women chiding people for not acknowledging their accolade, “honorable”.
But really? Is being an “honorable” only an accolade or should rather be reflective in one’s service rendered to the people he/she represents?
No, being an “honorable” is not an accolade but rather a call to duty. Assemblymen and women revere the accolade “honorable” but have not lived by its meaning in the performance of their duties. A vote to be “honorable” means a vote for diligent performance of ones duty to the people. The accolade “honorable” bestowed on you should be reflective in the service you render to your people, not to show pomp during funerals and occasions. Yes, I say show of pomp at funeral because it is realized that, funerals are grounds where assemblymen/women sell themselves to the world as “honorable”.
But no, that should never be the case. A vote to be “honorable” means a vote to fight filth that have engulfed the Bolgatanga municipality. Various areas in the Bolgatanga municipality have “honorables” as leaders but live in filthy environment. These areas have their refuse dump being full and spilling for months without any concern showed by duty bearers although being an “honorable” means channeling the plight of your people to the appropriate quarters for it to be resolved.
A vote for being an “honorable” means a vote for accountability.
Voting an Assemblyman/woman into power puts the individual in charge of the community’s purse. It is expected that these individuals do not take decisions arbitrarily but upon consultation with his subordinates. Accountability should be your hallmark.
As the country goes to the polls to elect individuals to occupy the Assemblyman/woman and unit committee, it is expected that deserving individuals are given the mandate. These individuals should be people who have their communities at heart. Let’s not make money the deciding factor but remember that the accolade “honorable” is not just an accolade but rather a call to duty.
The writer is a reporter at A1 Radio, Bolgatanga.
