The numerous Assemblies in the Upper East Region would not be able to execute proper development-oriented programs that meet the needs of the people if the region does not pay attention to solve the over-politicization and polarisation of Assembly proceedings.
Tahiru Issahaku Ahmed, the DCE for Bawku West District in the Upper East Region shared these sentiments when he spoke on A1 Radio’s Day Break Upper East Show.
He was speaking in connection to the failure of his Assembly, and many others, to raise enough revenues through the notable revenue points in the Upper East Region.
“You know, if you have to change something, you have to study the old system very well. Once you become dissatisfied with the old system, you would now have motivation to start your new system. The new system should be dealing with the challenges in the old system that you are not satisfied with. Indeed, I have been putting my eye on our local revenue. We have good sources of local revenue but the money doesn’t come in. If we have resource points, and it [the money] is not coming in, then it means there is a problem somewhere,” he said.
According to Mr. Ahmed, some executives could find it challenging to take immediate action to improve the Assembly’s ineffective revenue mobilisation plans. This is due to the political repercussions that are involved.
“As DCEs, I want to say that there is no point in complaining. It is about taking action. If you take an action and people are not comfortable with the action, then that is how it is. I am not here to make excuses. I am here to implement proactive actions.”
“Those who are collecting the money, we put them there. They are not there on their own. If we are not satisfied with your services, we remove you and put somebody there. We have the responsibility to continue to monitor you. I am put here as a DCE. If an not doing the right thing, somebody is monitoring me, I would be told. We should have that spirit that if I say you, you cannot be there, it is not that I hate you. Your output is not what I want. At times, you have these political connotations. For me, I will say it here, the level of politics in our system, we must be watchful. When it is time for politics, let’s play politics but when it is time for governance, let’s do governance. When it is time for development, let’s talk about development. Let us focus on delivering good governance and development and the politics would have been decided. If you have to do politics in governance, you would fail.”
Mr. Ahmed called on political leaders, particularly MDCEs, to ensure that there is a clear distinction between governance, development and politics.
“We cannot say because we are politicians, everything should be about politics. Our political parties must understand that good governance and development would give birth to good political stance. So if I am put there as DCE, I am supposed to be the overall administrator of the district. Whether you are of this party or that party, your welfare is in my hand and I am supposed to ensure that you are fine,” he said.
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Ghana
