The Bolgatanga East District Assembly has elected Norbert Akolgo Akoriga as the Presiding Member.
This followed the decision of his contender, Akuribire Ayariga Gilbert, to withdraw from the race. Mr. Akoriga secured a unanimous victory with 24 votes, constituting 100% of the votes cast.
During his acceptance speech, Mr. Akoriga acknowledged past shortcomings within the assembly and pledged to lead with a commitment to upholding the constitution. He also expressed a determination to implement a fresh approach, signaling a departure from previous practices.
Mr. Akoriga emphasized his dedication to the goals collectively agreed upon, stating, “My eyes are on the goals we agree on together, my ears are open to the voices of all, and my heart is committed to the achievements of our desires as honorable members by the office of the Presiding Member of the Assembly as outlined in the Local Government Act, 2016, Act 936.”
When Mr. Akoriga spoke to Mark Smith on the Day Break Upper East Show a day after his election, he explained that the assembly members put away individual interest and fought for a common interest.
“When we first met, we did not understand ourselves. But later, we saw that we needed togetherness. Together, we decided we wanted to develop the area and so we did not have to struggle among ourselves. If we continue to struggle, we are bringing the district back. We decided that for the betterment of the district, we will elect ourselves a Presiding Member,” he said.
Mr. Akorigo advised other assembly members in the Upper East Region to prioritize the interest of their electoral areas over their personal interests.
“We have come from up from our various communities seeking development. We didn’t come to the assembly for our own stomach and benefit. We came to seek development for our communities. A house that cannot unite cannot seek development,” he said.
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Mark kwasi Ahumah Smith|Ghana
