The Builsa South District Assembly in the Upper East Region has, in accordance with the constitution, performed the inaugural ceremony of new members for its third Assembly.
The inauguration which took place at the District Assembly offices Thursday saw the swearing in of 29 individuals, made up of 20 elected assembly, unit committee members and nine appointees.
The inaugurated assembly is mandated to lead the development aspirations of the Builsa South District for the next four years.
In a speech she read on behalf of President Akufo Addo at the inaugural ceremony in Fumbisi, the Upper East Regional Minister, Tangoba Abayage, charged members to support the Assembly advance the implementation of government policies.
She said government would need them to support their District Chief Executive to pursue policies and programs aimed at improving the welfare and well-being of the people.
On strengthening the financial muscle of the district, the minister invited members to take advantage of efforts being made by government, through the ministry of local government and rural development, in the area of property rates, in addition to other innovative systems, to enhance the district’s Internally Generated Fund (IGF).
She explained the assembly can achieve that (improvement of its internally generated fund) by vigorously pursuing street naming, property addressing and working hand-in-hand with the National Digital Property Addressing System and the Ghana Post GPS.
Ms. Tangoba, through the President’s speech, further tasked members to work with the Assembly to address the challenge of unplanned and haphazard settlements. She said members should ensure compliance with the building rules and regulations for the development of lands in the area to avoid floods which may lead to loss of lives and property.
“As you are sworn in today, work with your assembly to ensure compliance with building regulations on the zoning and development of lands to avoid flooding and accompanying loss of lives and property. I charge your Assembly to use its bye-laws to enforce compliance in sanitation management and environmental health standards and rules to ensure a clean and health environment.”
District Chief Executive, Daniel Kwame Gariba, who was impressed by the turnout described it as a big feat for the Assembly.
He said though a presiding member was not elected, he was optimistic the members would elect one in their next meeting in 10 days’ time.
Ghana | Atinkaonline.com | Senyalah Castro, Fumbisi