The National Dean of Municipal, Metropolitan, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) has refuted claims of a planned protest against Irene Naa Torshie Addo-Lartey, the administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF).
Mr. Richmond Agyabeng Amponsah, who also serves as the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Akyem Achiase in the Eastern Region, clarified that no meeting had taken place to decide on a demonstration to show discontent with Naa Torshie’s performance.
Media reports had alleged that 261 MMDCEs were at their breaking point over her leadership style, accusing her of making unilateral decisions without consulting them on the specific needs of their assemblies.
The reports suggested a nationwide demonstration was being considered in protest of her management approach, which allegedly involved making procurement decisions from her office in Accra that did not align with the unique requirements of the assemblies.
According to these publications, some MMDCEs, in anonymous phone conversations, expressed concerns that the Administrator’s actions could negatively impact the New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s chances in the upcoming December 7 general elections.
They stressed an over-supply of irrelevant items like Wellington boots and cutlasses, calling for an investigation into her activities to “save Mother Ghana.”
However, Mr. Amponsah dismissed these claims, questioning the rationale behind such a protest.
He explained that Irene Naa Torshie’s primary role is to distribute funds to the assemblies upon receipt from the Ministry of Finance.
He acknowledged a delay in the disbursement of the first quarter’s funds for 2024 but emphasized that this was not a valid reason for agitation.
After meeting with the DACF administrator, he reported that she had promised swift action once the funds were released by the Finance Ministry.
“It is appalling that any chief executive would threaten demonstration after all the assurances from Naa Torshie,” Amponsah stated, stressing that the DACF’s distribution depends on the Finance Ministry’s releases.
He urged those behind the negative publications to come forward with their identities if their allegations were genuine, rather than implicating all MMDCEs in their claims.
Richmond Amponsah speculated that the adverse coverage might be tied to Naa Torshie’s rumoured connection to the NPP vice presidential nomination, suggesting political motives behind the accusations.
Naa Torshie has emerged as a frontrunner vying for the running mate slot.
As the selection process unfolds amidst fervent lobbying, proponents argue that it’s imperative for Ghana, as a beacon of democracy, to break the gender barrier at the highest levels of leadership.
In the realm of politics, the selection of a female running mate by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has sparked discussions among political analysts and observers.
With the NDC’s move to embrace gender diversity in its leadership structure, attention has now turned to the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), with expectations mounting for them to follow suit.
Political watchers assert that the NPP’s decision regarding its choice of a running mate holds considerable importance, particularly in light of the country’s female-majority population.