Linda Ocloo
The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Linda Ocloo has reprimanded some Metropolitans, Municipal, District, Chief Executives (MMDCEs) for the ‘inefficiency and complacency’ they have exhibited thus far under the government’s Reset Agenda since they entered office.
Hon. Linda Ocloo touched on critical areas and sensitive matters undermining the duties of the MMDCEs in their various localities which will invariably affect governments 24hrs Economy agenda.
The pressing matters included; the status of street lights in the region, measures regarding wrongly placed billboards, and the progress made in sanitation management across the region.
“I’m extremely disappointed with the level of inefficiency and complacency exhibited by some of our Chief Executives”
Speaking at a media briefing in Accra on Thursday, August 28, the Honourable added that ‘excuses are nothing but an embarrassed to the people we serve’;
“Leadership is not about sitting in offices and enjoying the perks of your position. But it is about delivering results and, right now, many of you are sleeping on your jobs”
3000 Street Lights
The Regional Minister mentioned that they have secured 3000 street lights from the Ministry of Energy and every MMDA will receive 100 pieces. She advised them not to rely solely on this and purchase more.
“I am pleased to announce that we have secured 3000 street lights and every MMDA will receive 100 pieces each. The Assemblies must also purchase some in order to make sure that all the streets within your district are lighted”
The Regional Minister gave the MMDAs only two weeks to fix the street lights and that no excuses will be tolerated:
“I will personally monitor this directive, and let me serve this notice; any Chief Executive who fails to comply will be exposed and reported. If you can not manage this task then you have no business occupying that office”.
“Sanitation in the Region is Unacceptable”
The Minister, Hon. Ocloo spoke strongly about the sanitation concerns about how she has to be called to address sanitation issues when it is not her direct responsibility. On occasions when she calls on the MMDAs, they fail to respond,
“Despite having every opportunity and resources such as the sanitation component of the DACF (District Assemblies Common Fund), many assemblies have simply refused to act.
“What is the excuse? It is the sheer negligence and disregard of your duties. Sanitation is not a favor you are doing the people – it is a core responsibility. The stench; the filth; the choked drains are reflection of your failure to lead” Hon Ocloo stated.
The Minister admonished that she will not take excuses and that she will be the first to recommend the removal of non-performing Chief Executives.
Billboards
Hon. Linda Ocloo addressed the concerns regarding the erection of billboards in places which are obscuring visions and endangering lives.
She mentioned that ignoring these billboards was a sign of carelessness on the side of the Chief Executives and that they “must take action without fear or favor”.
Besides the thematic concerns raised, the Minister sternly warned the MMDCEs from assigning their personal assistants to official responsibilities and sensitive administrative functions of their office.
In addition, she warned the Chief Executives to stop using official spaces for partisan political activities.
“Your PAs are not to approve documents on GIFMIS and not to represent you at official meetings. This must stop immediately. Assemblies can not run by unelected and unappointed individuals hiding behind your authority” said the Minister.
“I have reports that many of you have also turned your official offices into party meeting grounds” Hon. Ocloo added.
She expressed disappointment as to why these Chief Executives have opened their doors to visitors and party faithful rather than the staff who have a duty to lead but are denied access to discuss official matters.