NPP MP Is �Stealing� Gov�t Projects ...MCE Descends On Abuakwa North MP

THE MUNICIPAL Chief Executive (MCE) for East Akyem, Simon Peter Asirifi has spewed venom against the Member of Parliament (MP) for Abuakwa North Constituency, Joseph Boakye Danquah for claiming credit for government projects and attempting to commission them.

At a press conference held on Friday at Akyem Tafo in the Eastern region, the MCE claimed that he has noticed with great concern the political tactics adopted by the MP who sneaks to communities where government projects are on-going with journalists claiming that such projects were either funded or lobbied by him just to score cheap political points.

Mr. Asirifi mentioned that, the MP, having claimed responsibility for a number of projects including the on-going Akyem New Tafo Town roads and an ambulance for New Tafo government hospital, upon noticing that the East Akyem municipal assembly has secured funding for the construction of the Akyem Tafo market, quickly organized some journalists to the market to announce to the traders that he (the MP) has lobbied for a World Bank grant for the construction of the market.

According to the MCE, even though the claim by the MP was debunked, the MP after realising the progress made on the market, went on inspection tour of the market last week and claimed that he has invested GH¢400,000.00 into the project to ensure that all other requests by the traders including place of convenience are done.

This, according to the MCE, is a fallacy since the 80 market stalls project is solely being funded by the Municipal Assembly from the urban grant won in 2011 at a total cost of GH¢ 130,000.00.

The MCE cautioned the MP to desist from the act to avoid any unnecessary confrontation since supporters of the National Democratic Congress in the constituency are furious about the matter.

Mr. Asirifi; however, said he has cordial relationship with the two MPs in the municipality, that is, Samuel Atta Akyea, MP for Abuakwa South and the accused MP.

But, he added that the political tactics adopted by the Abuakwa North MP is what has been creating problems for the assembly.

The MCE, addressing market women after the press conference, entreated them to desist from politicising development in the district, but provide support in order to ensure collective development in the municipality.

He assured that government would continue to provide all the needed- socio-economic infrastructure to better the living standard of the residents in the area.

But, the MP insists he is committed to lobbying for the projects to alleviate poverty in the area and serve the best interest of his constituents.