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Mr Paul Evans Aidoo, the Western Regional Minister, has urged assembly members to conduct their duties in a responsible manner to enhance development in the communities and the entire nation.

He noted that assembly members were addressed as ‘honourable’ and this required them to refrain from vices, which may tarnish their reputation. “Your actions and inactions could make or unmake the assembly, your community, family and, indeed, yourself” so must act honourably at all times.

The Minister made the call, in a speech read by the Chief Director of Regional Coordinating Council, Mr Solomon Asiedu, at an orientation workshop for 156 assembly members at Fijai.

They were from Shama, Sekondi-Takoradi, Mpohor and Wassa East assemblies.

He said the assembly member was the liaison between the district assembly and the community so he/she must approach issues brought before the House dispassionately and objectively in order to facilitate the rapid development of the electoral areas.

Reminding them of the non-partisan nature of the assembly concept, Mr Aidoo said partisanship would retard the development process, therefore, it must be shunned.

He impressed on assembly members to always solicit ideas and opinions on issues and projects from key stakeholders like traditional authorities, public/private institutions, and land owners to have clear view and contribute effectively to debates and discussions.

As legislatures of the assembly, there was the need for them to be conversant with Act 462, the bye-laws and basic rudiments to work efficiently.

He cautioned them that their status was not an opportunity for them to lord over the electorate who had vested their mandate in them.

They were expected, therefore, to be in close contact with the electorate, organise and participate in communal labour, developmental activities, and collate their views for presentation at the assembly for consideration.

Mr Aidoo , however, urged those assemblies which had not yet elected their Presiding Members to do that to facilitate development.

The assembly members gave the assurance that they would work hard to bring development to their communities.

Other assembly members would have their orientation at Bogoso, Sefwi-Wiawso, Agona-Nkwanta, Asankragwa and Juaboso.