Confusion Rocks DCE Selection Process In Western Region

The Office of the Western Regional Chairman of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has been petitioned over the selection of applicants for the post of District Chief Executive Officer for Ahanta West.

The petition, filed by one of the applicants, Abraham Kojo Yalley, said: “I hereby petition your [office] against Ahanta West constituency executives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in relation to the selection of three applicants for the position of District Chief Executive to the Regional Secretariat of the party, which took place on 31st January, 2017 at Agona Nkwanta. The said beneficiaries are as follows: John Agyare, Kwesi Asonya Buah, and Kwesi Yankey.”

It added: “There are questions which baffle a lot of people, including the rest of the applicants who were denied the opportunity in respect of the selection of the aforementioned individuals.”

“What criteria did the executives use? Was the criteria communicated to all the applicants? And was there an even-playing field for all applicants? No such acts were carried out by the executives in question in respect of the aforementioned questions. Available information in relation to the selection in question revealed two developments. The two beneficiaries (John Agyare and Kwesi Asobanya Buah), who are constituency executives currently, were in the meeting which discussed the method of selection.

“Besides, the two above-mentioned beneficiaries took part in the voting process. The conduct of these two executives amounts to conflict of interest. Nonetheless, this is against the law or equity or natural justice. Equity is about fairness and justice. One cannot be a judge in his own court, neither can one be player and referee at the same time.

“I, therefore, petition your outfit to put aside the whole selection carried out on 31 January 2017 at the constituency and instruct the executives to forward the names of all the applicants to the regional secretariat of the party as it was indicated to them by the Member of Parliament early on. I am of the view that this will bring objectivity and fairness in respect of the whole selection processes.”