ADA WEST ASSEMBLY MEMBERS DEMAND TRANSPARENCY OVER LANDS COMMISSION REPRESENTATION
Sege, Ada West – Members of the Ada West District Assembly have raised strong objections to what they described as a violation of their constitutional and legal rights to nominate a representative to the Greater Accra Regional Lands Commission Board.
The protest, which occurred during the recent General Assembly meeting, was triggered by concerns over the unexplained replacement of the Assembly’s approved nominee, Mr. Ernest Tetteh Kugblenu, Assembly Member for the Sege-Koni Electoral Area. Members expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of consultation and transparency surrounding the appointment of a new representative for the Assembly.
Following this disclosure, the Assembly temporarily suspended proceedings to deliberate privately. Upon reconvening, members unanimously resolved to halt all further business until the District Chief Executive (DCE) and District Coordinating Director (DCD) could provide a satisfactory explanation.
District Chief Executive, Mr. Modjifa Jerry John Foreigner Tanihu, addressed the Assembly and assured members that he had no prior knowledge of the change. He pledged to initiate a thorough investigation into the matter and return with accurate and complete information.
He further urged the members to proceed with the days agenda whilst investigations are launched into this matter and resolved satisfactorily. This plea, was rejected unanimously by the Hon. Members, citing legal concerns and breach of General Assembly resolutions.
Some of the Assembly Members spoken to stated that the procedure used to replace the Assembly’s nominee violated provisions under Act 767 of the Lands Commission Act, which mandates that such representatives be elected and approved by the District Assembly.
Their concern was that even if the nominee did not meet the eligibility requirements, the Assembly should have been officially notified and allowed to nominate a replacement. Their queries and demands are wrapped in following the right procedures to nominate a representative of the Assembly on the Greater Accra Lands commission Board as stipulated by law! Anything other than this, is a clear breach of the law and their rights, and until it is resolved through proper procedure and consensus, they will not proceed with any Assembly business.
According to the Presiding Member Hon. Lawrence N. Katey, the controversy stemmed from the Assembly’s earlier decision in 2024, to nominate Mr. Kugblenu as its representative. However, it later emerged that another individual—who is not a member of the Assembly—had been named in his stead without formal notification or approval from the Assembly.
The Assembly Members Stood united and unyielding on their demand. The meeting was subsequently adjourned indefinitely, with members maintaining a united stance in demanding transparency and adherence to legal protocols. They insist that until the issue is clarified and resolved, no General Assembly meeting will be held.
The situation has spotlighted growing concerns about accountability and procedural integrity within local governance structures, with Assembly members calling for full respect of their statutory roles in district-level representation.
The meeting was held at the District Assembly’s Hall.
ISD – AWDA
28th July 2025