Assembly members overwhelmed by excessive demands — Kassena Nankana Municipal Presiding Member
Atisi noted that Assembly Members are often saddled with expectations that go far beyond their official mandate, including the payment of school fees and other personal financial support for constituents.
The Presiding Member of the Kassena Nankana Municipal Assembly and Assembly member of the Atosale Azaasi Electoral Area, Christopher Atisi, has expressed concern over what he describes as the overwhelming responsibilities placed on Assembly Members in the discharge of their duties.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Thursday November 20, Atisi noted that Assembly Members are often saddled with expectations that go far beyond their official mandate, including the payment of school fees and other personal financial support for constituents.
“When students gain admission into secondary or tertiary institutions, parents come to you expecting you to pay their school fees. This has become a burden on some of us, you feel for them, but does the Assembly Member have the capacity to meet all these needs?”
Atisi attributed the growing pressure on Assembly Members partly to a lack of public awareness about the actual roles and responsibilities of local representatives.
He emphasized that while Assembly Members play an important role in community development, they are not resourced to handle every personal request made by their constituents.
Highlighting their core functions, the Presiding Member explained that Assembly Members are key actors in local governance and development planning.
“When the budget is being prepared, it is based on the needs and aspirations of the people. Assembly Members, as members of the General Assembly, must scrutinize what the technocrats present and make recommendations to ensure development is fairly and equitably distributed across electoral areas.” He said.
He further described Assembly Members as the vital link between the community and the Assembly, responsible for communicating local needs, mobilizing residents for development initiatives, and ensuring accountability in the governance process.
Atisi called on community members to appreciate the limitations of Assembly Members and offer the necessary support to help them deliver effectively.
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