The Keta Municipal Assembly in Ghana's Volta Region has called for the immediate transfer of Mohammed Abass, head of its Works Department, following a tumultuous meeting and allegations of misconduct. A leaked audio recording attributed to Abass sparked the controversy, alleging financial irregularities and unauthorized building permits. The Assembly's Presiding Member, Christopher Mensah, stated the recordings suggested serious breaches involving the Assembly's finances and permit records.
The trouble began when Assembly Member Promise Kofi Baccah filed questions on the alleged financial wrongdoing under the Assembly's Standing Orders. The queries led to a stormy sitting on October 28, where Abass allegedly disrupted proceedings and later assaulted a fellow official. Despite efforts to calm the situation, Abass's conduct led to the Assembly going into committee, where he apologized and members accepted it.
The Coordinating Director and Secretary to the Assembly, Seth Kpodji, presented formal responses to Baccah's questions, which did not substantiate the claims made in the circulating audio. However, when invited to respond or raise further concerns, Abass reacted angrily, making offensive remarks directed at people in the room, particularly Assembly Members. This led the House to recommend Abass's immediate transfer in the interest of peace, order, and the smooth functioning of the Assembly.
The situation escalated further on October 29, when Mensah received a report that Abass had physically assaulted Baccah, the same assembly member who had raised the original questions. Mensah described the alleged assault as serious and disturbing, emphasizing that intimidation or violence involving public officers and elected representatives cannot be tolerated.
Mensah appealed to the Head of the Local Government Service and relevant traditional authorities to urgently act on the Assembly's recommendation pending the necessary administrative processes. He stressed that the safety of members and staff remains a priority. Efforts to reach Abass for his response to the allegations were unsuccessful.
The leaked audio recording allegedly suggested that the Municipal Chief Executive, Wisdom B. Seade, had unlawfully withdrawn GHS120,000 from the Assembly's account and that certain building permits had been backdated. The Assembly's internal rules allow members to demand answers from officials on issues of public interest during ordinary meetings.
The Keta Municipal Assembly's recommendation for Abass's transfer highlights the gravity of the situation and the need for swift action to restore order and trust within the institution. The incident underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in local governance.
Key points
- The Keta Municipal Assembly recommends the transfer of Works Department head Mohammed Abass over alleged misconduct and financial wrongdoing.
- A leaked audio recording attributed to Abass sparked the controversy, alleging unauthorized building permits and a GHS120,000 withdrawal.
- The situation escalated with reports of Abass assaulting an assembly member, adding urgency to the Assembly's recommendation for his transfer.
