The Keta Municipal Assembly in Ghana has recommended the immediate transfer of Mr Mohammed Abass, Head of the Assembly's Works Department, due to alleged misconduct and disruptions during its Second Ordinary Meeting of the Third Session of the Ninth Assembly. This decision was made after deliberations on allegations involving the Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Wisdom B. Seade, and subsequent confrontations during the meeting held on October 28.
According to Mr Christopher Mensah, Presiding Member of the Assembly, the meeting considered questions filed by the Assembly Member for the Abutiakope Electoral Area, Mr Promise Kofi Baccah, concerning allegations contained in viral audio recordings attributed to Mr Abass. The recordings allegedly suggested that the MCE had unlawfully withdrawn GHS 120,000 from the Assembly's account and that certain building permits had been backdated.
The Assembly’s Standing Orders allow members to file questions on matters of public interest and municipal administration, while heads of departments are expected to attend meetings to provide technical advice and respond to issues concerning their respective departments. Mr Abass sought to contribute to discussions on the floor of the House, but his conduct disrupted proceedings despite attempts by the Presiding Member and other persons present to restore calm.
The House subsequently went into committee and resolved that Mr Abass should apologise for his conduct. He later rendered an apology, expressed regret over his actions, and the Assembly Members accepted it. Proceedings continued until Mr Seth Kpodji, the Coordinating Director, presented responses to the questions filed by Mr Baccah in the presence of relevant technical officers, including Mr Abass.
According to the Presiding Member, the responses presented to the House did not substantiate the allegations contained in the audio recordings. He said Mr Abass was given an opportunity to express contrary views or raise further concerns about the responses but allegedly reacted inappropriately and directed offensive remarks at persons present, particularly Assembly Members.
Mr Mensah disclosed that on October 29, he received a report alleging that Mr Abass had physically assaulted Mr Baccah, the Assembly Member for the Abutiakope Electoral Area, who raised the matter for clarification during the assembly section. He described the reported incident as serious and disturbing, and stressed that physical violence, intimidation and misconduct involving public officers and elected representatives were unacceptable.
The Presiding Member appealed to the Head of the Local Government Service and relevant traditional authorities to intervene urgently and consider the Assembly’s earlier resolution recommending Mr Abass’s immediate transfer, pending the necessary administrative processes. The Assembly remains committed to transparency, accountability, peaceful deliberations and development, with the safety of Assembly Members, staff and other stakeholders as a priority.
Key points
- The Keta Municipal Assembly recommended the transfer of Mr Mohammed Abass over alleged misconduct and disruptions during a meeting.
- The allegations against Mr Abass included claims of unlawful withdrawal of GHS 120,000 and backdating of building permits.
- The Assembly emphasized the need for a peaceful, respectful, and professional working environment, prioritizing the safety of its members and staff.
