I will not allow any DCE to disrespect any MP – Local Govt Minister-designate

Minister-designate for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim has vowed not to accommodate any rift between Metropolitan Municipal Chief District Executives (MMDCEs) and Members of Parliament under his administration.

The Majority Chief Whip noted that he will ensure cordial coordination between MPs and MMDCEs to work together in peace to develop various districts, municipal and metropolitan assemblies.

Ahmed Ibrahim gave the assurance when he appeared before the appointments committee of Parliament on Tuesday, January 21 and was questioned about his plans to deal with disagreements between MMDCEs and Members of Parliament of same constituencies.

“When given the nod, having been a Whip in Parliament for twelve years, I will not allow any DCE to disrespect any Member of Parliament. In the same way, I will also make sure there is a common platform for any DCE and MPs to be able to have frequent discussions for us to understand our job descriptions,” he stated.

The lawmaker referenced instances where MPs had to stay in Accra for over nine months under the disguise of official duties and could not leave to their constituents because DCEs and MMDCEs had organised gangs to attack them.

The Minister-designate issued a stern warning to DCEs fun of sabotaging common funds meant for MPs.

“Finally, DCEs who sabotage their MPs in the last election couldn’t win. As a whip, there were several complains where DCEs were sitting on the common fund of their MPs yet the MPs won. So, it is not how you mishandle your MP’s common fund that will make him lose election,” he added.