The Member of Parliament (MP) for the Weija-Gbawe constituency, Mr. Jerry Ahmed Shaib, has publicly expressed his disappointment with the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Felix Odartey Lamptey.
The MP claims the MCE is deliberately uncooperative regarding critical development issues in the area, particularly concerning road infrastructure.
Speaking on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM’s Frontline program, the legislator, who is also a legal practitioner, stated that the MCE has refused to collaborate with him to advance development in the constituency.
Mr. Shaib remarked that he believes this lack of engagement stems from the fact that he defeated the MCE in the 2024 parliamentary election, leading the MCE to disregard his requests to address the poor condition of roads.
The MP was responding to concerns raised by his constituents about the dilapidated state of several roads within the constituency.
He recounted a recent visit to the MCE to discuss various projects, including roads, but asserted that he was not given the necessary attention.
”The MCE was the parliamentary candidate for the NDC during the 2024 parliamentary election, and because I defeated him, he has still not recovered from it. Consequently, he has refused to understand or separate development from political contest. The elections are over, and now we must focus on the development of the area,” Mr. Shaib stated.
The MP expressed his surprise at the MCE’s current attitude, noting his personal efforts to ensure the MCE’s confirmation.
”I am surprised by the treatment the MCE is giving. I personally intervened and spoke to the Assembly Members to confirm him as the MCE, even when there was opposition from within his own party. Therefore, I am surprised he has refused to engage me on the imperative for us to work together to develop the area. He should be able to separate development from political contest. The contest is over, and I defeated him, but we now have to collaborate and repair the roads in the constituency.”
When asked if he would officially petition the President, the Speaker of Parliament, the Minister of Roads, or the Minister of Local Government regarding the impasse, Mr. Shaib maintained that he holds no prejudice and prefers to continue dialogue with the MCE.
He affirmed his commitment to relentlessly engaging the MCE to ensure they find a common ground to collaborate and bring more development to the constituents.
”I have written to the MCE as the way forward for working on the inner roads. I have personally dedicated some funds, made certain commitments, and pledged to purchase fuel for the DRIP machines to ensure work is done on the roads. However, he has not given me the attention, but I will keep pushing,” the MP said.
He also complained that he had engaged the MCE on the best way to have the new Children’s Hospital built under the former President Akufo-Addo government operationalised, and that despite having scheduled an appointment with him, when he arrived at the office, he disrespected him and did not give him the necessary attention.
He also stated that the MCE later advised him to go and return another day if he could not wait because he was attending a meeting.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana