The adjourned first ordinary meeting of the second session of the Ninth Assembly of the South Tongu District Assembly was convened at 11:00 am, commencing with an opening prayer led by Hon. Stephen Aho.
A roll call was conducted by Madam Esther Shelly Tsidi, Assistant Director IIA.
The District Coordinating Director, Mr. Setsoafia Kpenu welcomed members and explained that the meeting’s primary objective was to elect a Presiding Member (PM) for the Assembly. He noted that the previous attempt to elect a PM two weeks prior was unsuccessful, and the current meeting was crucial for the Assembly’s progress. The Director emphasized that the District Performance Assessment Tool (DPAT) and Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) monitoring team were present, and the Assembly’s qualification for DPAT depended on the successful election of a PM.
The Electoral Commission (EC) invited the two nominees, Hon. Benjamin Amekudzi and Hon. Bernard Dzinyela, to address members and solicit votes. After voting, Hon. Bernard Dzinyela emerged as the leading candidate but failed to secure the required 2/3 majority.
The two aspirants could not get 2/3 of membership according to …. (use the Act, Ghana law)
The EC called for fresh nominations
Two persons picked forms to contest for position of PM
1. Hon. Mensah Kwaku Kudze
2. Hon. Nelson Gamor Ametorwodufia
Voting
1. Hon. Bernard Dzinyela – 41 votes representing…. % of votes
2. Hon. Nelson Gamor Ametorwodufia – 9 votes representing……% of votes
Total votes were 53
rejected votes was 3
total membership was 59
at the end of voting, Hon. Bernard Dzinyela was declared as PM elect.
In his acceptance speech, the PM-elect, Hon. Bernard Dzinyela thanked members for the confidence reposed in him and promised to bring development to the district. He emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in fostering peace, development, and progress.
The MP for South Tongu Constituency, Hon. Maxwell Lukutor, congratulated members on electing a PM and encouraged everyone to work together for the district’s growth.
The District Chief Executive (DCE), Hon. Victoria Dzeklo presented the Executive Committee report,
The chairman of the Persons with Disability Committee highlighted that the Persons with Disability (PWD) fund is now a separate account from the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF). The fund is designed to support less privileged individuals, with allocations for economic activities, education, medical expenses, and payment.
Other key discussions included the formation of an agric sub-committee, briefing by Agave Rural Bank on their services, and briefing by water resources commission. Members also debated various issues, including mobilization of funds, mahogany update, disposal of soak away, and choked gutters.
The meeting concluded with a motion for adjournment moved by Hon. Larwoe and seconded by Hon. Agbebu. A closing prayer was led by Hon. Alice Nartey.
