The South Tongu District Assembly held its first ordinary meeting of the second session of the Ninth Assembly on Thursday, 8th May, 2025, 10:00am at the District Assembly Hall, Sogakope. The meeting commenced with an opening prayer by one of the Hon.
The District Coordinating Director, Mr. Setsoafia Kpenu, welcomed members and assured them that Management of South Tongu District Assembly would finalize with the payment of ex-gratia for the Eight Assembly then Mr. Augustine Frimpong, (Assistant Director I) conducted a roll call of Assembly members. It was noted that two(2) members were absent with permission.
Hon. Maxwell Lukutor, the Member of Parliament for South Tongu Constituency, expressed gratitude to His Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama, the National Democratic Congress(NDC) fraternity and the people of South Tongu for their overwhelming support during the recent General Elections held on the 7th December,2024, whereby he emerged victorious with 93.3% of the total votes and being elected as the Hon. Member of Parliament for South Tongu Constituency. He congratulated the District Chief Executive, Hon. Victoria Dzeklo, following her confirmation as the new MCE, pledging support for her initiatives. Hon. Lukutor also congratulated all government appointees, and emphasized the need for all Assembly members to unite and cooperate effectively for the development of the constituency. He finally urged the chiefs and traditional authorities to cease land litigation and release land for investors to promote development within the constituency.
The meeting proceeded to the election of the Presiding Member, guided by the District Assemblies Act, 1993 (Act 462) and the Standing Orders of the South Tongu District Assembly. According to Article 242(b) of the 1992 Constitution and Section 14 of Act 462, the Presiding Member is elected by the Assembly members ( both elected and appointed).
The Electoral Commission’s guidelines for the election were explained to members, highlighting that a candidate must secure two-thirds of the entire membership to win outright. If no candidate achieves this, a runoff between the top two candidates would be conducted. If still unsuccessful, fresh nominations would be required within 10 days (Section 15 of Act 462).
Five candidates contested for the position of Presiding Member:
1. Hon. Savior Larweh Agbeko (Assembly member for Amedorme/Tuanikope Electoral Area)
2. Hon. Francis Quarshie Agbedeke (Assembly member for Hlevi/Toklopo Electoral Area)
3. Hon. Benjamin Amekudzi (Assembly member for Tefle Electoral Area)
4. Hon. Peter Doe Newton (Assembly member for Dzebetato Electoral Area)
5. Hon.Bernard Kofi Edem Dzinyela (Government Appointee)
After presenting their manifestos, a total of fifty six (56) members voted, with one rejected ballot, resulting in fifty five (55) valid votes. The results were as follows:
– Hon. Savior Larweh Agbeko : 9 votes, representing 16.36% of votes
– Hon. Francis Quarshie Agbedeke: 10 votes, representing 18.18% of votes
– Hon. Benjamin Amekudzi: 13 votes, representing 23.64% of votes
– Hon. Newton Peter Doe: 7 votes, representing 12.73% of votes
– Hon. Bernard Kofi Edem Dzinyela: 16 votes, representing 29.09% of votes
No candidate secured the required two-thirds majority. A runoff between Hon. Bernard Kofi Edem Dzinyela and Hon. Benjamin Amekudzi ensued. In the runoff, fifty six (56) members voted, with five (5) rejected ballots, resulting in fifty one (51) valid votes. The results were:
– Hon. Bernard Kofi Edem Dzinyela : 27 votes, representing 52.94% of votes
– Hon. Benjamin Amekudzi : 24 votes, representing 47.06% of votes
Since no candidate won the required majority, fresh nominations will be required within 10(ten) days, as per Section 15(4) of Act 462. The meeting adjourned without electing a Presiding Member and concluded with a closing prayer. The Assembly will reconvene for fresh nominations and further proceedings.
