Tema: The Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) has inaugurated its Tema Central Sub-Metro Council, emphasizing the importance of increasing revenue to support development efforts.
According to Ghana News Agency, Ms Ebi Bright, the Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), through a speech delivered by Mr John Nana Owu, the Tema Metropolitan Coordinating Director, praised the sub-metro for its efforts in boosting revenue. She encouraged the council to continue its work in this area, noting that the sub-metro is entitled to retain 50 percent of its collected revenue, a provision the TMA has been adhering to.
Ms Bright assured continued support from the TMA to ensure the sub-metro remains functional and serves as a model for local development. She explained that the inauguration was in line with the replacement of appointed Council members as stipulated by the Local Government Act and the legislative instrument that established the TMA.
The sub-metros, she highlighted, play a crucial role in enhancing grassroots governance and development, acting as a direct link between the community and the Assembly. This connection ensures that the voices of residents are heard and their concerns addressed.
Ms Bright also reminded assembly members of the national sanitation day initiative, underscoring their responsibility to maintain cleanliness in their electoral areas. She pointed out that President John Dramani Mahama has prioritized sanitation as a key performance indicator for Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
In related developments, Mr Emmanuel Swanzy Martin has been elected as the Chairman of the Tema Central Sub-Metro, securing 16 votes against Mr Anthony Kow Sam-Anoon’s four, from a total of 20 votes. In his acceptance speech, Mr Martin expressed gratitude to the Councilors for their trust and vowed to uphold the responsibilities entrusted to him. He committed to improving revenue, maintaining sanitation, and ensuring orderly development to create a healthier community.
Mr Martin also pledged to collaborate with Councilors, traditional authorities, civil society organizations (CSOs), and residents, emphasizing that governance is a shared responsibility.