Aspiring Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency, John Dumelo, came out yesterday to complain that his efforts to dredge chocked gutters in his constituency has been stopped by the Local Assembly that he should provide permit before the works can continue.
Speaking to Ghanaweb, John Dumelo said: ‘“They told me to stop the work that I’m doing and report to their office so that I formally seek permission to dredge the gutter in West Legon.”
According to Dumelo, this is a calculated attempt to thwart his efforts since he is embarking on a project that has been neglected for years by the government.
“I suspect it’s an attempt to frustrate my efforts. The people have complained over the years for the gutter to be desilted because when it rains it floods, and when it floods, properties and lives are lost. I can’t sit there unconcerned. I must listen to my people and take action.”
Well, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the area, Madam Sandra Owusu-Ahinkorah, has come out to respond to Dumelo’s statements.
According to her, what the actor said is false. She noted that they didn’t in any way stop John Dumelo but rather invited him for a meeting with the Municipal Urban Roads and Workers Directors, it was to encourage him to liaise appropriately with departments at the Assembly for effective supervision.
Below is the statement
RE: Ayawaso West Municipal Stops John Dumelo
Our attention has been drawn to media reports that the Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly has stopped Mr. John Dumelo from carrying out dredging activities in the municipality.
We want to put it on record that the said report is FALSE.
It is unfortunate that people will for whatever reason put a spin on an invitation we made to Mr. Dumelo as a Stop notice.
Whilst it is true that my outfit invited him for a meeting with the Municipal Urban Roads and Workers Directors, it was to encourage him to liase appropriately with departments at the Assembly for effective supervision.
The Assembly is doing its best in tackling the numerous challenges facing the municipality, individuals can take care of some challenges if it posses a nuisance to them. The Local Government Act also requires that if a persons activities will pose a problem to the public the Assembly should intervene.
In the case regarding Mr. Dumelo, he is dredging a major storm drain that links Ayawaso West and Okai Kwei North Municipalities. Such works are carried out under the supervision of experts such as Municipal, Highway and or Hydro Engineers. Mr. Dumelo is undertaking this exercise without these experts.
Dredging is a major activity that requires expert advice from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other agencies of state.
We therefore invited him to draw his attention to these facts and to encourage him to seek assistance from the Municipality as required by law.
The Municipal Assembly will support all private efforts aimed at community development regardless of motive.
The public is therefore called upon to disregard the falsehood and the mischief the publication sought to create.
Kindly call 0244918445 with your enquiries.
Thank you
Signed
Sandra Owusu-Ahinkorah
MCE, AWMA
