MY ADMINISTRATION IS OPEN TO CRITICISM (PAGE 14)

The Brong Ahafo Regional Minister, Mr Kwadwo Nyamekye-Marfo, has given the assurance that his administration is open to constructive criticisms and suggestions that would promote the growth of the region.
He also pledged that as the ‘father’ of the region he would not discriminate in the award of contracts and that his administration would pursue equitable development of all areas in the region.
Mr Nyamekye-Marfo gave the assurance when representatives of the various political parties in the region, namely the New Patriotic Party (NPP), People’s National Convention (PNC), Convention People’s Party (CPP), Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC) met with him at his office to discuss issues concerning how they could contribute towards the development and sustenance of peace in the region.
The regional minister, who was highly elated about the visit of the various political parties, called for their cooperation to move the region forward, and called for such meetings to discuss the forward march of the region.
Mr Nyamekye-Marfo, however, urged supporters of the political parties in the region to watch their utterances and endeavour to speak on issues that would foster peaceful co-existence and not divisive ones.
“Now that the electioneering which generated a lot of debate and acrimony is over what we need to do as a people is to come together for the rapid socio-economic development of the region and the nation as a whole”, he emphasised.
Mr Nyamekye-Marfo further urged the people in the region not to allow their political persuasions or ideologies to divide them since they were one people with a common goal to ensure the rapid development of the region.
He also called on the political parties to contribute their quota towards the successful celebration of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the region this year, which would be launched very soon, adding that they should not see the celebration as that for the NDC but for all people of the region.
In response to some of the issues raised by some of the political parties at the meeting, the Regional Minister gave the assurance that his administration would not embark on political witch-hunting and vengeance but would allow due process or the legal system to work since he believed in the rule of law.
The political parties at the meeting appealed to supporters of the ruling party to give the minister a free hand to operate and also allow him to interact with the other political parties regularly.
They also appealed to the government not to make the nomination of the various Municipal and District Chief Executives to the region partisan but rather ensure that individuals who were competent should be appointed.
The NPP representatives at the meeting appealed through the regional minister to the incoming Deputy Regional Minister, Mr Eric Opoku, not to pursue those acts of vindictiveness and vendetta that took place in the Asunafo South Constituency, especially at Sankore, in the run-up to the general election, where he also lost.
The CPP and DFP expressed their appreciation to the President for appointing Mr Nyamekye-Marfo as the regional minister.
They expressed the hope that he would bring his rich experience to bear in his new appointment.
Mr Mohammed Seidu, the Regional Youth Organiser of the NDC, on behalf of the ruling party gave the assurance that the NDC in the region had opened its doors to all the political parties for the sharing of ideas that would enhance the development of the region, and would not do anything to intimidate anybody.