The Bosomtwe District of the Ashanti Region is facing a significant and escalating crisis following a petition demanding the removal of District Chief Executive, Eng. Hamidu Abdallah, citing allegations of overspending and the deliberate obstruction of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP). At a press conference, Assembly Members, led by Nana Akwasi Asare Nyansapor, formally petitioned President Mahama to initiate a process to remove the DCE, arguing that his administration’s policies are leading to unsustainable financial burdens and a prioritization of administrative costs over essential infrastructure projects.
The petitioners’ claims stem from a recent audit report revealing excessive spending on administrative expenses, particularly on communication, despite budgetary allocations for laptops to improve connectivity within the district. “Why does the Assembly continue to spend heavily on printing letters and using vehicles and fuel to distribute them to members across the district, when the budget had already made provision for laptops?” questioned Nana Akwasi Asare Nyansapor, leader of the petitioners. The Assembly Members express deep concern that this unsustainable spending pattern is pushing them to threaten a vote of no confidence against the DCE if the President fails to address the matter.
Following the audit concerns, the petitioners allege a deliberate obstruction of the DRIP project, highlighting a concerning pattern of the DCE refusing to release the machines for the MP’s initiative. They claim this is a deliberate exploitation of the DRIP funds, with the same machines promptly released to private individuals and communities, a situation they suspect management is profiting from. Beyond these issues, the petition also accuses the DCE of misplaced priorities, pointing to the renovation and refurnishing of his office, which was not captured in the approved budget, at the expense of streetlights, and delays in paying Assembly Members’ allowances.
The petition, delivered to the Ashanti Regional Minister and the Minister for Local Government, demands a two-week ultimatum for the DCE and Coordinating Director to respond. However, the DCE, Eng. Hamidu Abdallah, dismissed all allegations, stating that none of the allegations against him merits weight to trigger a vote of no confidence. He affirmed his commitment to development and promised to engage members further. He also threatened to sue the leader of the petitioners, Nana Akwasi Asare Nyansapor, for defamation, claiming the allegations could damage his reputation.
The situation has ignited considerable public debate, with residents expressing concerns about the DCE’s mismanagement of resources and the potential impact on community development. The Ashanti Regional Minister and the Local Government Minister are expected to convene a meeting to discuss the matter and explore potential solutions. The long-term implications of this situation remain to be seen, but the allegations have undoubtedly created a significant political challenge for the Bosomtwe District.
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Source: Adom Online
