The Nanumber North district has held its second ordinary meeting in Bimbilla in the Northern Region.
The meeting was among other things to consider the 2017 Composite Budget and Fee Fixing Resolution for approval.
Addressing assembly members, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area, Mohammed Ibn Abass emphasized the activities of the district in the areas of security, finances and programmmes implemented by the assembly.
On security the DCE said there has been relative peace and stability in the district and that the District Security Council (DISEC) will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the Bimbilla Chieftaincy dispute.
He expressed his excitement that the situation in the area continues to improve and hopes that a sustained and improved peace in the area will eventually lead to the lifting of a curfew that has been placed on the district for some months now.
“The District Security Council (DISEC) continue to be on its toes and will collaborate with various stakeholders like Regional Security Council ( REGSEC) and the Yendi Diocesan Peace Centre of the Catholic church and other interest groups in a bit to finding a lasting solution to the Bimbilla chieftaincy misunderstanding,” he said.
He added that “I want to urge all assembly members to endeavour to engage with people to appreciate the fact that it is only in peace that we can realize and achieve meaningful development in the district and improvement in the lives of our people. As you know the expenditure on the maintenance of peace is having a heavy toll on the Assembly.”
On finances, the DCE said the district had received some GH₵ 446,364.46 as its share of the District Assemblies’ Common Fund (DACF) for the first quarter of 2016 and also realized an amount of GH₵ 272,463.00 as internally generated funds (IGF).
The amount represented an 87% increase in the annual estimated revenue for the year 2016.
He said the assembly was able to pay the ex-gratia allowances of members of the last assembly from the internally generated funds and other projects in the district are at various levels of completion.
On the impending general elections, the DCE admonished members of the community to tolerate divergent views and opinions to avoid violence in the upcoming elections.
“I want to take this opportunity to admonish all that let us in our various capacities as Assembly members caution people to tolerate divergent views and opinions and avoid violence in the upcoming elections. The district is already battling with the Bimbilla Chieftaincy conflict and nothing should be done to worsen the already fragile security situation,” he noted.
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By: Mohammed Aminu M. Alabira/citifmonline.com/Ghana