By Opesika Tetteh Puplampu
Atotorkorpe-Ada, May 01, GNA – The Ada East District Assembly’s attempt to elect a new Presiding Member ended in confusion and heated exchanges, after two inconclusive rounds of voting on Wednesday.
The proceedings, held at the District Assembly Hall in Atortorkope, were marred by allegations of misconduct, a breach of voting protocols, and verbal confrontations.
The second session of the ninth (9th) assembly of the District Assembly was summoned by Mr Jerryson Ayih, the District Coordinating Director, to elect and swear in a Presiding Member.
This is the fifth time a meeting was summoned to elect a presiding member since December 2024.
The first round of the voting process saw Mr Mark Nii Adjei Sowah, the Assembly Member for Foah Wem Electoral Area, garnered 12 votes, while his opponent, Mr Ebenezer Tetteh Kpodo, the Assembly Member for Kasseh Electoral Area, secured 24, with three rejected ballots out of the 39 total votes.
As none of the candidates got the required two-thirds majority, a second round was conducted.
Nene Emmanuel Tetteh Kakepeemi I, the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) Ada Constituency Chairman, and Madam Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe, Member of Parliament for Ada, held a closed-door meeting with some of the assembly members before the second election.
After the second run, none of the candidates received the two-thirds vote, as Mr Sowah slightly increased his tally to 14 votes, while Mr. Kpodo maintained his 24, with one ballot rejected; the election was inconclusive.
Tensions escalated when Mr. Felix Ocansey, a government appointee, was caught by the Ada West District Electoral Officer taking a photo of his thumb-printed ballot, a clear violation of electoral rules.
He was handed over to the police for investigations.
The incident triggered agitation among observers and assembly members.
During the commotion, Nene Emmanuel Tetteh Kake Peemi I, the NDC Constituency Chairman, who also serves as Youth Chief for Development, verbally attacked this reporter, preventing him from filming the incident.
He threatened that “if you won’t apply conscience and want it on a different level, we’ll do it.”
Another journalist from the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), who attempted to intervene, was also subjected to verbal abuse.
GNA
LS/CAA