Greater Accra Minister Decries Streetlight Theft, Urges Unity in Confirming Local Leaders
- 20% of installed streetlights in Shai-Osudoku have been stolen, says Regional Minister Linda Ocloo
- Theft seen as a major setback to government infrastructure efforts
- Minister urges Assembly Members to prioritize development over politics
The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, who is also the Member of Parliament for Shai-Osudoku Constituency, has raised alarm over the widespread theft of public infrastructure in the region. She revealed that approximately 20 percent of installed streetlights have been stolen in her constituency.
Speaking to the media during her recent tour, which included overseeing the confirmation of the President’s nominees for Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), Madam Ocloo expressed her frustration, stating:
“We are losing about 20 percent of the fixed streetlights to theft. This is unacceptable and a significant setback to the government’s efforts to improve infrastructure in our communities.”
The Minister made these comments during the confirmation process for the President’s nominee for District Chief Executive (DCE) for Shai-Osudoku, Fred Ignatius Dodoe. Despite her appeal for support, the nominee did not secure enough votes, receiving 17 ‘Yes’ votes against 15 ‘No’ votes.
Madam Ocloo emphasized the need for unity and collaboration among Assembly Members and appointees to support the President’s nominees and advance development.
“Confirming the President’s nominee is not just a political matter; it’s about empowering local leadership to drive real progress,” she said.
The Minister also expressed concern over alleged vote manipulation, claiming that some individuals seeking appointments are offering financial incentives to Assembly Members in an attempt to influence the confirmation process.
“We’ve received reports that some shortlisted individuals are paying what they refer to as ‘losing bonuses’ to sway Assembly Members,” she revealed. “If Shai-Osudoku refuses to confirm the nominee, we may have to bring him back repeatedly or appoint someone from outside the district.”
As part of her regional tour, Madam Ocloo visited the Shai-Osudoku, Adentan, and La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assemblies, accompanied by officials from the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council.
While the nomination process in Shai-Osudoku ended in a deadlock, confirmations for Adentan and La Nkwantanang-Madina were successful. Ella Esinam Nongo was confirmed as the Municipal Chief Executive for Adentan, and Fuseini Ibrahim Faila was sworn in as the MCE for La Nkwantanang-Madina.
