Roland Atanga Ayoo has been confirmed as the municipal chief executive (MCE) of Bolgatanga today.
He is the 8th MCE the Upper East regional capital has had since its elevation from a district status to a municipality in 2004.
The new teacher-turned-MCE now takes over the seat once occupied by Rockson Ayine Bukari (2001-2005), Issac Nsoh Amoah (2005-2009), Harry Epsona Ayamga (2009-2011), Edward Ayiriba Ayagle (2011-2015), Philip Adongo Aboore (2015-2017), Joseph Atura Amiyuure (2017-2021) and Rex Simeon Ayareyella Asanga (2021-2025).
All 38 members of the assembly (comprising 26 elected officials and 12 government appointees) voted in his favour, giving him a 100% endorsement.
The result instantly turned the assembly’s conference hall (where the voting had taken place) and its paved yard (where a crowd had waited) into scenes of jubilation.
The Frafra culture unfolded in full show on the premises of the assembly with a tireless performance from a group of traditional drummers and flutists, entertaining a dancing crowd.
As the jubilation continued in the yard, attracting more people from nearby to the scene, the new MCE, in his acceptance speech, told the audience inside the conference hall that he would, among other things, ensure all the abandoned state projects he inherited in Bolgatanga were completed under his tenure.
“I will see to the completion of all abandoned projects in the municipality,” pledge the new MCE, dressed in a white smock that matched the white powder a merrymaker showered on his head in immediate reaction to the voting outcome.
“I know the stakes are high; I know the people of Bolgatanga have high expectations; and, indeed, I am not unaware my people want to witness sweeping changes, not slower changes, and I promise you that there would be marked improvement in the development of infrastructure across the length and breadth of Bolgatanga,” he added.
Other challenges new MCE plans to deal with
He recognised that the municipality was beset with such challenges as “multidimensional poverty, environmental degradation, poor sanitation, unemployment and infrastructure defects” but gave his assurance that they “would be tackled aggressively” under his tenure.
“I solemnly align with the president’s vision to resuscitate Ghana’s ailing economy and reset it to the path of growth and prosperity, and I know fully well the Bolgatanga Municipality would get its fair share of the resetting agenda of the government under my stewardship as MCE.
“Ghanaians’ faith in the Mahama-led government is so unquestioning, and as a representative of the president in this Municipality, I cannot afford to fail the Tangabisis (the people of Bolgatanga), and will deliver on my mandate for the collective good of the municipality,” he also stated.
The MCE expressed his gratitude to the assembly members for approving his nomination and, while promising to run an open-door policy, also promised to work closely with the press to project the municipality both nationally and globally.
“Your 100 % endorsement is a testament to the fact that we have endeavoured to strengthen the bond amongst ourselves, rising above the usual political bickering, and are united by consensus to move the municipality forward. I want to remind the chiefs, opinion leaders and all residents of Bolgatanga that I will serve you in humility, candour and commitment,” the MCE stated.
“I am confident the policies and programmes that are being rolled out by the NDC (National Democratic Congress) administration would cushion both the youth and the aged class in Bolgatanga, and would relieve them of the unprecedented hardships they encountered under the immediate-past regime,” he further said.
Source: Edward Adeti/Media Without Borders/mwbonline.org/Ghana
