Otumfuor commends GAAM for pushing a united agenda

His Royal Majesty, the Ashanti overlord Otumfuor Osei Tutu II had commended Assembly Members for forming a strong team that could help them push a common agenda for development.

Members of the Ghana Association of Assembly Members (GAAM) who visited the Manhyia Palace to petition the Ashanti overlord were being welcomed by the royal majesty as he commended them for such a wonderful move and unity.

The Assembly members who called on the Ashanti overlord to intervene in some issues concerning their welfare were however being directed to meet with the Paramount Chief of Asokore Mampong Nana Boakye Ansah to present the rest of their petition as the king solidly pledged to back them.

The Ashanti Regional Chapter of the  Ghana National Association of Assembly members (GAAM) petitioned His Royal Majesty Otumfour Osei Tutu II with six key points which they want the government to consider.

According to them, substantive governments have been disappointing them without providing an incentive package to support their welfare.

Speaking to the media after presenting the petition to His Royal Majesty, National President of the Association, Mr Charles Adu Asinor stated that most assembly members have been suffering under substantive governments when it comes to welfare and other monetary matters.

He revealed that the petition consists of six key points involving the vulnerable state of some assembly members.

"The zeal and enthusiasm that characterized the picking of forms, campaigning and receiving the people’s mandate have all waned to our unfair treatment”. He said

According to him, Assembly members perform similar functions as MPs albeit lawmaking at the local level but their plight is unending.

As a result, the government should consider charging the emolument of Presiding and Assembly members on the consolidated fund to address the inequalities in the payment of ex-gratia and pave the way for adequate remuneration.

Notwithstanding that, Hon. Charles Adu Asinor also stated that motorbikes that assembly members received at the end of their office tenure should be of quality since most of them are inferior.

"We know that as his Royal Majesty Otumfour Osei Tutu II has received our petition, the above items mentioned in it will be considered by the government". He opined.

Speaking to media in an interview this is what the National Chairman of Ghana National Association of Assembly members, Hon. Charles Adu Asinor Assemblymember for Paul Kumah Electoral area in the Eastern Region told the press assembly members were very optimistic their issue is going to be resolved.

Nana Peprah, Ashanti