The Adansi North District Assembly in Ghana’s Ashanti Region witnessed a dramatic scene on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, as the Coordinating Director and acting District Chief Executive (DCE), Thomas Kwame Okrah, abruptly fled his office in the face of a mounting protest by aggrieved Assembly Members. The protest, stemming from a series of grievances against Okrah, centered on accusations of disrespect, misuse of Assembly resources, and manipulation of the Assembly Member list for the upcoming Council of State election. This incident highlights the tension between elected representatives and appointed officials within the local government structure, raising questions about accountability and transparency in public administration.
The Assembly Members accused Okrah of showing consistent disrespect towards them, disregarding their concerns, and acting unilaterally on important decisions. This perceived disregard for the elected representatives eroded the trust between them and the acting DCE, creating a breeding ground for discontent and ultimately fueling the protest. Beyond the issue of respect, the Assembly Members also alleged that Okrah misused Assembly resources, specifically citing DRIP irrigation machines, for personal gain. This allegation of misappropriation of public assets further intensified the Assembly Members’ anger and fueled their determination to hold Okrah accountable.
The most significant trigger for the protest, however, was the alleged tampering with the list of Assembly Members slated to participate in the Council of State election. Presiding Member Dominic Odame Kusi explained that he had submitted the officially selected names to Okrah for endorsement and onward transmission to the Regional Coordinating Council. However, Kusi later discovered that the list had been altered without any consultation or explanation, leading to widespread outrage among the Assembly Members who felt their democratic rights were being undermined. This act was seen as a deliberate attempt to manipulate the electoral process, a serious breach of trust that directly led to the eruption of the protest.
Fearing confrontation with the approaching protestors, Okrah swiftly vacated his office before the Fomena police arrived to restore order. While the immediate crisis was averted by police intervention, the underlying tensions remained unresolved. Determined to pursue their grievances and ensure Okrah’s removal, the Assembly Members lodged formal complaints with various authorities, including traditional leaders, the regional minister, and other relevant officials. They are demanding Okrah’s immediate transfer from the district, demonstrating their unwavering stance against his continued leadership. This petition underscores the Assembly Members’ commitment to holding their leadership accountable and demanding transparency in the administration of the district’s affairs.
Presiding Member Kusi articulated the Assembly Members’ grievances in detail, emphasizing the importance of adhering to established procedures and respecting the Assembly’s authority. He underscored the legal requirement of selecting two members from the Assembly for the Council of State election and highlighted the breach of protocol when Okrah allegedly altered the submitted list without consultation. This act, according to Kusi, directly disregarded the Assembly’s decision-making process and disrespected the elected representatives. Kusi also reiterated the concerns surrounding the alleged misuse of the DRIP machines, alleging they were diverted for unauthorized purposes, further solidifying the Assembly Members’ distrust of Okrah’s leadership. The Assembly Members, according to Kusi, have taken proactive steps by retrieving the machines and refusing to work under Okrah’s leadership.
The Assembly Members’ petition to the Coordinating Council, the regional minister, and traditional authorities reflects a multi-pronged approach to seeking redress. They are leveraging the existing power structures within the region to exert pressure on the relevant authorities to address their grievances and effect Okrah’s transfer. They have expressed confidence in receiving a timely response to their petition, indicating a belief in the efficacy of their actions and the responsiveness of the authorities. Meanwhile, Thomas Kwame Okrah, when contacted for comment by Citi News, declined to address the allegations against him, leaving the Assembly Members’ claims unchallenged and further fueling speculation. The lack of response from Okrah adds to the complexity of the situation and leaves room for further investigation and clarification by the relevant authorities. The incident underscores the importance of open communication and accountability within local government structures to ensure effective and transparent governance.
