The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Atiwa West, Amo Johnson, has clarified the confusion surrounding the recent commissioning of an astro turf project at Kwabeng, attributing the near-chaos to the Member of Parliament’s disregard for agreed procedures.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Mr. Johnson said security personnel had maintained order in the district since Friday. He explained that any disruptions could only have arisen from the actions of MP Korkor Asante, who went ahead to commission the incomplete project despite warnings from the District Security Council (DISEC) and the police.
The facility, fully funded by GNPC, was initiated under former MP Kwasi Amoako-Atta’s tenure and is currently about 60 percent complete. According to the DCE, significant work remains before it can be officially commissioned.
“The fact that the carpet is on the field doesn’t mean the project is complete. It is one package that includes a 200-capacity facility. The contractor was not present, neither were GNPC representatives, traditional authorities, or the assembly—the true custodians of government projects,” he said.
Mr. Johnson accused the MP of sidelining key stakeholders and attempting to score political points ahead of the general election. He noted that the assembly had petitioned the Eastern Regional Minister, after which Ms. Asante agreed in a two-hour meeting to collaborate with the assembly, only to later defy the directive.
He added that all government projects are formally handed over to the assembly once completed. Commissioning without the contractor and stakeholders, he said, violated standard procedures.
“Where were the landowners? Where were the assembly members? Where was the assembly, which is the administrative head of the district? Can an MP alone run a government?” he questioned.
The DCE also rejected claims that the assembly was trying to frustrate the MP, emphasizing that the confusion was caused by her ignoring established processes.
“We have tried every means to engage her but to no avail. I don’t know whether she just wanted to attract media attention. I am just four months in office—if I had started a project the day I stepped in, it would not be ready to commission today,” he said.
Mr. Johnson assured that the assembly will only permit the official commissioning when the project is fully completed, handed over by the contractor, and all stakeholders are involved. The MP is yet to comment on the matter.
Source: Gertrude Otchere
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