Former Dean of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) under the previous NPP government, Richmond Amponsah Agyabeng, has raised concerns over unpaid allowances owed to former MMDCEs, calling on the Finance Ministry to expedite payment.
Speaking on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr Agyabeng said the former MMDCEs are facing serious challenges due to the delayed payments.
“Some of our members have fallen sick, and others are struggling to take care of their families. Children are at home, and parents cannot pay school fees. This is becoming a major worry,” he stated.
He explained that all necessary documentation and processes have been completed.
“The Local Government Ministry has done its part, the Chief of Staff has done theirs, and auditors have audited everything to ensure we receive what is legitimately ours. The Finance Ministry has admitted to paying us, but we are yet to receive anything,” he said.
Mr Agyabeng stated that the delay is unjustified.
“We have not committed any crime. This is not illegal money; this is our legitimate entitlement” he noted.
He also reflected on the transition of power: “The NDC party and President Mahama were sworn in on January 8, and all our appointments were terminated. We knew that would happen, but after our termination, the government is expected to do the right thing. We fulfilled all requirements, yet this has become a challenge.”
Addressing Finance Minister Ato Forson, Mr Agyabeng expressed frustration over the delay in payments, noting that all necessary documents have been signed and that the former MMDCEs were even turned away when they visited the Finance Ministry, being told nothing could proceed without the minister’s approval.
“Last week, we went to the Finance Ministry intentionally, but we were sent away because we didn’t have an appointment with the minister. They asked us to leave, and we were told nothing could be done without his go-ahead.”
Mr Agyabeng called for immediate action, appealing to the government to recognise the legitimate claims of former MMDCEs.
“Majority of us, during our tenure, were humble, committed, and had no issues with the government. We are only asking to receive the money due to us before the year ends. What crime have we committed to be treated this way?”
He acknowledged critics who might downplay their situation: “Some will say it’s just one year of unemployment, but we did not save enough to sustain ourselves this year. This is not a complaint; this is a plea for justice.”
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