Emotions ran high in Parliament today when the Kasena Nankana Municipal Assembly appeared before the Committee on Local Government and Rural Development as part of its ongoing probe into the 2024 Auditor-General’s Report and the performance of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) across the country.

The session took an unexpected turn when the committee uncovered a strained working relationship between the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Madam Faustina Ablu, and the Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Simon Akibange Aworigo — a situation the committee described as deeply worrying and counterproductive to local governance.

Committee Chair Queenstar Maame Pokuah Sawyer expressed disappointment over the lack of cooperation between the two leaders, emphasising that such conflicts undermine development efforts within the municipality.

“The committee abhors this kind of disunity between political and administrative heads.

You are expected to work together in the interest of your people,” she stated firmly.

Matters escalated further when members of the committee raised concerns about the MCE’s posture and demeanour, suggesting she appeared unprepared and unwilling to engage with the committee’s questions.

The Chairperson noted that the MCE’s attitude reflected poorly on the Assembly’s commitment to accountability and effective governance.

Witnesses described the atmosphere in the committee room as tense and emotional, with some members visibly moved by the confrontations and exchanges that unfolded.

The Committee on Local Government and Rural Development is expected to submit recommendations to Parliament on measures to improve collaboration between MMDCEs and MPs, and to address administrative lapses that impede local development.