The Upper West Regional Minister, Mr Charles Lwan­ga Puozuing, has urged the new Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to endeavour to stay in their respective jurisdic­tions for effective delivery of their mandate.

“Let me make it clear to you that it is not acceptable and will not be tolerated for any MMDCE to reside outside your district and commute daily to your district, you must live with your people, understand their challenges first hand and be accessible, your visibility is not only a symbol of leadership but a catalyst for accountability and trust,” he said.

Mr Lwanga said this in Wa during the swearing-in of the nine MMDCEs that had so far been confirmed by their respec­tive Assemblies in the region.

The Minister warned that he would not tolerate a situa­tion where by some of them lived outside their jurisdiction and commuted on a daily basis stressing anyone found capable would face the law.

He urged the newly sworn in MMDCEs to regularly visit their communities especially the hard-to-reach areas and build a good relationship with the opinion leaders and people in the communities.

The Minister stressed the need for the MMDCEs to work hard and address issues related to sanitation, education, roads, building in unauthorised areas and providing potable water system for their people.

“To be an MMDCE is not just managing an office. It is to inspire hope where there is despair, to champion equity where there is exclusion, to build roads, schools, clinics, and markets-yes-but also to build trust, integrity, and unity, your decisions today will echo across generations, you cannot afford to fail, you must work with the departments of the Assembly and opinion leaders” he said.

He urged them to follow due process in their dealings and to work closely with their District Coordinating Directors and other Technical Officers to succeed.

The Wa High Court Judge, Justice Yusif Assibey led the nine confirmed MMDECEs to take the oath of office and allegiance.

The nine include Alhaji Nuru Issah Danwana Wa Municipal Assembly, James Wor, Daffiama Bussie Issa District, Richard Wulo, Wa West, Alhaji Adams Muazu, Lawra Municipal and Anthony Ziniel, Nandom Mu­nicipality.

The rest are Naawulie Ireneous Basingbie Lambussie District, Abudu Fuseini Gbe­ne Sissala West Municipality, AdamuYakubu Sisala East Mu­nicipality, Peter N.N To-Ang, JirapaMunicipality.

Meanwhile, two of the remaining nominees namely, Mary Haruna, Nadowli-Kaleo –District and Adamu Sayibu, Wa East District who have been rejected by their respective As­semblies are waiting for further directives by the President.