The Member of Parliament (MP) for Obuasi, Mr. Edward Ennin, has challenged the Obuasi Municipal Assembly (OMA) to ensure effective control of its financial resources to promote their judicious use.
"I want to appeal for the judicious use of all assembly funds to promote meaningful development of the municipality".
The MP, who was addressing the third day of the first session of the assembly at Obuasi, stressed that there was the need for the assembly to control its funds properly, especially in the areas of fuel usage and entertainment.
He further charged the assembly members to serve as watchdogs in the operation of the assembly fuel station at Boete.
Mr. Ennin advised against the "top to bottom" approach of the use of the assembly funds. "We have to factor the needs of the electoral areas into the assembly's development plan. Now some assembly members keep on dodging their electorate".
The MP urged the assembly members not to support proposals and other programmes that would not help the development of the municipality.
"You have a duty to the electorate and so you have to make sure that you present the development needs for your electorate for consideration by the assembly", he said.
Mr. Ennin appealed for unity and mutual respect in the assembly and asked them to shun those members with backbiting spirit.
Meanwhile, Mr. Victor Alhassan Bawa, the Assemblyman for Obuasi Zongo had suggested the organization of a two-day training course on the budget for assembly members to help them understand issues on budget and other financial matters.
Following the support from other members, Nana Asirifi Asare II, the Presiding Member endorsed the idea and asked the assembly to find time to organise the training for them.