The assembly members for the Kassena Nankana Municipality in the Upper East Region of Ghana have technically rejected the municipal chief executive (MCE) nominee, Madam Faustina Akeyom Abulu, during the confirmation process on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Out of 50 assembly members who participated in the voting, 14 members voted in favor of her confirmation, representing 28%, while 36 members voted against her, representing 72%. This outcome effectively disqualifies Madam Abulu from the nomination list, necessitating either a re-nomination or the appointment of a new MCE, which will be subject to another confirmation exercise.
Mr. Donatus Atanga Akamugri, the Upper East Regional Minister, engaged with various stakeholders, including Member of Parliament Mr. Aworigo Akibange Simon, former MP Mr. Sampson Tangombo Chiragia, assembly members, party executives, and other key figures in a lengthy meeting aimed at resolving political tensions over Madam Abulu’s nomination by President John Dramani Mahama.
Despite the efforts in this critical meeting, which successfully elected a presiding member for the municipality after two attempts, they were unable to secure the confirmation of the MCE nominee. The regional minister and Chairman Alhaji Mumuni Bolnaba facilitated the election process, leading one contestant to step aside to allow for the presiding member’s election, but this did not extend to confirming the MCE nominee.
Significantly, a heavy security presence from both the police and military was deployed to prevent any unrest, especially in light of recent violence during the Binduri District Assembly confirmation, where Presiding Member Mr. Peter Azure was assaulted and hospitalized.
The assembly members in Kassena Nankana turned out in large numbers, voting from morning until 11:00 PM, ultimately leading to the rejection of Madam Abulu’s nomination. Following the vote, the Upper East Regional Minister and his entourage exited the municipal conference hall visibly disappointed and speechless after several hours of attempts to achieve a different outcome.
Mr. Tetteh Ankama Okyne, the electoral commission officer, announced the results in a session at the municipal conference hall. He explained that, with 50 assembly members present, the votes were as follows: 14 votes in favor of Madam Abulu, 36 votes against her, and no rejected votes.
He clarified that Madam Abulu did not receive the required majority of votes from the assembly members. As a result, the situation now rests with the President, who may choose to re-nominate her or appoint a new MCE nominee. If she had secured more than 50% of the votes, the assembly would have reconvened within 10 days for confirmation.
Source: mywordfmonline.com/Gaspard Ayuureneeya.