Full Speech: MCE of STMA Anthony K.K. Sam on his confirmation

• Posted on March 24, 2017March 24, 2017
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

AN ADDRESS DELIVERED BY THE METRO CHIEF EXECUTIVE, HON. ANTHONY K.K. SAM ON THE OCCASION OF HIS CONFIRMATION, HELD ON FRIDAY MARCH 24TH, 2017 AT  FORECOURT OF THE SEKONDI – TAKORADI METROPOLITAN ASSEMBLY.

HON. PRESIDING MEMBER, HON. REGIONAL MINISTER, HON. MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT, MY PREDECESSORS AND PAST PRESIDING MEMBERS, NANANOM, METRO CO-ORDINATING DIRECTOR
HON. ASSEMBLY MEMBERS, HEADS OF DEPARTMENT, THE MEDIA, DISTINGUISHED LADIES AND GENTLEMAN

His Excellency, Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo Addo acting in accordance with article 243 of the 1992 constitution nominated me Anthony Kwesi Kurentsir Sam for the position of Metropolitan Chief Executive of Sekondi Takoradi.

This morning the Assembly voted overwhelmingly to endorse my nomination and I am deeply touched. First of all, I wish to thank the almighty God, without whose benevolence this day could not have been realized. I am very grateful to the President of the Republic of Ghana, Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo Addo for reposing confidence in me and nominating me to serve in this city that I love so much.

 I wish to express my sincere gratitude to Nananom, the clergy, the members of this assembly, my party and all the good people of the metropolis whose prayers and support have brought me to where I am. May the Almighty God bless all of you abundantly. Hon. Presiding member, I wish to acknowledge the efforts put in by my predecessors to make our city a much better place. However, we all know that development is a continuous process so I am going to continue from where they ended.

In our manifesto to the people of Ghana in 2016, The New Patriotic Party outlined some key policy initiatives such as; free SHS, 1 district 1 factory,village 1 dam, 1 district $1m. These paradigm movers cover key areas of our lives such as Education, Agriculture and Employment and the President, His Excellency Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo Addo has emphasized his desire to implement these policies to better the lives of Ghanaians. My number one job in this position therefore is to see to the implementation of those ones that are relevant to this metropolis.

As Metropolitan Chief Executive of this city at this period of history, I am fully conversant with the opportunities for our growth and transformation into a world class city. I am also familiar with what confronts us as a people, and stifles our efforts at fulfilling our destiny as a great city.

We still face challenges with Waste Management and Sanitation, Poor road network in some parts of our Metropolis, congestion at our Central Business District, Drainage problems that cause perennial flooding in parts of our Metropolis, difficulties with Development Control, Education and Health issues.

We have issues with security as well because most of the street lights in the city do not function properly. Unfortunately, these are systematic problems which did not develop overnight. It will therefore require some time and resources to deal with them comprehensively.

In the short term I am going to lead the population, the private sector, the security services and civil society groups in a massive clean-up exercise on Saturday 04 April 2017. My earnest plea is that the people of Sekondi-Takoradi come out in their numbers on the day to help us clean the city. I am pleading with corporate bodies, the Private Sector in general, the GPRTU and churches to support us by providing implements for the exercise.

The assembly will plan and exercise a project of desilting in preparation for the raining season. We will as a matter of urgency seek funding to repair damaged street lights to ensure people’s safety at night. I am aware that my predecessors in collaboration with the Jubilee Partners put together an impressive structure plan for the city.

I will open consultations with these partners and seek approval from the government to implement those parts that are in concert with the government’s development plans. I believe that in the long term such collaborations will help to bring these systemic challenges under total control.

I am resolved to be Chief Executive for all the people of this Metropolis and my doors are open to everyone who may want to come up with any idea that would ultimately inure to the interest of Sekondi Takoradi.

To the Clergy and Nananom, I am hopeful that my team can rely on your spiritual support as well as wise counsel from time to time. Hon. Presiding Member, ladies and Gentlemen, this is our city and it behooves on us to save it from pity. This is our chance and it behooves on us to make our children dance from the rhythms that we craft today. It is time to believe in our God, ourselves, our metropolis and our Country.

Thank you.