Assembly Members of the Atwima Mponua District want President Mahama to consider the nomination of Sakina Oforiwaa, a member of the communication team of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), for the position of District Chief Executive.

They have threatened to resist any other nominee for the position.

Atwima Mponua and Asante Mampong district assemblies are the only two assemblies in the Ashanti region yet to receive nominations for the chief executive position.

Thirty-four assembly members, made up of 25 elected members and nine government appointees, on May 9, 2025, petitioned President Mahama to nominate a former assemblywoman for the Adobewura electoral area, Sakina Oforiwaa, as district chief executive.

But the number of petitioners has since shot up to 40. This means more than two-thirds of the 50 assembly members are rooting for Madam Sakina, one of three candidates shortlisted for the position.

“We, the undersigned Assembly Members of the Atwima Mponua District in the Ashanti Region, respectfully write to express our collective and unwavering support for the nomination of Hon. Sakina Oforiwaa as the District Chief Executive (DCE) for our district,” the petition said.

“Hon. Sakina Oforiwaa is a woman of proven integrity, commitment, and leadership. Her consistent engagement with traditional authorities, youth groups, civil society organisations, and the broader community has earned her widespread admiration and support. She has demonstrated a deep understanding of the needs of our people and has actively contributed to development efforts within the district,” it added.

The assembly members say she has been supportive of development projects in the area, donating 30 motorbikes to assembly members and providing free meals to polling agents of all political parties in the last general election.

“Many of us have witnessed firsthand her collaborative spirit, dedication to inclusive leadership, and her readiness to support democratic processes at the local level. We are confident in her ability to provide the kind of leadership that will foster unity, accelerate development, and ensure responsive local governance.”

The assembly members reminded the president of his promise to give leadership to 30 per cent of women in his government, adding the appointment of Madam Sakina Oforiwaa would not only cushion the number of women in President Mahama’s government but will also propel the area’s development.

“Again, the president has promised to involve women in his administration to the tune of 30%, and we expect H.E. to consider Hon. Sakina Oforiwaa in this same regard. In light of the above, we respectfully appeal to Your Excellency, in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, to consider and expedite her nomination. We are prepared to fully support and confirm her appointment without reservation upon nomination.”

Addressing a press conference at Kuffuor Camp which was also addressed by the presiding member, Justice Nkrumah Boateng, the assemblyman for Ntobroso, Donfeh Emmanuel, said the majority of the assembly members have thrown their support for Madam Oforiwaa.

“From our press conference today and then our activities, honourable members individually may have their choices, but if you heard the voices – how a lot of them were cheering for one of the candidates when we mentioned the nominees – it tells you that one candidate, which is Honourable Sakina, is most of the assembly members’ preference. There are choices, but the majority of the assembly members would opt for Madam Sakina.”

But how is the delayed announcement of the DCE nominee affecting the development of the Atwima Mponua District Assembly?

“The protracted delay in appointing a substantive DCE has significantly hindered effective governance, the coordination of development projects, and the smooth administration of district affairs. This leadership vacuum is stalling progress on key initiatives critical to the well-being and development of our constituents,” the petition said.

Presiding Member of the local assembly, Justice Nkrumah Boateng, told the press conference almost all government-implemented policies, including school feeding, have come to a halt due to the absence of the DCE.

Meanwhile, members of the United Cadres Front of Atwima Mponua have also appealed to President Mahama to speed up the appointment of Mad Sakina Oforiwaa as DCE for the area.

Also addressing a press conference at Anyinamso Number 2, the executives of the 200 cadres say the group intends to hit the streets if their preferred candidate is not appointed.

Communications Director for the group in Atwima Mponua, Isaac Ampaabeng, says Madam Oforiwaa has all that it takes to serve as DCE for the area.