The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, has sent a strong message to municipalities and districts across the region, emphasising the need for close collaboration with traditional authorities and religious leaders.

"I will not tolerate any municipality or district that will not work with traditional authorities and religious leaders," Mr Gunu warned during the confirmation ceremony of the President's nominee for the Hohoe Municipal Chief Executive.

He stated that the president, in his wisdom, merged the Ministry of Local Governance, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs for a very good purpose to demonstrate a commitment to collaborating with traditional authorities and religious leaders in development.

The Regional Minister’s declaration came amid a week-long confirmation process of the President’s nominees for MDCE positions in the region—a critical step in the governance structure of local assemblies.

The confirmation exercise began on Wednesday, 2nd April, starting with Akatsi North, Agortime Ziope, and Adaklu districts, each of which delivered a unanimous 100% endorsement of the President’s nominees.

The process continued into the second day with South and North Dayi districts. However, the journey was not smooth for all nominees. Courage Kwame Kokoroko, the nominee for South Dayi, failed to secure the required two-thirds majority in the initial round of voting.

According to the law, a second vote can be conducted within ten days if the nominee secures at least 50% in the first round. After a 30-minute recess, a second vote was held—this time, Kokoroko clinched 26 out of 31 votes, representing 83.87%, thereby confirming him as the DCE for South Dayi.

Meanwhile, Ernest Adevor, nominee for North Dayi, sailed through smoothly, securing 30 out of 32 valid votes.

In their acceptance speeches, both DCEs pledged their commitment to development.

“As the District Chief Executive, I am committed to working with the agenda of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama to improve road infrastructure and ensure that potable water reaches the rest of our communities. We will also work to improve agriculture, education, and quality healthcare in our district,” said Courage Kwame Kokoroko.

Ernest Adevor also highlighted job creation and youth empowerment as his top priorities. “Developing the youth through skills acquisition will be at the heart of my administration,” he stated.

On the third day of the exercise, Hohoe Municipal Assembly unanimously endorsed Prosper Kumi with a 100% vote. However, Afadjato South nominee Manfred Tawiah fell short by just one vote in the initial round. A subsequent vote gave him 24 out of 32 votes, translating to 75%—confirming his appointment.

In his speech, Prosper Kumi pledged to foster collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure the development of the municipality. “We will build strong partnerships with private individuals and institutions to drive Hohoe forward,” he said.

Manfred Tawiah, on the other hand, called for unity. “Let us put aside our differences, divisions, and personal interests. Together, we will make Afadjato South great,” he urged.

So far, 7 out of 18 districts in the Volta Region have confirmed the President’s nominees.

The process resumes on Monday, 7th April, in the Kpando Municipal, Ho West District, and Ho Central. The full slate of confirmations is expected to be completed by Friday, 11th April, 2025.