The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Kwaku Agyemang-Mensah, has sworn-in the New Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Ejisu-Juaben, Mr. Kwaku Mrifa Yamoah-Ponko, at a ceremony at the Ashanti Regional Co-coordinating Council (RCC). In a speech, the minister reminded Mr. Yamoah- Ponko that as MCE, his behaviour served as a barometer for measuring the performance of the government. He said with probity and accountability as the fundamental underpinnings of the government of the National Democratic Congress, there was the need for the MCE to ensure strict adherence to the Jaws governing procurement, financial administration and auditing. Dr Agyemang-Mensah stressed that the MCE should be conversant with the procurement Act 663, Financial Administration Regulation Act 654 and the Internal Audit Agency Act to help him to apply them appropriately. “To be able to carry out your duties effectively, you will certainly require the support and cooperation of various stakeholders including the Traditional Rulers, Presiding Members, heads of departments as well as civil society organisations and interest groups in the municipality,” the regional minister stated. He urged the MCE to develop cordial working relations with all stakeholders to succeed in his administration. Dr Agyemang-Mensah also commended members of the Ejisu-Juaben Assembly for the overwhelming support for the MCE and expressed the belief that it would be translated into a working relation. Dr Agyeman Mensah also used the opportunity to remind the party executive to avoid making demands that might be difficult for the MCE to meet, adding, “The assembly as you all know is non-partisan and must be allowed to operate as such.” Mr. Yamoah-Ponko called for cooperation among all stakeholders and the people in the municipality to enhance the rapid development of the municipality. In a related development, Joseph Kyei-Boateng also reports from Kumasi that Mr. Kwaku Afrifa Yamoah-Ponko has officially resigned as the Ashanti Regional Manager of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA). His resignation has come as a result of his appointment by President J. E. A. Mills, as the Chief Executive of the Ejisu-Juaben Municipal Assembly in the Ashanti Region. A resignation letter made available to the Daily Graphic in Kumasi showed that resignation of his position in the NHIA would take effect from June 30 this year. According to the letter addressed to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NHIA and which was copied to the Director, Administration and General Counsel; the Deputy Director, Human Resource and All Managers of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in the Ashanti Region, Mr. Yamoah-Ponko was of the view that: “This has become necessary due to my desire to take up new challenges in the service of our dear country.” It further pleaded that: “Accept my sincere apologies for any inconvenience that my decision may have caused.” It added that the new MCE, who was currently on sick leave, would remain grateful to the entire NHIA for the opportunity given him and expressed good wishes to all stakeholders of the NHIA for a fruitful endeavour. Source: Daily Graphic