Tema: Members of the Tema Metropolitan Assembly (TMA) have elected Mr. Joseph Kojo Ofori, the Assemblyman for the Sealight Electoral Area in Tema Manhean, as the new Presiding Member (PM) of the assembly. Mr. Ofori secured a unanimous 100 percent 'yes' vote after Mr. Lasisi Baba Tunde, the Assemblyman for the Horticulture Electoral Area, withdrew from the race following the nomination of candidates.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Ofori expressed gratitude to the Assembly members for their trust in him and pledged to collaborate with them to foster the development of the metropolis. Prior to the voting process, Ms. Ebi Bright, the Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), acknowledged the efforts of Mr. Felix Fauchie Sobreh, the outgoing presiding member, for maintaining a cordial working environment in the assembly.
Ms. Bright praised the outgoing PM, stating, "I have enjoyed a surprisingly wonderful cordiality from the outgoing PM. I expected to come into an assembly with a lot of rifts and trouble, but he has run a regime that is very calm and focused. A united one that has been inclusive and accommodating. As you can see, with all our unique personalities, he has managed to run this assembly quietly and purposefully." She highlighted some of his achievements, including the increase in the Consolidated Fund, the Assembly Members Development Fund, and the improvement of IGF staff wages and benefits, as well as fostering better relationships between assembly staff and members.
She further added, "Sometimes I even fight with him for being too accommodating and understanding because before we even sit at the table, he has made a considered evaluation of the situation." The MCE also reminded the newly elected PM of the high standards set by his predecessor, emphasizing that the baseline expectations for him are to meet or exceed these achievements.
The election of the PM is governed by the Local Government Act, pages 15 and 24, and the Model Standing Orders Part 2 Section 9(1). The TMA consists of 34 members, including two Members of Parliament who do not have voting rights, the MCE, 21 electoral members, and 10 government appointees.