The Regional Chairman
National Democratic Congress
Greater Accra Region
Accra,
APPOINTMENT OF INDIGENES OF TEMA AS METROPOLITAN CHIEF EXECUTIVE FOR TEMA
We, the Tema Youth Association, are writing to express our concern and request regarding the appointment of the Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) for the Tema Metropolitan Assembly. As stakeholders in the development and well-being of our community, we strongly believe that this position should be reserved for indigenes of Tema.
Tema is an indigenous community that has made tremendous sacrifices for nationhood. These sacrifices have caused us our lands and affected our language, profession, and culture as a whole.
Our identity is nearly lost if not entirely.
Under the Tema Traditional Authority, there are four Assemblies and five constituencies. Kpone-Katamanso is a shared assembly and constituency. Tema has indigenous communities such as Zenu, Kubekro, Sasaabi, and Adigon.
Ashaiman is an entirely Tema land, and Tema West is 70% Tema, with the rest being Nungua. Tema Metropolis with Tema East and Central being Tema wholly owned areas. There are five members of Parliament and Four Chief Executives on Traditional areas we own alone or shared with our neighbours to the East and West. Of the 9 elective and appointed political offices, indigenes have only been able to occupy a maximum of two at any point in time as opposed to the practical norm in other ethnic areas in Ghana.
It has been our demand that at least the position of the MCE for Tema Metropolitan Assembly and the Member of Parliament for Tema East remain exclusive preserve for indigenes of Tema.
This request is rooted in the need for effective representation and understanding of the local context. An indigene of Tema would possess inherent knowledge of the community’s history, culture, and challenges, enabling them to make informed decisions that benefit the community. Furthermore, this would also promote a sense of ownership and accountability among the locals.
It is for this reason that we, as custodians and enablers of the customs and traditions of Tema, make this appeal to you and through you to H.E. the President of Ghana, JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA, that in appointing, not to consider or appoint any person who has no traditional or blood ties to the Stool of Tema.
It is our plea that our request is heeded to.
Thank you
SIGNED
LARBIE, Marcus
General Secretary.
Cc: Ga Dangme Council
Ga Dangme Caucus of National Democratic Congress (NDC)
