An assembly member of Dadia Agbo Electoral Area, Joshua Agudah,has expressed gratitude to the government for introducing a monthly allowance of 100 million Ghana Cedis for assembly members across the country.
Speaking with Citizen Kofi Owusu on Ahotor FM, Hon. Joshua Agudah said the challenges assembly members face in carrying out their duties without regular financial support. According to him, serving as an assembly member requires unwavering commitment and dedication, but the absence of a steady income made it difficult for many to focus entirely on their responsibilities.
“Being an assembly member is a devoted service to the community, but it comes with significant financial challenges. Most of us had no choice but to engage in side businesses to survive while serving our communities. It was not easy,” Hon. Agudah explained.
He applauded the decision by President John Dramani Mahama to introduce a monthly allowance, describing it as a much-needed relief. “We appreciate this initiative because previously, we only received sitting allowances, which were tied to the number of meetings we attended. Assembly members didn’t receive salaries, and this made it difficult to sustain ourselves and still perform our duties effectively.”
Hon. Joshua Agudah expressed hope that this move would motivate assembly members to focus on their roles in improving the lives of their constituents, now that they have some financial stability. He encouraged his colleagues to make the most of the support to bring meaningful development to their communities.
The introduction of the monthly allowance marks a significant step in recognizing the essential contributions of assembly members in Ghana’s governance system. It is expected to enhance their ability to serve their communities with greater dedication and efficiency.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
