Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, has issued a strong directive to municipal and district assemblies in the region, stressing the importance of collaborating with chiefs and religious leaders in their development agenda.

Speaking at the confirmation ceremony of the President’s nominee for the Hohoe Municipal Chief Executive position, Mr. Gunu did not mince words. “I will not tolerate any municipality or district that will not work with traditional authorities and religious leaders,” he declared.

He pointed to the merger of the Ministry of Local Government with the Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Ministry as a sign of the government’s intent to foster deeper collaboration with traditional structures. According to him, the president’s decision to unify these portfolios reflects a strategic commitment to inclusive governance.

His comments came as part of a week-long confirmation process for Municipal and District Chief Executive (MDCE) nominees across the Volta Region.

The exercise kicked off on Wednesday, April 2, with Akatsi North, Agortime Ziope, and Adaklu districts, where nominees received unanimous approvals. On the second day, proceedings moved to South and North Dayi.

However, not all candidates had a smooth path. South Dayi’s nominee, Courage Kwame Kokoroko, failed to obtain the required two-thirds vote in the first round. Since he had more than 50%, a second vote was allowed after a 30-minute break. He secured his confirmation with 26 out of 31 votes, or 83.87%.

In his acceptance remarks, Kokoroko pledged to align his leadership with national development goals. “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.”

Meanwhile, North Dayi nominee Ernest Adevor had an easier path, receiving 30 out of 32 valid votes. He vowed to focus his administration on economic empowerment. “Developing the youth through skills acquisition will be at the heart of my administration,” he said.

The confirmation process continued into its third day with the Hohoe Municipal Assembly, where Prosper Kumi was endorsed with a full 100% vote. Over in Afadjato South, Manfred Tawiah narrowly missed the mark in the first round but clinched confirmation in a second vote with 24 out of 32 votes, or 75%.

Kumi promised to unite various stakeholders to accelerate progress. “We will build strong partnerships with private individuals and institutions to drive Hohoe forward,” he stated.

Tawiah echoed a similar sentiment, calling on residents to work together. “Let us put aside our differences, divisions, and personal interests. Together, we will make Afadjato South great,” he urged.

So far, seven out of 18 districts in the region have approved the President’s appointees. The next round of confirmations is set for Monday, April 7, in Kpando Municipal, Ho West District, and Ho Central, with the full exercise expected to wrap up by Friday, April 11.