Tensions ran high at the Assin North District Assembly today after Assembly Members threatened to lock up the office of the District Procurement Officer, accusing him of deliberate sabotage and inaction.

The situation unfolded during the presentation of the 2026–2029 Composite Budget, where Assembly Members expressed outrage over the officer’s absence and his alleged refusal to approve funding for development projects.

According to the District Chief Executive (DCE), Hon. Sylvester Amakye Nyarkoh, the Procurement Officer had called earlier to report that he was unwell, hence his inability to attend the session. However, the explanation did little to calm tempers.

The Assembly Members claimed that despite receiving tranches of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) amounting to GH¢10,000,000.00, no significant projects have been undertaken in their electoral areas since 2023. They believe the Procurement Officer's failure to sign off on procurement processes is intentionally stalling development.

“What is the GH¢10 million sitting in the account for? We are already in the third quarter, yet not a single project has been executed,” one aggrieved member said. “Our constituents are accusing us of incompetence because they see no development, and it's all due to one person's inaction.”

The members cited pressing issues such as lack of potable water, dilapidated school buildings, poor sanitation, and inadequate toilet facilities, development gaps they believe could have been addressed if the funds were disbursed for projects.

Some Assembly Members have called for the immediate removal of the Procurement Officer and warned that they will lock his office in protest if swift action is not taken.

In an attempt to restore calm, the Presiding Member, Hon. Mark Nti Ballack, proposed an emergency meeting between the Procurement Officer and Assembly Members to address the growing tension and chart a way forward on Tuesday.

Sompaonline.com//Eric Annan