The Management of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) officially received the incoming Metropolitan Co-ordinating Director (MCD), or City Manager, Mohammed Alhassan Yakubu, during a management meeting held to mark the transition, as the outgoing acting MCD, Ing. Michael Dzisi, retires.

In his welcome remarks, Metropolitan Chief Executive Hon. Fredrick Faustinus Faidoo, Esq., stressed the significance of leadership transitions in sustaining the metropolis's growth. Quoting Shakespeare’s line “All the world’s a stage…,” he recognized the outgoing MCD’s contributions and underscored the need for a capable successor to advance the Assembly’s progress.

The outgoing MCD, Ing. Michael Dzisi, expressed his deep appreciation to the Management team for their support during his four-month tenure. eflecting on his journey, he remarked, “I came in as an Engineer, but today I exit as a Co-ordinating Director. I urge you all to be versatile, learn across roles, and always be prepared to answer the call of duty.”

He urged staff to support the new MCD with the necessary cooperation and professional courtesies to enable him to succeed. Additionally, he encouraged departments to be innovative and proactive in developing proposals that align with and enhance the Assembly’s mandate. He concluded by advocating for integrity, truthfulness, openness, and transparency in all professional conduct.

In his maiden address, Mr. Yakubu Mohammed Alhassan described his predecessor as “an intelligent memory” and expressed his intention to learn from his example in order to effectively steer the Assembly’s administration.

Mr. Alhassan outlined his key values of punctuality, timely work delivery, and teamwork, urging all staff to collaborate towards the common goal of development. He strongly condemned backbiting among staff, whether towards colleagues or outsiders, describing such behaviour as detrimental to the image of both individuals and the institution. “We must all work to protect and uplift the corporate reputation of the Assembly, even outside the workplace,” he said.

He identified revenue mobilization as a critical area of focus to ensure the Assembly has adequate resources for effective operation. He called on management members to be ready to support initiatives aimed at improving revenue performance.

Mr. Alhassan also recommended naming some of the Assembly’s facilities after the Local Government Service’s six pillars of Service Delivery Standards, which are Participation, Professionalism, Client Focus, Transparency, Efficient & Effective Use of Resources, and Accountability. Suggesting that such practices could instil a sense of purpose and drive among staff.

He concluded by thanking the staff and expressing optimism for a strong and collaborative working relationship. The Heads of Department took turns to welcome the new MCD and expressed their gratitude to the outgoing Director for his leadership and mentorship.