By Jacob Aggrey
The youth of Ahafo Ano North constituency Tepa in the Ashanti Region have expressed total confidence and support for Richard Merz as the next Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the area. Their overwhelming endorsement follows his successful vetting on Thursday, 9th January 2025, for the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assembly (MMDCE) positions held at the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party headquarters in the Ashanti Region.
The Aspiring MCE, a prominent figure within the NDC, has also won the backing of party executives and community leaders. His track record as a dedicated leader and development-oriented figure has fueled widespread optimism. Many young people see him as someone who understands their struggles and has the expertise to address them effectively.
The aspiring MCE, who previously contested as a parliamentary candidate for the Ahafo Ano North constituency, has built a strong reputation as a servant leader within the NDC and beyond. He has held various positions in the constituency, including Deputy Constituency Secretary, Constituency Secretary, and Vice Chairman, where he played pivotal roles in party mobilization and grassroots development. The youth who ambushed him after the successful vetting process described him as a visionary leader with a proven track record, who they believe is best suited to lead the municipality toward economic growth and development.
“We are proud of Mr. Merz and confident that he is the right person to lead our municipality. His dedication to community service and his track record as a unifier make him our top choice for MCE,” said Anyaaba Francis, Assembly Member for Tepa Anyinasuso Electoral area. The leader and Zongo coordinator of the NDC, Abdul Razak Yahaya in an enthusiastic crowd stated that, “Merz is a true leader who always thinks about the youth. His leadership skills, humility, and passion for development will bring a positive transformation to Ahafo Ano North.” A market woman at Tepa Central market, Hajia Meri, added that, “We need a leader who is not just about promises but action. Richard Merz has consistently shown that he is ready to serve and deliver for the people of this constituency.”
Speaking after his vetting, the aspiring MCE, mentioned some of his achievements including the provision of GHS 7,000 worth of food items to support polling agents during the 2020 general elections. He said his commitment to the NDC and the people of Ahafo Ano North earned him admiration and respect from all corners of the constituency. In addition to his political experience, Merz revealed that he was the CEO of Asutifi Rural Bank Plc, where he has championed financial inclusion and rural development since 2019.
He indicated that he had served as the National Secretary of the National Association of Rural and Community Banks CEOs, a position he has held since 2022. Mr. Merz believes that his professional background, coupled with his leadership in the agricultural sector, positions him as a development-oriented leader with a vision for change.
As the vetting process for MMDCEs progresses, the youth of Ahafo Ano North remain optimistic that Richard Merz will be given the nod to lead the municipality. They are hopeful his leadership will bring about improvements in agriculture, job creation, education, and healthcare, among other sectors.
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