The Atwima Kwanwoma District Assembly has held the General Assembly Meeting of the First Ordinary Meeting of the Third Session of the Fifth Assembly, providing a platform for members to review the district’s development progress, assess challenges, take critical decisions and renew their collective commitment towards building a prosperous, inclusive and well-governed district in line with the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 939).
Addressing the Assembly, the District Chief Executive for Atwima Kwanwoma, Hon. Grace Agyemang Asamoah, reaffirmed the Assembly’s dedication to improving the living standards of residents through investments in education, health, sanitation, agriculture, youth development and infrastructure.
Education Sector
The DCE described education as a key pillar for sustainable development and human capital formation. She highlighted several interventions undertaken by the Assembly, including the construction of a two-unit Kindergarten block with water closet facility at Foase, the award of contract for a six-unit classroom block at Afaseibon Basic School, and the ongoing construction of a three-unit classroom block at New Adwampong.
She further announced the planned construction of a three-unit classroom block at Anum Asamoah Senior High School as well as the completion and commissioning of a six-unit classroom block at Trede R/C Basic School.
Hon. Grace Agyemang Asamoah also disclosed that the Assembly had reshaped the compound of the Afia Kobi Ampem Girls’ Senior High School to improve accessibility and create a conducive learning environment.
Health Development
Under the health sector, the DCE stated that the Assembly was committed to improving healthcare delivery and staff retention in deprived communities.
She mentioned the ongoing construction of CHPS compounds at Asaago Nweneso No. 1 and No. 3, as well as a new CHPS compound at Dida. According to her, another CHPS compound together with a three-bedroom nurses’ quarters would be constructed at Atwima Afrancho, while a similar nurses’ quarters would also be provided at Dida.
Water, Sanitation and Environment
Touching on water and sanitation, Hon. Grace Agyemang Asamoah stressed that access to potable water remains critical to public health and socio-economic development.
She announced that the Assembly would undertake the drilling and mechanization of 24 boreholes in selected communities to improve access to safe drinking water.
The DCE also noted that sanitation education and environmental cleanliness campaigns had been intensified to combat malaria and sanitation-related diseases.
As part of efforts to improve waste management, four skip containers have been procured for distribution to Kwanwoma, Yabi, Afratia and Ampabame No. 1. Additionally, four-seater water closet toilet facilities would be constructed at Nkoransa, Yabi and Mpatasie.
She further disclosed that twenty-five Zoomlion workers had been engaged to undertake regular cleaning of market centres and public spaces, while 24 dustbins with lock stands had been installed along the Ahenema Kokoben, Trede and Kromoase stretch, with more communities expected to benefit.
The Assembly has also earmarked refuse dump sites at Asaago, Afratia and Nweneso No. 2 for evacuation.
On environmental sustainability, the DCE revealed that the Assembly, in collaboration with the Minerals Development Fund and Denmark Prime Company Limited, had commenced a major land reclamation exercise at Nweneso No. 3. The project seeks to reclaim approximately 100 acres of degraded land destroyed by illegal mining activities within six months.
Agriculture and Local Economic Development
Hon. Grace Agyemang Asamoah described agriculture as the backbone of the district’s economy and indicated that the Assembly continued to support farmers through extension services, distribution of improved seedlings, promotion of climate-smart agriculture and support for farmer-based organisations.
She disclosed that 10,000 chickens were distributed to 118 households under the “Nkoko Nkitinkiti” programme, while the Assembly also supported the celebration of the 41st Farmers’ Day at Darko.
The DCE stated that the Assembly continued to engage local businesses and strengthen public-private partnerships to promote economic growth. She added that visits to selected businesses revealed major concerns including poor road networks and the need for government support to local industries.
Social Protection and Inclusion
Under social protection and inclusion, the DCE revealed that 95 Persons with Disabilities benefited from support in education, healthcare and income-generating activities.
She further announced that 783 households benefited from the 99th and 100th cycles of LEAP payments.
Additionally, 30 apprentices and six master craft persons are benefiting from the National Apprenticeship Programme, with each master craft person assigned five apprentices. She explained that the programme provides modern tools and covers training fees, with funds transferred directly through the Bank of Ghana to ensure sustainability.
Youth Development and Sports
The DCE praised the district’s Under-17 football team for emerging winners in the Ashanti Regional Inter-District Competition held at Bekwai.
She also commended Blessed Owusu, a native of Yabi and student of St. Hubert Seminary Senior High School, for emerging as the overall best athlete in the Senior High School Athletics Competition and qualifying to represent Ghana at the World U-20 Championships in the United States of America.
According to her, the achievement demonstrates the enormous sporting potential within the district, adding that the Assembly remains committed to nurturing young talents.
Government Flagship Programmes
On government flagship programmes, Hon. Grace Agyemang Asamoah indicated that preparations were underway for the commencement of the 24-Hour Economy Market Project aimed at extending productivity beyond daytime operations and creating opportunities for traders, artisans, businesses and consumers.
She disclosed that award letters had already been issued to contractors under the initiative.
Revenue Mobilisation and Governance
The DCE emphasized that meaningful development could not be achieved without adequate financial resources and assured that the Assembly would intensify efforts in property rate collection, building permit enforcement and business operating permit compliance.
She therefore appealed to traditional authorities, Assembly Members and stakeholders to support the Assembly’s revenue mobilisation drive.
On governance and accountability, she pledged to strengthen project monitoring and evaluation, ensure compliance with procurement and financial management laws, deepen citizen participation through community engagements and promote collaboration between the Executive and Legislative arms of the Assembly.
Security and Disaster Preparedness
Hon. Grace Agyemang Asamoah assured residents that the Assembly would continue to collaborate with security agencies to strengthen community policing, conflict prevention and disaster preparedness while working closely with NADMO to respond promptly to emergencies and natural disasters.
She concluded by urging Assembly Members and stakeholders to actively participate in Assembly business and continue to work together in unity for the development and progress of the district.
