The Kwahu West Municipal Assembly held an interaction session with residents in five (5) communities in the Municipality on Wednesday, October 8. The engagement is aimed at establishing, and fostering cordial, strong and communicated relationships between the people, Assembly members and the staff of the Assembly as well as the traditional authorities to assess, address and fast-track efforts to resolve the issues bothering the communities in the Municipality.
The MCE, Mr. Tamimu Halidu during an interview, stated the government of President John Dramani Mahama remains committed to ensuring that basic essentials are provided for persons living in rural areas to ease their movement and to provide a boost in microeconomic activities in such areas.
He affirmed that there cannot be developments without the support and involvement of the people.
He made known that it is mandatory as required by law for MMDCEs appointed by the President to occasionally meet with the people they represent, and assess their views and grievances.
“Today, we’re here to engage with the community as it is required of me as and when necessary, occasionally, tour communities surviving under the Kwahu West Municipality. We have lots of communities under Kwahu West and I must visit all these areas. We want to be able to visit all these communities before the year ends.
President Mahama’s motive is to make sure that all his appointees are visiting the people they’re representing. We are here to know what is happening among the people because you cannot sit in your office and assume everything is fine. The government of President Mahama is committed to giving Ghanaians the best of social and economic development“, the MCE said.
Mr. Halidu further called on the traditional authority to hold on to their powers as the custodians of the land and assist the government in making sure there is Law and Order.
At the first engagement, three communities including Apradang, Yakokor and Aweregya converged at their various community Square to meet and engage the MCE and his entourage from the Assembly.
Nana Somuah Apeadu – Chief of Apradang requested from the MCE a market for Apradang, teachers quarters and the lack of teachers, while adding that galamsey activities hindering children from going to school and a public place of convenience.
On galamsey, the Chief said all said water bodies have been destroyed by activities of gold mining. He accused TLG of illegally giving out their concessions for illegal mining activities. The Chief further urged the MCE to force TLG Mining Company to reclaim water bodies and all lands it has destroyed.
“Yes, Galamsey activities are going on in our communities but I can confidently say that TLG Mining Company is the kingpin of Galamsey”, he said.
He assured the MCE that if all necessary measures are put together to ensure that TLG reclaims the water bodies and lands it has destroyed, he will facilitate and ensure that nobody mines in those areas.
Some of the residents of the Apradang community complained to the MCE to help tackle the recent rampant illegal mining ripping off water bodies in the area. However, it was noted that most of the youth living in the community survives on galamsey activities. The MCE in his address stated emphatically that his outfit does not instigate against mining but will not condone mining activities which will destroy water bodies.
Nana Ampadu Sakyi, Chief of Yakokor, pleaded for school, roads and a network booster for more convenient and proper call-making accessibility.
Nana Asiedu Wadie III – chief of Aweregya called on the MCE to pay attention to its critical needs which are school, market and road. A former Assembly Member for the area also demanded for Teachers quarters for the community. The Chief indicated that security in the area has dwindled, making a crime a high stake priority in the community. His comment follows the murder of a 52-year-old woman who was murdered by a 21-year-old galamsey operator.
The chief called on the MCE to extend the provision of networking services to the area as residents find it difficult to make calls and access speed Internet.
The MCE in his quest also charged the residents to coordinate all their grievances to the Assembly Member to liaise with the Assembly and the traditional authorities to help address the issues.
A resident called on the MCE to help fast-track the road connecting adjoining communities.
He further charged the residents to embrace and commend President Mahama’s bold economic policy reforms.
Nana Tenkorang Kosopre II – I chief of Jamasi no:2 applauded the MCE for visiting the community and making sure their grievances are taken.
A similar exercise was held for residents in Jamasi and Awenade as part of the Assembly’s engagement for the day.
Some residents contested the MCE to construct a durbar grounds and a public place of convenience.
