The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, has paid working visits to chiefs and paramountcies in the region, urging chiefs to eschew conflicts, close ranks and uphold unity to promote development.
Areas visited include Teshie, Nungua, Ga State, Tema, Kpone and Ada.
During the tour, the traditional rulers also shared some of the challenges in their localities with the regional minister, seeking her intervention to resolve the pressing issues affecting their people.
Ada
At the Ada Traditional Council, the Mankralo, Nene Agudey Obichere III, raised concerns about the declining performance among students in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in his enclave.
He said that, per their checks, student grades were falling, and to address the trend, a committee comprising politicians, educationists and other stakeholders had been formed to propose solutions.
He, therefore, called on the regional minister to come on board and support the initiative.
“Our BECE performance keeps dropping and we must take it seriously.
We need a coordinated approach to improve learning outcomes.”
He further emphasised the importance of establishing basic schools, highlighting that a strong education begins with a solid foundation.
He also demanded clarity on timelines for the construction of new basic schools, stating that they would help bridge the educational gap.
The Mankralo also commended the government for "the stability of the cedi and the decline in inflation”, saying the developments were encouraging and called for their sustenance and translation into real sector growth.
He raised concerns about unresolved issues at Songor and the growing threat of sea erosion.
“The sea is taking over livelihoods and if nothing is done, it will take lives,” he cautioned.
Interventions
The Ada West District Chief Executive, Jerry John Mills-Nkrumah, highlighted ongoing interventions in water, healthcare, education, markets and roads.
He explained that although water treatment systems at Sege and surrounding communities are almost complete, communities such as Afiadenyigba have not yet been connected.
On health care, he said the President had directed the construction of two health facilities annually, stressing that the MP had already cut sod for two new facilities and nurses’ quarters.
“Dilapidated health centres are being worked on to restore standards,” he said.
In education, Mr Mills-Nkrumah revealed that the district was preparing to construct a six-unit classroom block.
Roads
Touching on roads, the Ada West DCE admitted the network remains poor.
“Our roads are bad, but DRIP machines will soon commence work and the Sege–Battor road is expected to begin shortly,” he said.
Mr Mills-Nkrumah also outlined plans for a 24-hour market.
He said: “The market will have a KG block, a clinic, 134 lockable stores and 150 sheds, and we expect to complete it in 18 months because funding is ready.”
He revealed that the Turkish government was supporting the rehabilitation of the old market and the provision of accommodation for workers.
Development
Turning to Ada East, he said the district had received part of the GH¢18 million allocation for development.
“Kasseh and surrounding areas had no access to potable water, but after the intervention of the Ghana Water Company Limited, communities have started receiving water and we expect full supply next year,” he said.
He added that two new CHPS compounds had been completed in the district.
Assurance
The regional minister assured the Ada Traditional Council of the government’s commitment to addressing development challenges in the region.
“Our visit is meant to strengthen cooperation with traditional authorities and ensure a peaceful environment where development can take place smoothly. We remain focused on supporting projects in water, health care, education, roads and markets to improve the lives of the people” she said.
She also presented assorted drinks, water, cooking oil, rice and an undisclosed amount of money to the councils as part of the ministry’s support.
