Agona nsaba: Mr Samuel Oscar Mensah, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Agona East, has outlined plans and visions to make the district vibrant by enhancing infrastructure and increasing revenue mobilisation to promote development. According to the DCE, revenue collection is key to infrastructural and human development, necessitating the adoption of a strategic plan to ensure transformation.
According to Ghana News Agency, the DCE stated that when he assumed office, the Assembly's Internally Generated Funds (IGF) were not encouraging. However, within two months, he has marshalled efforts to improve upon it. This improvement was achieved by repairing broken-down vehicles for revenue mobilisation to meet targets.
The DCE further explained that the Assembly has erected revenue collection points at Agona Duakwa and SWESCO on the Swedru/Awutu Bawjiase road. This is part of efforts to increase revenue generation, as the Assembly cannot solely depend on its share of the Common Fund for its projects and expenditures.
Mr Mensah announced that the government has released a substantial amount for the construction of a 24-hour market in the district. Land has been acquired, and construction will commence soon. He emphasized that the release of funds for the project is evidence of President Mahama's commitment to implementing the 24-hour economy policy to create jobs and wealth in Agona East.
The proposed market will include a kindergarten, police station, fire station, fuel station, clinic, and a bank, enabling market women, traders, and other businesses to operate 24 hours. Additionally, the "Working Abroad" policy has been implemented, and 21 individuals, including masons, carpenters, and truck operators, have been selected to work in various countries.
Addressing educational challenges, the DCE noted that some basic schools faced a shortage of tables and chairs due to increased pupil enrolment. In response, 400 tables and chairs were distributed to ensure effective teaching and learning.
The government is also committed to implementing a free tertiary education policy, where first-year students will not pay fees, and those seeking loans will be assured of receiving them, with repayment expected after graduation.
Mr Mensah highlighted the efforts of the Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Mrs Queenstar Maame Pokuaa Sawyer, who donated mathematical sets to BECE candidates to support quality education. Despite being bereaved, the MP also released funds to reshape the Akim Oda/Swedru/Nsaba highway after receiving complaints from commuters and drivers.
On sanitation, the DCE emphasized its importance as a key indicator in assessing the performance of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies. Efforts are being made to ensure that Agona East District becomes the cleanest in the Central region and the nation.
Mr Mensah called on Ghanaians to embrace the reset agenda being pursued by President Mahama's government by changing attitudes and behaviours to achieve economic transformation. He commended traditional rulers, the clergy, CSOs, students, market women, and other groups who attended the Agona East National Day of Prayer to pray for attitudinal change and national prosperity.
