The Ga West Municipal Assembly held its First Quarter MPCU meeting on Friday, 10^th April at the Assembly Hall where key stakeholders reviewed the municipality’s 2025 Annual Progress Report (APR), outlining achievements, challenges, and strategies for improved service delivery. Prior to the meeting, members of the MPCU embarked on a field monitoring exercise on Thursday 9^th April to assess the progress of ongoing projects across the municipality.   

Presenting the report, Municipal Planning Officer, Cynthia Bonsah, emphasized the importance of periodic assessment in development planning. She noted that evaluating progress enables the Assembly to identify gaps and take corrective measures to ensure sustainable growth.

According to her, the implementation of planned programmes and projects in 2025 was hindered by several challenges, including delays and inadequate funding, as well as a significant reduction in the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF). She further highlighted logistical constraints, particularly the lack of vehicles, which continues to affect effective monitoring and execution of projects.

Other challenges cited included land disputes, unauthorized developments, boundary concerns, and the burden of settling longstanding debts, which collectively limit the Assembly’s capacity to implement critical interventions.

To address these issues, Madam Bonsah recommended the provision of adequate logistics, timely release of funds, and the adoption of innovative strategies to improve Internally Generated Funds (IGF). She also called for strengthened collaboration with traditional authorities to secure land for agricultural purposes.

As part of the meeting, members discussed findings from the field inspection of ongoing projects across the municipality. Among the projects reviewed were a three-unit classroom block at Afuaman (85% complete), a six-unit classroom block with office and store at Kuntunse (87%) and a 2 storey six-unit classroom block at Kotoku nearing completion at 98%. Additional projects inspected include, a CHPS compound at Pobiman and another at Manchie Korleyman were both at 52% completion, while rehabilitation works at Kpobikope  stood at 46%. A 3-unit classroom block with Office and store at Mpehuasem was also reported to be 98% complete among other projects.

Despite the progress recorded, several concerns were raised. Mr. Isaac Lamptey of NADMO highlighted the security threats at the Kotoku classroom block, warning of attempted theft of installed fittings such as fans and bulbs. Madam Evelyn Nanbigne expressed concern over the lack of disability-friendly access in many of the facilities.

At Afuaman, Madam Rachel Sarpong pointed out the absence of toilet facilities in the classroom block under construction, describing it as a major setback. In the health sector, Dr Yaa Danquah recommended that CHPS compounds be properly secured with perimeter walls, furnished adequately, and provided with staff accommodation to enhance service delivery.

Responding to the concerns, Mr. David Ayiwah from the Works Department assured members that all issues raised would be reviewed and addressed promptly.

Madam Bonsah also reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to resolving the challenges. She stated that while some interventions may be costly, efforts would be made to tackle them effectively.

The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to improving project execution and ensuring that development efforts deliver real benefits to residents across the municipality.

SOURCE: ISD, GWMA