The Ga West Municipal Assembly held an intersectoral meeting on Monday, October 12, 2026, with representatives from various government institutions and agencies to review their activities, discuss operational challenges, and strengthen collaboration to deliver services effectively.

The meeting brought together representatives from institutions including the Ghana Police Service, Ghana National Fire Service, Forestry Commission, National Service Authority, National Identification Authority, Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), and other agencies operating within the municipality.

The Municipal Coordinating Director, Mrs. Louisa Benon, in her welcome address, said the meeting provided an opportunity for the institutions to assess their performance, review progress towards annual targets and identify areas requiring collective action. She encouraged the institutions to work towards achieving their performance targets and called for improved collaboration with the Assembly to address operational challenges.

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. John Desmond Sowah Nai, emphasized the importance of coordinated development in improving residents’ quality of life. He noted that collaboration among institutions was necessary to improve access to essential services, create opportunities for young people and support development across the municipality. He also encouraged institutions to share information, coordinate activities, and work together to address challenges affecting communities.

The Municipal Planning Officer, Mrs. Cynthia Bonsah, gave a presentation on the Assembly’s development activities. She highlighted the role of its four-year Medium-Term Development Plan in guiding projects, annual action plans and budgets. Key areas requiring collaboration included roads, sanitation, healthcare, education, security and community development.

Among the achievements outlined were the construction of a community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound, a six-unit classroom block with teachers’ accommodation at Manhean, the drilling of 15 boreholes and the repair of 30 other boreholes. The Assembly had also undertaken clean-up exercises, flood-control activities and training for 50 farmers in agroforestry. However, inadequate funding, poor road conditions, sanitation challenges, flooding and pressure on public amenities due to population growth remained concerns. The presentation called for continued collaboration among institutions to support the municipality’s development priorities.

The Ghana Immigration Service representative, Mr. Richard Afari, explained that the Service was responsible for border management, law enforcement and the regulation of foreign nationals’ entry, residence and employment in Ghana. Its activities included patrols, the issuance of relevant permits and advisory services.

Ms. Juliet Adai Boateng explained the National Service Authority’s role in posting graduates, validating evaluation forms and facilitating allowance payments and certificate issuance. She highlighted challenges including inadequate office space, poor attitudes, unreported supervisor changes, forged stamps and late form submissions. She appealed to the Assembly for support with training and accommodation for personnel posted from outside the region.

The Amasaman District Commander of Police, Mr. Isaac Owusu-Mensah highlighted the Police Service’s duties, major crimes in the municipality, and operational challenges, including inadequate fuel, vehicle breakdowns and limited resources. He called for stakeholder support to strengthen policing and public safety.

Mr. Appeaning Twum Prince of the Forestry Commission, explained that the Commission managed forest reserves, protected trees and addressed illegal activities affecting forest resources. He also highlighted the national tree-planting initiative, including the reported planting of 30 million trees nationwide and the planting of 12.2 million seedlings at government-funded centers. Challenges included the unauthorized use of protected forest land and limited public awareness of forest conservation. He called for stronger collaboration with the Assembly, schools, the Fire Service and local communities to protect forest reserves and promote environmental awareness

Surveyor Doris Mensah, head of stool lands said the Office is responsible for collecting stool-land revenue, rents and royalties and distributing the proceeds to designated beneficiaries in accordance with the law. Its activities also included assessing land rents and supporting the resolution of customary land and family disputes. She highlighted logistical, revenue collection and land dispute challenges, calling for stronger stakeholder collaboration to improve revenue mobilization and resolve land-related issues.

Darfline Nartey ESQ director of CHRAJ. highlighted CHRAJ’s role in protecting human rights, fighting corruption and promoting accountability. From January to September 2026, the Commission conducted 104 public education programmes and handled 30 cases, despite funding and road challenges.

Fire Service’s prevention and emergency duties, noting reduced fire losses but persistent resource and maintenance challenges. He called for stronger fire-safety measures in markets.

Ms. Justina Pokua Fosu highlighted healthcare services and Assembly-supported health projects, citing inadequate facilities and equipment. She called for additional support to improve safety, privacy and quality of care, particularly for mothers and patients at Obeyeyie.

The meeting concluded with the speaker commending the institutions for their presentations and encouraging them to participate actively in future meetings. The speaker stressed the importance of sharing information, addressing common challenges and maintaining strong working relationships to improve service delivery. The meeting called for coordinated efforts among the Assembly and the various institutions to support development and improve the welfare of residents in the Ga West Municipality.

Source: Awudi Francisca Afi