The Ga West Municipal Assembly as part of its mandate to promote and implement government policies, deliver quality public services, improve social inclusion and respond to the needs of the communities at the local level has organized a stakeholders meeting. The meeting held on 12th September 2024 at the Assembly Hall, was spearheaded by the Planning Department and the Budget and Ratings Departments.

This engagement gave the Assembly the opportunity to determine the progress made on the activities planned to be implemented by the Ga West Municipal Assembly in its Annual Action Plan for 2024 and to asses the progress made in the achievement of specific objectives outlined in the Municipal Medium Term Development Plan (MMTDP 2022-20225).

The Municipal Deputy Director, Mr. Julius Azumah, speaking on behalf of the Municipal Chief Executive welcomed the stakeholders and commended the role they have played since the inception of the Assembly. He further stated that their roles have positioned the Assembly in delivering effective and efficient services to the Ga West Municipality.

The Municipal Planning Officer, Madam Cynthia Okoe Martey outlined all ongoing and completed developmental projects done by the Assembly. She mentioned that in spite of these accomplishments, there was still more work to be done within the Municipality and called on the stakeholders to work hand in hand with the Assembly for the completion of ongoing projects. She educated them to play their role by promptly paying their taxes and levies since that is one of the major sources of revenue for the Assembly.

The Budget and Ratings Unit also had the opportunity to interact with the different stakeholders regarding inputs for the Assembly's 2025 Fee Fixing and the allocation of funds and contributions collected as of July 2024.

Among the concerns raised by the participants are the nature of road networks within the Municipality, the lack of completed footbridges on the ongoing Ofankor-Nsawam road construction especially in areas like Sarpeiman and Shikpontele making it tough for residents, especially school children and the elderly, to cross safely, inadequate public toilet facilities in Afuaman, the irregular flow of water in various homes across the Municipality, uncompleted road  from three-junction to Obeyie, and unavailability of transport terminals in the municipality.

Present at the meeting were the Municipal Deputy Director, Mr. Julius Azumah, the Municipal Planning Officer, Madam Cynthia Okoe Martey, Municipal Budget Officer, Municipal Engineer, Municipal Finance Officer and other Heads of Departments of the Assembly.

There were also Participants from a number of associations, including the Private Schools Association, the Traders Association, the Transport Unions and Garage Association, the Financial Institutions, the Hairdressers and Seamstresses Association, and the Private Clinics and Pharmacies Association

The Municipal Deputy Director in His closing remarks assured members that their concerns will be addressed by the Assembly. He also advised that community development is a joint endeavor between the Assembly and its stakeholders hence, all stakeholders must contribute and not be onlookers. The meeting was very effective and efficient.

Source: Naomi Amoadzah, ISD GWMA

               Adom Ohenewaa Amoafo, Level 200, UCC.