The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Techiman North, Adom Kwabena Johnson, led journalists through the dilapidated remains of the official DCE residence in early 2025, revealing a grim sight. Broken roofing sheets flapped in the wind, and weeds had swallowed the compound. The building, initiated under the previous National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration but abandoned when the New Patriotic Party (NPP) took power in 2017, had become a symbol of wasted public resources.
Johnson made a pledge to complete the project within nine months, which many dismissed as political rhetoric. However, nine months later, the pledge has been fulfilled, and the once-decrepit structure now stands proudly as a fully roofed, tiled, and painted facility, with a paved compound and modern finishing. The project is approximately 98% complete, with the contractor expected to hand over the keys to the Assembly in the coming weeks.
The regional minister, who visited the site for an inspection tour alongside the DCE, expressed satisfaction with the transformation. The minister recalled instructing the various MMDCEs in the area during his first meeting with them to work on their accommodations under the legacy module. He described the project as a judicious use of state funds.
For Adom Johnson, the motivation behind the project was fiscal responsibility. The Assembly has been spending heavily on rent for successive DCEs, and Johnson aimed to save the Assembly from spending more on paying rents. The facility will serve multiple purposes, including a permanent residence for successive DCEs, accommodation for government officials visiting the district on official duties, and a future event centre for national events.
Local residents, who had long complained about the abandoned structure, have welcomed the development with optimism. Some had described the building as "a symbol of wasted resources." Now, hope has replaced frustration. Assembly Members expressed their appreciation to the DCE, noting that the project had not only provided a befitting residence but also created jobs and boosted local economic activity during the construction phase.
The Techiman North District Assembly is expected to commence final procurement and construction processes in the coming weeks, with the contractor set to officially hand over the project shortly after. The revival of the DCE's bungalow is more than just a construction project — it is a statement that with the right leadership, promises can be kept.
Key points
- The project was completed within 9 months, fulfilling the DCE's promise.
- The facility will serve multiple purposes, including a permanent residence for successive DCEs and accommodation for government officials.
- The project has created jobs and boosted local economic activity during the construction phase.
