The Ningo-Prampram District Assembly recently held a town hall meeting at the Divine Healers Church at Ngmetsokope to discuss its development priorities for 2027 and the challenges it faces. The meeting, which was attended by residents, traditional authorities, opinion leaders, and other stakeholders, was aimed at promoting participatory governance, transparency, and social accountability. District Chief Executive, Mr. Rafael Uriel Nartey, emphasized the importance of internally generated revenue in financing infrastructure and public services.
During the meeting, the assembly presented its development activities and discussed planned interventions to address the district's economic, environmental, social, and institutional needs. The district's transition from a predominantly rural area to an increasingly urban one has significant implications for development planning, infrastructure provision, and public service delivery. Assistant District Development Planner, Mr. Godwin Kotoku, highlighted the need for coordinated planning to address these challenges.
The assembly's development priorities for 2027 include improving access to quality healthcare, increasing school enrolment, expanding properly planned settlements, strengthening development control, improving sanitation, and increasing crop and livestock production. The assembly also showcased various projects and interventions it has undertaken, including the construction of a Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound, a police compound, and the renovation of area council facilities.
In addition to these projects, the assembly has installed solar-powered streetlights, improved roads and drainage infrastructure, and extended water supply infrastructure to surrounding communities. Other initiatives include dredging works along the Terrazzo streams, clean-up exercises, and health screening for food vendors. The assembly has also supported traditional authorities, young people, and persons with disabilities through various initiatives.
For 2027, the assembly is considering interventions to support a 24-hour district economy, improve educational infrastructure and sanitation facilities, upgrade health facilities, and provide medical equipment. The assembly is also planning to conduct reproductive-health campaigns in schools, construct boreholes, and develop a slaughterhouse. However, the assembly faces several challenges, including inadequate office accommodation, staffing shortages, and the absence of a final waste-disposal site.
The assembly's officials expressed concern about the reluctance of some taxpayers to fulfil their obligations, which affects the district's ability to finance its development priorities. They urged residents and businesses to pay their taxes and statutory charges promptly. The meeting also featured a budget presentation and a question-and-answer session, during which residents raised concerns and sought clarification on issues affecting their communities.
The town hall meeting was a significant step towards promoting participatory governance and transparency in the district. The assembly's efforts to engage residents and stakeholders in its development planning process are expected to enhance social accountability and ensure that the district's development priorities align with the needs of its residents. The meeting also provided an opportunity for residents to contribute to the district's development and to hold the assembly accountable for its actions.
Key points
- The Ningo-Prampram District Assembly's development priorities for 2027 include improving access to quality healthcare and increasing school enrolment.
- The assembly faces several challenges, including inadequate office accommodation, staffing shortages, and the absence of a final waste-disposal site.
- The assembly urged residents and businesses to pay their taxes and statutory charges promptly to support the district's development priorities.
