The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Akyemansa, Linda Akenkorah, has pledged to transform the district into a vibrant hub for investment and development, despite persisting challenges in infrastructure and staffing.
Speaking to journalists after appearing before the Local Government and Rural Development Committee’s public sitting, Ms. Akenkorah said her priority is to create an enabling environment that would attract investors.
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“My vision is to make Akyemansa a vibrant district, one that every investor would want to come in and invest in, to make the lives of our people better,” she stated.
On her working relationship with the Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, the DCE stressed that collaboration has been smooth. “I have an excellent working relationship with my MP. We don’t have any problems. We work together and we discuss and think,” she added.
Touching on the debate over whether Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) should be elected or appointed by the President, Ms. Akenkorah said the issue is under review. “I believe it’s a policy or manifesto decision. The process has started with the constitutional review committee, and the views of Ghanaians will guide the outcome,” she explained.
The DCE also highlighted ongoing and legacy projects in her district, including an uncompleted office building, Agenda 111 hospital project, and three older initiatives dating back to 2015. She noted, however, that the poor road network remains Akyemansa’s biggest challenge.
“Our roads are very bad, and I and the MP have taken it upon ourselves to push for contractors who were not paid last year to receive their monies so they can return to the site,” she disclosed.
Ms. Akenkorah lamented the shortage of teachers and health personnel, estimating a deficit of about 480 teachers. According to her, poor communication networks in the district have worsened the situation, as many posted staff quickly seek transfers.
“The network in the district is very poor. People who are posted here can’t access the internet or even make calls, and within a year, they leave. That’s why I’m pleading with the government to prioritise employing local people who already live here,” she suggested.
She admitted that illegal mining (galamsey) remained a concern but assured that measures are underway. “There are pockets of galamsey activities, but we are tackling them. Our actions on the ground will speak for themselves,” she said.