The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Aowin in the Western North Region, Stephen Morcher, has unveiled an ambitious development agenda for the municipality, highlighting road projects, educational infrastructure, health facilities, and efforts to combat illegal mining.
Mr. Morcher said the municipality’s biggest challenge remained its road network but expressed optimism that major projects would soon commence.
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“The two major roads — Enchi to Jomoro and Enchi to Akontombra — have both been captured under the government’s Big Push initiative, and we are told works will commence later this year. Internally, we are using grader machines to reshape our roads, with strong support from the MP, stakeholders, and community members,” he stated.
Speaking in an interview after appearing before Parliament’s Local Government and Rural Development Committee on Thursday Septermber 18, the MCE disclosed that an abandoned 14-unit classroom block in Enchi, started in 2012 under President Mahama’s administration, had been re-captured under legacy projects with an allocation of GH¢2.7 million for completion.
“The building has been abandoned since 2016, but it is now being revived. Currently, pupils use the safe ground floor, while the upper floor remains restricted. Once completed, it will greatly ease congestion in our schools,” he explained.
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He also revealed that six major projects would begin this year, including two CHPS compounds, three school blocks, and a maternity block.
In terms of security and governance, Mr. Morcher announced the establishment of a police station at Kojokrom, a border town, to curb illegalities such as unauthorized cocoa trading. He further noted that a new CHPS compound at Banasu is being completed at a cost of GH¢450,000.
On illegal mining (galamsey), the MCE said significant progress had been made in driving out heavy machinery from the forests.
“At least 33 excavators have been seized, and I can assure you that currently, no excavator is operating in our forest reserves. The challenge now is with individuals who move in with shovels and pans, but we are determined to stop them,” he stressed.
Mr. Morcher was also upbeat about the municipality’s finances, revealing unprecedented growth in the District Assembly Common Fund.
“From 2020 to 2024, Aowin received only GH¢6 million out of a projected GH¢13 million. But this year alone, we have already received GH¢5.8 million by the second quarter and are expecting GH¢18 million by year-end. Sixty percent of this will go into health and education,” he assured.
Sharing his personal commitment, Mr. Morcher emphasized that he was deeply rooted in Aowin and determined to transform the area.
“Aowin is all that I know. I schooled here, and my late father was the paramount chief. I chose to return after my studies abroad because I want to serve my people differently and uplift the image of our municipality,” he said.
The MCE reiterated that his administration would continue to prioritize education, health, and infrastructure while tackling illegal mining to ensure sustainable development in Aowin.