The Okaikwei North Municipal Assembly has held a public hearing to validate its 2026–2029 Medium-Term Development Plan, bringing together key stakeholders to deliberate on the Municipality’s development priorities.
The hearing was to enable the Assembly ascertain and verify earlier inputs and contribution made by the various stakeholders.
Addressing the gathering, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Christian Tetteh Badger, said the public hearing formed a crucial part of the Assembly’s participatory planning process aimed at ensuring the final development blueprint reflects the collective aspirations of the people.
He noted that the next medium-term agenda focuses on building a modern, safe, inclusive and economically vibrant Municipality.
According to him, the Assembly is prioritizing accelerated infrastructure development across all communities.
Hon. Badger outlined several key projects, including the construction and rehabilitation of roads, clinics, schools, recreational facilities, and astroturf pitches to enhance health, education, and youth development.
The Okaikwei North MCE added that funding had been secured to improve lighting on major roads, including the George Walker Bush Highway (N1), to enhance visibility, safety, and beautification.
He further revealed that Phase Two of the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development Project (GARID) would soon commence within the Municipality to address perennial flooding and improve drainage systems in vulnerable communities.
Hon. Badger cautioned residents and developers against unauthorized construction, stressing that full compliance with Municipal Planning and Building Regulations was non-negotiable.
The Assembly, he said, would not hesitate to sanction encroachers or those flouting approved layouts.
Touching on public health, he expressed concern over the rising HIV/AIDS prevalence in certain slum communities. He said the Assembly, in collaboration with the Ghana AIDS Commission and health partners, is intensifying education and preventive campaigns while working to reduce stigma, especially among the youth.
The MCE also highlighted the Assembly’s sanitation strategy, anchored on education, enforcement, implementation, and prosecution, noting that strict measures would be applied to maintain environmental cleanliness.
On education, Hon. Badger announced that through the District Assemblies Common Fund, an 18-unit classroom block with washrooms and an ICT laboratory is under construction to improve teaching and learning outcomes. “Investing in education is investing in the future of Okaikwei North,” he said.
He further disclosed that the Assembly has submitted all architectural drawings to the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat for approval.
Once approved, designated areas in the Municipality will pilot 24-hour economic activities to boost productivity and expand opportunities for small and medium-scale enterprises.
The Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr. Francis Mensah, recalled that in July the Assembly engaged stakeholders on the development direction of the Municipality.
He confirmed that data collection had been carried out to determine whether the right issues had been captured for the medium-term plan.
Speaking at the event, Ophelia Aryere, the Municipal Development Planner, said the exercise aligns with Section One of the Local Governance Act, which mandates Assemblies to prepare medium-term plans in line with National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) guidelines.
She noted that all needs assessments had been completed and that the forum served as the final validation stage.
The event was attended by traditional leaders, Assembly Members, Departmental Heads, Staff, community representatives and various stakeholder groups.
Participants took turns to ask questions ranging from the development of agriculture in the Municipality, decentralization, youth employment, road network, revenue mobilization among others.
Source: onma.gov.gh
By Jeffrey De-Graft Johnson AD IIB
