The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Kassena-Nankana West, Hon. Stephen Aeke Akurugo, has commenced a seven-day stakeholders’ tour across the district’s seven paramount traditional areas. The aim is to discuss collaboration with chiefs, divisional chiefs, elders, market women, and youth groups to enhance the District’s Internally Generated Fund (IGF).The tour began on Tuesday, February 17, with the DCE’s first visit to the palace of the Mirigu Paramount Chief, Naba Anthony Abisa Anonsona Atasige III.
During this visit, he appealed to the chief and the traditional council to encourage the community to honor their tax obligations related to the revenues from the Mirigu market.Hon. Akurugo emphasized that reliance solely on central government allocations would not suffice for the development needs of the communities.
He stated, “We must all work together to generate more for our local peculiar needs, part of which can be allocated back to local authorities, including chiefs and area councils, for the execution of community projects.”He further highlighted ongoing developments in Mirigu, including the construction of a new maternity block equipped with essential facilities such as a lying-in room, midwife accommodation, a delivery room, and a consulting area.
The DCE reported that the block is nearing completion, with roofing and window fittings in place.In response, Naba Atasige urged the DCE to prioritize the construction of a toilet facility and water system for the Mirigu market, as well as to expand electricity coverage in the area.
He also raised concerns about the poor road network, appealing for improvements on the Mirigu-Navrongo road and other vital connections to larger towns.Naba Atasige additionally informed the DCE of a community security task force he established to combat frequent robberies in the area.
During his visit, the DCE took time to interact with market women and shop owners at the Mirigu market, reviewing their tax receipts and educating them on the importance of taxes and levies in district development.
He provided donations of street lamps to enhance safety and visibility in the market.The DCE also engaged with staff at the Mirigu CHPS Compound and the headmaster of Mirigu SHS, presenting several boxes of street lamps to ensure that the market, CHPS, and school compound are well-lit at night.
Similarly, the stakeholder engagements were conducted by the DCE and his team at the palaces of the Kayoro, Nakong, Chiana, and Katiu chiefs, as well as with market women and youth groups. The focus remained on encouraging community support for government initiatives through the timely payment of taxes and levies to foster development in the Kassena-Nankana West District.
Source: mywordfmonline.com/Gaspard Ayuureneeya Adongo