Africa-Press – Ghana. Madam Pearl Patricia Ankrah, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Afigya Kwabre South, has rendered a detailed account of her stewardship seven months after her confirmation, outlining key achievements and ongoing projects.
Madam Ankrah, who made history as the first female DCE of the district, was overwhelmingly endorsed by members of the Afigya Kwabre South District Assembly on May 15, following her nomination by the President.
Since assuming office, she has hit the ground running by rolling out interventions across critical sectors of the local economy.
Addressing the media at Kodie, the district capital, the DCE said her administration had prioritised inclusive development, with projects spanning health, education, agriculture, security, roads, water, and sanitation.
She noted that her first few weeks in office were dedicated to extensive stakeholder engagements, particularly with traditional authorities, opinion leaders, and community members, to better understand the district’s challenges and development opportunities.
“These engagements helped us to identify pressing needs and align our development agenda with the real concerns of the people,” she stated.
Madam Ankrah disclosed that several roads within the district had been reshaped using the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) equipment, improving accessibility for residents, farmers, and traders.
She explained that the intervention had already eased transportation challenges in several communities and enhanced the movement of goods and services.
Beyond road maintenance, the DCE has also cut the sod for the construction of a two-unit kindergarten block at Kyerase, health centre at Ntiribuoho, 20-seater toilet facility at Heman, CHPS compound and three-unit classroom block at Dumakyi, and six-unit classroom block at Wawaase Akwaasu.
On the challenges facing the Assembly, Madam Ankrah cited poor road networks in some areas, lack of electricity in certain communities, and unresolved boundary disputes with adjoining districts.
She raised concerns about the activities of quarry companies, particularly the blasting of stones, which she said had been inconveniencing residents and affecting their safety.
Another major challenge, she noted, is rampant tax evasion, which is negatively impacting the Assembly’s revenue mobilisation efforts.
To address this, the DCE announced plans for intensive public education to sensitise residents on the importance of paying taxes to support development.
“We cannot develop the district without adequate local revenue. Paying taxes is a civic responsibility that benefits everyone,” she stressed.
Madam Ankrah also pointed to public apathy towards community development projects as a growing concern, urging residents to take ownership of initiatives meant to improve their living conditions.
She announced plans to establish a Scholarship Secretariat in 2026 to enhance access to education for brilliant but needy students in the district.
She revealed that the Assembly would intensify health screening exercises across communities to promote preventive healthcare.
The DCE expressed gratitude to key stakeholders, including Assembly Members, the Member of Parliament, traditional leaders, the Ashanti Regional Minister, and staff of the District Assembly, for their support and cooperation so far.
She reaffirmed her commitment to transparent leadership and inclusive development, assuring residents that the Assembly would continue to work tirelessly to improve livelihoods and accelerate the overall development of Afigya Kwabre South.
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