Grace Agyemang Asamoah (middle) and others during the event
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Atwima Kwanwoma District, Grace Agyemang Asamoah, has called on residents to remain united and committed to national development as Ghana celebrates its 69th independence anniversary.
Delivering an address at the district’s Independence Day celebration held at the Ampabame No. 1 School Park, she said the occasion was a moment for Ghanaians to reflect on the sacrifices of the country’s forefathers and recommit themselves to building a prosperous nation.
The celebration formed part of the nationwide activities marking the anniversary of the country’s independence from colonial rule under the leadership of Kwame Nkrumah in 1957.
According to the DCE, the theme for this year’s celebration, “Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope,” highlights the need for the country’s independence to translate into improved living conditions, job opportunities, quality education and better healthcare for citizens.
Madam Asamoah said the government led by President John Dramani Mahama remains committed to pragmatic and people-centred governance aimed at creating jobs, strengthening the economy and ensuring that development reaches every community.
She noted that the Assembly has undertaken several development initiatives to improve living conditions in the district.
The DCE mentioned the reshaping of critical roads including the Nwinsa–Nkwanta–Amoato stretch as well as roads at Kotwi, Biragokrom, Asaago and Bekwaime–Kyekyewere to enhance transportation and trade.
She also revealed that the Ampabame No. 1 bridge has been renovated and maintained to ensure the safe movement of people and goods.
In the water sector, she disclosed that sixteen mechanised boreholes have been constructed across several communities to provide residents with potable water.
On education, Madam Asamoah said the Assembly has reshaped the compound of Afua Kobi Ampem Girls’ Senior High School to improve accessibility and the learning environment.
She added that the construction of a three-unit classroom block at New Ejuampong is ongoing, while a six-unit classroom block at Afasiebon Basic School has been awarded.
The DCE further indicated that sanitary pads were donated to female students of Afua Kobi Ampem Girls’ SHS to support menstrual hygiene and promote the dignity of young girls.
Touching on healthcare, she announced that three Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds are currently under construction at Asaago, Nweneso No. 1 and Nweneso No. 3 to improve healthcare delivery in the district.
She also urged residents to take part in regular health screening and adopt healthy lifestyles to prevent non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cervical cancer and breast cancer.
In the area of agriculture, Madam Asamoah revealed that the Assembly implemented the ‘Nkoko Nkitinkiti’ project, under which 5,000 chickens were distributed to 118 households to support poultry production, particularly among women and youth.
Additionally, 9,000 oil palm seedlings were distributed to farmers to boost agricultural productivity.
On sanitation, she disclosed that seven refuse dump sites have been evacuated while skip containers and sanitary equipment have been supplied to the district’s 33 electoral areas. She also indicated that 60 dustbins have been distributed to basic schools, with 70 more expected to be supplied to communities.
She further highlighted the significance of the region’s cultural celebration, ‘Ashantifest’, noting that the initiative provides an opportunity to promote culture, tourism and local businesses in the district.
The DCE also lauded the government’s proposed 24-Hour Economy policy, saying it will create employment opportunities for the youth and boost economic activities across districts.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for the Atwima Kwanwoma Constituency, Kofi Amankwa-Manu, in his brief remarks, called for unity among residents of the constituency, urging them to put aside partisan politics and work together for the development and progress of the district.
He stressed that unity and cooperation among the people would accelerate development and ensure a brighter future for the district.
The DCE also encouraged school children who participated in the march past to remain disciplined and focus on their education since they represent the future of the nation.
The side attraction of the event occurred at the closing stage when Madam Asamoah thrilled the audience by displaying impressive cultural dance moves to Adowa music performed by pupils of Trede D/A JHS. Her energetic performance drew loud cheers and applause from the crowd.
She was joined on the dance floor by Nana Boakye Amamam, Kontihene of Ampabame I, and Nana Ama Tawiah, Otumfuo Takyehene.
Present at the event were former District Chief Executives of the district, Nana Okyere Tawiah Antwi, Prince Karikari, traditional rulers, as well as clergy and imams within the district.
FROM David Afum, Kumasi