Andy Appiah Kubi in a handshake with a queen mother
The Jaman South District of the Brong Ahafo Region, which has a population of over 110,000, has been elevated to a municipality to expedite development in the area.
Jaman South, which has Drobo as its capital, was part of 56 district, municipal and metropolitan assemblies, which were elevated a few months ago by Local Government and Rural Development Minister, Hajia Alima Mahama.
A ceremony held in Drobo on March 15 to inaugurate the elevated Assembly brought together government officials, as well as traditional leaders in the area and their people.
Present at the ceremony were Paramount Chief of Dwenem-Awasu, Nana Bofobene Gyeabour, Paramount Queenmother of Drobo Traditional Area, Nana Yaa Ansua, Omanhene of Kwatwima-Adamsu and a delegate from Japekrom Traditional Council.
President Nana Akufo-Addo, in a speech read on his behalf by Deputy Minister for Railways Development, Andy Appiah Kubi, urged the people of Jaman South to take charge of their own development.
He said his government’s growth, job creation and ‘prosperity for all’ agenda could only be achieved if governance is brought to the doorsteps of the people.
This, according to the President, would ensure effective and efficient decentralization through grassroots participation, better planning and improved service delivery in local communities.
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Alhajj Abuu, in his speech, stressed the importance of peace in the development of any country, calling on the chiefs and people of the area to unite in order to effectively plan their development.
“Working in isolation does not help. It will separate us, and we cannot come together to plan effectively for our development,” he averred.
Alhajj Abuu noted that although the Assembly is eager to develop Jaman South, it would ensure that the growth of the area conforms to proper town planning and development system.
“One must consult the Assembly before embarking on any construction to avoid erecting private properties in places demarcated for roads and other expansion projects. Any such structures would be pulled down,” he said.
“While we look up to the government for assistance, the destiny of Jaman South is in our own hands,” he asserted.
Omanhemaa Yaa Ansua, on her part, commended President Nana Akufo-Addo for elevating the status of the assembly, noting that the step would help accelerate development not only in the area but across the country.
She said the natural resources in Jaman South would be utilized to improve the lives of the people.
The traditional leader, who is also a development and project management expert, cautioned against strife and disharmony in the area, saying the lack of coordination would delay developmental projects in the area.