The WR Minister Designate
The Minister-designate for the Western Region, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, says he is determined to strategically position the region as a strategic growth pole of this nation and a regional administration worthy of emulation.
He indicated that the potential inherent in the people of the region could stimulate and sustain industrialization and development for the region and the country at large.
He also pledged to enhance the safety of residents in the region despite the recent security challenges, adding that “the security of the people and businesses in the region are critical in attracting foreign investors to the area”.
He stated this when he appeared before the Appointments Committee of Parliament to be vetted following his nomination by President Akufo-Addo for the regional ministerial position.
Mr. Darko-Mensah, who doubles as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Takoradi, noted that despite the influx of foreigners into the region as a result of the oil find, his administration would work hard to resolve security problems in the area.
On the issue of kidnapping cases in some parts of the region, Mr. Darko-Mensah revealed that he had developed a mobile application (App) for the residents in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis to help prevent further occurrence of the cases.
He explained that the App would provide the public with information about taxi cabs registered with the metropolitan authority and those not registered.
He pointed out that currently the test run for the App was underway in Takoradi and is expected to be rolled out fully to ensure public safety.
“By dialing *711*333#, the residents will know if a taxi cab has been registered or not before they board,” he revealed.
The former Aviation Minister explained that this would help eliminate unregistered vehicles in the system while simultaneously keeping track of vehicles that are being boarded at any given time.
Mr. Darko-Mensah promised to work together with all the MPs in the region irrespective of their political affiliations to enhance development of the area.
The Takoradi MP was appointed to replace Dr Kwaku Afriyie, MP for Sefwi Wiawso whiles the MP for Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai and Deputy Minister of Health, Kingsley Aboagye Gyedu, has been appointed as the Regional Minister-designate for the newly created Western North Region.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi