The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Ahafo Ano South West, Mr Abubakar Sedik, has called on assembly members to rise above partisan and personal interests to discuss issues and make vital decisions for the collective development of the district.

He noted that the district, one of the most deprived in Ghana, required the united efforts of all stakeholders to build the necessary infrastructure to improve living conditions and the socio-economic wellbeing of its people.

Speaking at the first ordinary meeting of the Assembly in Mankranso, Mr Sedik stressed that accelerating the district's development agenda would depend on the collective contributions of all residents.

He revealed that in 2024, the Assembly collected a total of GH¢840,213, representing 91 percent of its revenue target of GH¢923,900.

Additionally, the Assembly received GH¢1,467,501 out of its expected GH¢1,761,824 share of the District Development Fund.

Although the Assembly had not yet received any portion of the projected GH¢93,500 from the Government of Ghana (GoG) allocation for its departments, management could still rely on available sources to pursue targeted development initiatives.

Mr Sedik emphasised that the Assembly’s approved GH¢18,393,425 share of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) would be released upon the successful submission of a budget and work plan for 2025. He, therefore, stressed the urgency of completing this process to enable the execution of the 2025 action plan.

As part of his next steps, the DCE announced plans for community engagement with opinion leaders and residents throughout the district to discuss pressing development issues and identify strategies to improve education, roads, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, water, sanitation, and other key sectors.

He also expressed his intention to complete the ten infrastructural projects initiated by the previous government for the benefit of the people.

Mr Sedik extended his gratitude to the Assembly, particularly the members, for their overwhelming endorsement, which led to his 100 percent confirmation in May this year.

The meeting also discussed and approved the Assembly's budget, paving the way for the next phase of the district’s development.