The Bono Regional Coordinating Council has been reconstituted with a call on Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) to align their development plans with the government’s “Reset Agenda” for inclusive and sustainable growth.

At the inauguration in Sunyani, the Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboa, urged the MDCEs to coordinate, monitor, and evaluate the work of the various assemblies to ensure effective local governance and improved living standards.

The council comprises the Regional Minister as the Chairman, 12 MDCEs, 12 Presiding Members, 2 representatives of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, all Regional Heads of decentralised departments being ex officio members, and the Regional Coordinating Director as the Secretary to the Council, as required by the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936).

Mr Akwaboa advised assembly personnel to support their chief executives and ensure that all decisions reflected the development aspirations of the region.

He said the assemblies must work closely with stakeholders to unlock the region’s economic potential and ensure equitable development.

“In view of this, we must work closely with the appropriate authorities to ensure that our beloved region benefits from the national development agenda,” Mr Akwaboa stated.

He called on the people to set aside political differences and support initiatives that promote progress, unity, and prosperity.

Mr Akwaboa further appealed to stakeholders and development partners to renew their commitment to service, accountability, and innovation, saying, “The good people of Bono look to us to drive sustainable development.”

He noted that the government had ongoing and upcoming projects in the region, assuring that with diligence and collaboration, Bono would continue to be a model of effective governance and development.

Touching on some developmental projects, the Minister said some roads in the region have been considered under the “Government BIG PUSH” programme, including the Alaska – Catholic University (Ring road), Berekum – Sampa, Sunyani – Techiman, Berekum - Seikwa - Nsawkaw, Sunyani – Atronie – Hwidiem, in partnership with Newmont, Techiman – Wenchi – Wa, Kyeremasu – Gambia roads, while some other major road maintenance work will also be undertaken across the Bono Region, having already awarded contracts.

He, however, noted that work has already started on some of these roads, while work on others will be started before the close of the year.

Mr Addae Akwaboa announced to the council members that the Sunyani Teaching Hospital now has a legal backing with the required Legislative Instrument, concluding the establishment of the Medical School in partnership with the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR).

“Plans are far advanced to upgrade the infrastructure at UENR for the commencement of the medical school,” he assured, and further urged the council members to offer support in appealing for support from benevolent organisations, individuals, groups, and associations for the provision of certain necessary equipment for the facility.

Joseph Addae Akwaboa also said the government’s agribusiness and the ‘Nkoko-nkitinkitin’ initiative aimed at empowering the youth and transforming the Local economy are underway in the region after the strategic selection of the Dormaa Central and East Districts for the initial phase of the project, where day old chicks, feeds, and cages will be provided to aid individuals get into the poultry industry.

“Accordingly, I urge all MDCEs to show much interest and deep commitment to ensure that this project becomes very successful for the benefit of our people,” he concluded.