Government has announced plans to overhaul the Central Regional Development Commission, CEDECOM to give it a new focus and enhance its operations for the economic transformation of the Region.

Regional Minister, Aquinas Tawiah Quansah says the move will improve the work of CEDECOM for its impact to be felt more directly. 

The announcement comes after Joy News investigations into the activities of CEDECOM revealed widespread irregularities in its operations. 

The investigation revealed  non-existent projects, abandoned projects, the use of GH¢220,000 to build a fence wall around a cemetery at Swedru and projects that are started but have been abandoned for good because CEDECOM claims it changed its plans.

Despite receiving “some chunk of money” out of the GH¢5.2 million funding promised by the president John Atta Mills in 2009, CEDECOM has, failed to establish projects earmarked to bring social and economic development to the people of the region.

This has led residents demand accountability from authorities and explain why monies meant to be used to alleviate poverty and create employment have been wasted.

The recent encounter was the governance for the people forum where residents demanded of him to explain why the people of the region should be dealt with in such a manner.

But the Regional Minister, who is also the Board Chair for CEDEDOM told Joy News’ Richard Kwadwo Nyarko: “We’ve had series of meetings…and it’s going to be more focused in economic activities”.

Aquinas Tawiah Quansah is assuring residents to expect a new CEDECOM in the New Year and pledged he will protect the purse of the region and ensure that CEDECOM becomes a viable entity that will spearhead the creation of employment and alleviation of poverty.

“20015 will be a different ball game; the ball game can be from the boardroom down to the cleaner. Anything can happen,” he assured.