The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Communications Directorate in the Ahafo Region has strongly criticised the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Asunafo North, Joseph Akparibo, over statements attributed to him describing the creation of the Ahafo Region as a "useless" undertaking.

In a press engagement addressed by Regional Communications Officer Alfred Asiedu, the NPP demanded an apology from the MCE to the people and chiefs of the Ahafo Region for his disrespectful comments.

The party warned that failure to issue an apology would spark public demonstrations demanding his immediate resignation or the termination of his appointment by President John Mahama.

He emphasized that the creation of the region in 2019 under the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration successfully fulfilled a long-standing demand for administrative decentralization and accelerated local development.

To counter the MCE's claims, the party highlighted major achievements and economic gains realized since achieving regional status:

Infrastructure Expansion: Completed projects such as the Bechem-Techimantia-Akumadan road and ongoing work on the Tepa-Goaso road have improved inter-regional transport. Justice delivery has also expanded through a new High Court in Goaso and a District Court in Hwidiem.

Educational and Health Initiatives: Key developments include the proposed Akrodie STEM University (with a campus at Mim), the UMaT satellite campus at Kenyasi No.2, inclusion in the Secondary Cities Project (delivering a modern market in Goaso), and plans for a regional hospital.

Economic Growth and IGF Increase: Establishing Goaso as the regional capital has boosted local commerce, real estate, and hospitality, significantly raising the Internally Generated Funds (IGF) of the Asunafo North Municipal Assembly.

Employment Creation: Decentralized public institutions, including regional directorates for education, health, agriculture, and security, have generated hundreds of direct civil service jobs and indirect economic opportunities.

Enhanced Security: Dedicated regional command structures for the Police, Fire, and Immigration services have bolstered local law enforcement and public safety.

International Partnerships: Under regional leadership, formal diplomatic ties were forged with several foreign embassies, including China, Germany, and South Korea to market local investment prospects in agriculture and mining.

The NPP urged officials in the Ahafo to focus on building upon the region's expanding economic foundation rather than dismissing the tangible progress achieved since 2019.