The Western North Regional Minister, Wilbert Petty Brentum, has inspected ongoing development projects in the Bia West District as part of efforts by the Regional Coordinating Council to monitor projects being implemented by the district assemblies.
The inspection was aimed at assessing progress, identifying any challenges and ensuring that projects are completed within their scheduled timelines.
The Bia West District Assembly, under the leadership of District Chief Executive Matthew Annor, is currently undertaking about 16 projects across various communities, with funding largely coming from the District Assemblies Common Fund.
The projects include mechanised boreholes, three-unit and six-unit classroom blocks, a modern kindergarten block, Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds and a nurses’ bungalow.
Among the major projects inspected was the 24-hour economy market at Oseikojokrom, which is expected to serve as an important commercial centre for the district and strengthen economic activity in the area.
Other beneficiary communities include Kramokrom, New Papase, Ntonsue, Asuopri, Asuontaa, New Agogo, Adjofua, Kojo Aba and Oseikojokrom, among others.
The district has also benefited from projects being implemented directly by the central government, including the construction of a girls’ dormitory for the Bia Lamplighter College of Education. Road construction under the government’s Big Push programme is also ongoing in parts of the district.
Speaking after the inspection, Mr Brentum expressed satisfaction with the progress of work on the projects and said the Regional Coordinating Council had a responsibility to regularly monitor development projects being undertaken by the various assemblies.
He said such inspections were necessary to ensure that projects were properly executed, delivered within the required timeframe and ultimately served the communities for which they were intended.
Mr Brentum said the progress of the projects was an indication that the government’s development agenda was taking shape, adding that the Western North Region was gradually seeing increased infrastructure development.
The Bia West District Chief Executive, Matthew Annor, said the government had made funds available to ensure that contractors were paid upon the completion of their respective projects.
He expressed particular satisfaction with work on the 24-hour economy market at Oseikojokrom, noting that significant progress had been made within the contractor’s first three months on site.
Mr Annor commended the contractor for what he described as a positive approach to the project and expressed optimism that the facility would be completed to the required standard.
The projects are expected to have a direct impact on the lives of residents, particularly the health and education facilities, which will improve access to basic services in communities across the district.
The 24-hour economy market is also expected to provide a major boost to commercial activity and create opportunities for traders and other businesses in the district.
With Bia West sharing a border with Côte d’Ivoire, authorities believe the market could further strengthen cross-border trade and contribute to the economic development of the district and the wider Western North Region.
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