The Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly held a 2-day public hearing on the draft 2026-2029 Medium Term Development Plan (MTDP) on the 23^rd and 24^th July 2025 at the Church of Pentecost - Westland and Presbyterian Church of Ghana-Abelemkpe respectively. The event led by the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Dr. Michael Mensah, Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr. Bernard K.P. Sakyiama and the Municipal Planning Development Head, Mr. Kofi Simpeh was to enable the assembly present the draft 2026-2029 MTDP to the residents of the municipality as well as to solicit their views, inputs and comments on the draft plan.

Addressing the public, the MCE appreciated the people for spurring their time to participate in this important exercise which serves as platform to enable residents make input into the draft 2026-2029 MTPD for finalization. He stated the assembly rolled out a needs assessment as well as engaged stakeholders to the identify prioritized development issues in the thirteen (13) electoral areas. These identified issues served as the basis for the development of the plan. The plan contained objectives, strategies and annual action plans which would guide the implementation of the projects and activities under the plan during the specified timeframe.  Hon. Dr. Michael Mensah mentioned that although funds may not be enough to fully implement the plan due to financial constraints, the assembly would ensure to mobilize fund for the implementation of a greater portion of the plan. Also, the plan would greatly influence the development and growth of the municipality which would in turn impact the lives of residents. Therefore, he urged participants to get on board and join the assembly to achieve the set goals for the municipality. They should actively participate, ask questions, share their views and ideas to enhance the final output of the plan.

The Municipal Planning and Development Head, Mr. Kofi Simpeh gave a presentation on the draft 2026-2029 MTDP with thorough explanation. The plan highlighted on areas such as environmental health, sanitation, education, building projects, agriculture, security and amongst others. Some other aspects outlined in the plan were  identified challenges, set projects, formulated policies, monitoring and evaluation strategies to facilitate the successful implementation of the plan.

Participants were given ample time to ask questions, make contributions, comments on the plan. The contributions were duly noted and questions were appropriately answered by the Municipal Chief Executive, Municipal Coordinating Director and some officials of the assembly. 

Further education was provided on security, payment of rates, and the National Health Insurance Scheme. The Police highlighted on some identified security issues within the municipality and urged residents to report any crime or act of lawlessness to the Police for action to be taken.

On payments of rates, the Municipal Financial Officer explained the various rates required to be paid by residents and that the assembly accepts payment by cash or mobile money transfer.  He indicated that these payments serve as the source of revenue for the assembly and they are used for developmental activities in the municipality. Thus, residents should fulfill their payment obligations and those who have not received their bills should visit the assembly for their bills.

Mrs. Freda Knowell of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) explained various benefits of the National Health Insurance Scheme to the participants. She urged the participants to seriously take care of their health and further added that under the NHIS, health consultation is free as well as health services rendered to persons who are 70 years and above.

Giving his closing remarks, the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Dr. Michael Mensah expressed gratitude to the participants. He assured them of the assembly’s readiness and willingness to address any problem which would occur in their communities.

 Source: Information Service Department, Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly.