ABLEKUMA CENTRAL MCE, HON. FRANK NKANSAH, UNVEILS MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS ACROSS THE MUNICIPALITY

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Ablekuma Central, Hon. Frank Nkansah, has outlined a wide range of development projects being undertaken by the government, saying allocations from the District Assemblies Common Fund are being used to improve education, healthcare, infrastructure, sanitation and economic development across the municipality. Speaking in an interview, Hon. Nkansah explained that all 261 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) have received funding from the Common Fund to support grassroots development. According to him, the allocations have been structured to prioritise key sectors, with 10 per cent each dedicated to education, healthcare, sanitation and the 24-hour market initiative, while 20 per cent has been earmarked for legacy projects. Education Projects Hon. Nkansah disclosed that several school projects inherited from previous administrations have been completed, while new educational infrastructure is also being developed to improve teaching and learning. Among the projects highlighted are: - Construction of a nine-unit classroom block at the Salvation Army Cluster of Schools. - Provision of desks for Riyadh Basic School in the Mambrouk Electoral Area. - Completion of a six-unit classroom block at Lartebiokorshie. - Construction of a storey six-unit classroom block at New Abossey Okai. - Construction of a new school at Mataheko to replace an ageing structure that had existed for between 30 and 50 years. The facility is expected to be commissioned within the next two months. - Construction of a library at Lartebiokorshie. - Establishment of the KATECO ICT Centre. - Introduction of scholarship schemes for students. - Renovation of J.E.A. Mills School. - Renovation of the Roman Catholic School at Mataheko. - Improvement works at Ahyaa Ideen Islamic School, alongside teacher development initiatives. The MCE also noted that furniture has been distributed to several schools across the municipality to improve classroom conditions. Healthcare Improvements On healthcare, Hon. Nkansah said government has completed a number of projects aimed at expanding access to quality medical services. These include: - Completion of a Primary Healthcare Centre serving the Salvation Army School community. - Completion of a three-storey maternity, dentistry, eye care and administration block at the Lartebiokorshie Polyclinic. - Equipping the Child Health Centre at Lartebiokorshie in the Mambrouk Electoral Area with modern medical equipment. 24-Hour Market Initiative The MCE announced that the government's 24-hour economy agenda has resulted in the completion of a modern three-storey market complex at Shukura Market. According to him, the facility comprises stalls, shops and office spaces designed to support traders, create jobs and stimulate economic activity within the municipality. Sports and Community Infrastructure Hon. Nkansah also highlighted the completion of a modern sports complex at the Town Council Line Park. The facility includes: - Indoor games facilities. - Outdoor courts for volleyball, basketball and lawn tennis. - Recreational areas fitted with seating and relaxation spaces. He stated that the project was completed within the last six months and is expected to promote sports development and healthy living among residents. Bridge and Drainage Projects The MCE disclosed that the I.B.E. Bridge has been completed, reconnecting the communities of Shukura and Lartebiokorshie to improve movement and accessibility. He added that drainage rehabilitation works are ongoing across parts of the municipality to minimise flooding and improve sanitation. Water Supply To improve access to potable water, Hon. Nkansah revealed that 32 boreholes have been drilled across Ablekuma Central, with between eight and nine already mechanised. He said every electoral area within the municipality now has at least one borehole. Road Improvement Works The MCE announced that several roads are currently being reconstructed under the government's Big Push Agenda – Phase One. The projects include: - Gym 80 (Korle Bu Junction) – Soko Road. - St. Anthony School – Anti Cece – Radio Gold stretch. - Nova Hill School (Former Majosda) – Candle Factory Junction. - Gaskia Road – Ayigbe Town Junction. - Zambrama Line (Akoo Store) – Mango Down Main Road. - Libeiro – Brigade stretch. - Alhaji Kpeje – Veron School Road. - Former NDC Party Office – Paa Willie Junction. - Adwenbu (Joe Tex Park) – Peace Clinic Road. - Additional connecting roads serving surrounding communities. Sanitation and Street Lighting Hon. Nkansah said the Assembly has intensified sanitation efforts through regular desilting exercises and community clean-up campaigns, encouraging residents to dedicate three days to cleaning their neighbourhoods. He also disclosed that streetlights have been installed and repaired in areas including Bethel Pentecost, Total Filling Station, Abossey Okai and Phobia Spot Lane, although theft and vandalism remain challenges. Decongestion Exercise The MCE announced that the Assembly has received approval to tow abandoned vehicles as part of an ongoing decongestion exercise aimed at improving traffic flow, public safety and environmental sanitation. He added that the Assembly is also addressing licensing issues while strengthening good governance within the municipality. Youth Employment and Skills Development On employment, Hon. Nkansah said the Assembly continues to invest in young people through recruitment and skills development programmes. These include: - Recruitment of Municipal Guards. - Recruitment of Police Assistants. - Recruitment of Prison Service Assistants. - Recruitment of Fire Service Assistants. - Overseas employment opportunities for qualified youth. - Apprenticeship programmes. - Skills training initiatives through GHAPOHA in collaboration with the Member of Parliament. Hon. Frank Nkansah stressed that empowering young people through employment and skills development remains central to the Assembly's long-term vision for economic growth and sustainable development in Ablekuma Central. Edited by Fosuaa Angelina.