The Bekwai Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr. Issaka Salifu, has unveiled a comprehensive development agenda focusing on agriculture, education, sanitation, and job creation.
“My major objective is to set up a Farmer Service Centre as promised under the NDC government. It will ensure that farm inputs and services are available at low cost to farmers to boost productivity,” he said.
Mr. Salifu shared his vision with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Bekwai, stating that agriculture-being the backbone of the local economy—would receive urgent attention through a Farmer Help Centre, improved feeder roads, and affordable inputs.
He noted that access to markets remained a constraint in areas such as Koneyao and Kenseri, and committed to rehabilitating two strategic roads linking them to the Bekwai Market.
The MCE said the absence of storage facilities exacerbated post-harvest losses and food price hikes.
“I have discussed this with the Ministry to give us a warehouse to support the government’s Feed Ghana programme,” he stated.
“Without storage, food cannot be preserved, and prices will remain high. With a warehouse, we can store in abundance, allow Buffer Stock to buy, and release food during lean seasons to stabilise prices,” he added.
On climate resilience, Mr. Salifu acknowledged shifting rainfall patterns but expressed optimism about the season, indicating that drought-resistant seed varieties were being promoted to help farmers sustain yields.
Touching on sanitation, he admitted the challenges but announced plans to collaborate with Zoomlion Ghana Ltd to construct a compost and recycling plant to serve Bekwai and nearby municipalities.
“We have started stakeholder discussions, and plans are far advanced. This facility will not only serve Bekwai but neighbouring municipalities,” he explained.
He pledged to revive monthly cleanup exercises and enforce sanitation by-laws, saying, “Sanitation will be a key performance measure for MMDCEs. We need to strengthen and enforce the laws we already have to ensure a clean and healthy municipality.”
Mr. Salifu also stated that the Assembly would support small businesses and startups and seek partnerships with firms, including a cement factory and Chinese-owned establishments at Anyinam.
“The youth are suffering. Some have stayed home for seven or eight years after school without jobs. We aim to help at least 50 percent of those actively seeking work, directly or indirectly, through public and private sector engagement,” he said.
Asked about his legacy after four years in office, the MCE responded, “I want to see the economy of Bekwai grow. I want to be remembered for creating opportunities, supporting farmers, fixing schools, and giving the youth a reason to hope again.”
Source: GNA
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