The Western North Regional Minister, Mr. Richard Ebbah Joojo Obeng, has unveiled a documentary that comprehensively showcases the various projects in sectors such as education, health, and transportation, among others, that the Akufo-Addo government has undertaken in the region.
He claims that one of the significant accomplishments is the ongoing construction of a military barracks at Punokrom and the establishment of a regional police headquarters, together with staff housing.
“Development has been top of my agenda as a Regional Minister, and since His Excellency the President gave me the mandate to be the Regional Minister, it has been my focus. Though we have a lot more to achieve in terms of development, the region has seen a transformation in education, health, security, and roads,” the minister said.
He emphasized that these establishments would play a pivotal role in bolstering the security infrastructure within the region, with the primary objective of safeguarding the welfare and safety of residents and security personnel active in the locality.
Additionally, the Minister noted that forming the region as an independent entity, separate from the Western Region, has led to notable enhancements in the local road network.
“Particularly, we have constructed the Enchi-Didieso road and reconnected previously isolated communities. This has not only improved transportation but has also stimulated economic activities, driving growth and development. Since the creation of the new region, we have witnessed the construction of 441.795 km of roads,” he said.
Mr. Obeng mentioned significant investments in the healthcare sector to improve access and quality.
“The Western North was really lacking in terms of health infrastructure. As we speak now, the region can boast of a functional emergency and accident center, an oxygen manifold system at Enchi Hospital, a medical theatre, a neonatal intensive care unit, a dialysis treatment centre, and the distribution of 37 motorbikes to health personnel. Beyond this, we are working to construct a regional hospital at SefwiWiaso,” he added.
Touching on education, the minister said his ‘one student, one desk’ initiative has improved the quality of education outcomes in the region.
“When I took over this region, I discovered that the lack of desks in schools in the Western North region was hindering the achievement of quality education outcomes. The desk deficit was above 70,000, so I mobilized local support to embark on the ‘One student, One desk’ program, which led to the reduction of the deficit to 16,000.
“So far, the records show that attendance has increased, and so has academic performance. Very soon, the government will set up one of the STEM universities in this region,” he indicated.
_WN/R
