Ashanti Regional Minister Commends ObuasiAssemby Over DACF Utilisation
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has commended the Obuasi Municipal Assembly (OMA) for what he described as the prudent and effective utilisation of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) towards development projects in the area.
He said the Assembly’s performance, which has resulted in the execution of 19 development projects over the past year—some completed and others ongoing—demonstrates effective local governance under the leadership of the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Faustilove Appiah Kannin.
Dr. Amoakohene attributed the achievement to government’s revised DACF disbursement formula, which allows 80 per cent of the fund to be transferred directly to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies for project execution.
He noted that the policy has improved efficiency and accountability in the delivery of development projects.
The Minister made the commendation during a one-day working visit to Obuasi, where he met Assembly staff, members of the media and party supporters at the OMA Conference Hall.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to completing all ongoing projects initiated within its four-year mandate, adding that 20 per cent of the DACF has been reserved for the completion of inherited projects.
Health Sector Boost
On health, Dr. Amoakohene disclosed that two Agenda 111 hospital projects in the Ashanti Region are expected to be completed before the end of the year.
He further stated that each district is expected to construct at least one health centre annually to expand access to healthcare delivery.
He also revealed that government is strengthening tertiary healthcare through the operationalisation of the Afari Military Hospital, the KNUST Teaching Hospital and the Sewua Hospital to complement the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.
On the stalled Obuasi Trauma Hospital project, he assured that government would prioritise its completion.
Road Infrastructure
The Regional Minister said government remains committed to the completion of the Santasi–Anhwiankwanta road project as part of efforts to improve road infrastructure in the region.
He added that all districts are expected to benefit from at least 10 kilometres of road construction under the national road improvement programme.
Dr. Amoakohene further disclosed that additional funding from the Minerals Development Fund has been allocated to support road projects in mining communities.
He noted that extra equipment under the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), also known as the “Big Push,” has been deployed to strengthen road construction and maintenance across the country.
Education and Power Supply
On education, the Minister announced that government plans to phase out the double-track system by the next academic year to improve teaching and learning in senior high schools.
On power supply, he said measures are being implemented to replace faulty transformers and outdated transmission lines to enhance electricity stability.
MCE Expresses Appreciation
The Obuasi MCE, Faustilove Appiah Kannin, expressed gratitude to the Minister for the visit and outlined key development projects undertaken by the Assembly over the past year.
She also commended government for its continuous support towards the development of the municipality.
As part of the visit, Dr. Amoakohene inspected ongoing projects, including the Kunka road project, and paid a courtesy call on the Dompoasehene, Okofo Kwabena Bonsu.
The Minister was accompanied by the Regional Coordinating Director, Mr. Michael Owusu Amoako, Esq. The newly formed OMA Choir also entertained the gathering with musical performances.
By Ernest Kofi Offen
Municipal Information Officer
(ISD, Obuasi )
