On 22nd December ,The Biakoye District Assembly held its Third General Assembly Meeting for 2025, using the platform to deliberate on critical governance, accountability, and development issues affecting the district.
The meeting, chaired by the Presiding Member and attended by the District Chief Executive (DCE), MP,Assembly Members, Heads of Departments, and other stakeholders, focused on strengthening transparency, improving service delivery, and resolving long-standing administrative and development concerns.
DRIP Machines and Accountability Concerns;
One of the major issues discussed was the status and utilization of the District Roads Improvement Program(DRIP) machines. Members raised concerns about the amount expended on road rehabilitation works and questioned whether reported expenditures corresponded with actual work done on some roads, including Bowiri-Odumase and Anyinase.
The new District Coordinating Director (DCD) confirmed that the Assembly had received clearance to deploy the DRIP machines and assured Members that the machines would soon be put to use following the “green light” from the appropriate authorities.
Cocoa Smuggling and Security;
The issue of cocoa smuggling in the district also featured prominently. The DCE disclosed that a five-member task force had been established to address the problem, although no formal report had yet been submitted. Members were urged to act as community gatekeepers and promptly report any suspected smuggling activities rather than waiting for General Assembly meetings.
Farmers’ concerns about low returns on cocoa and livelihood challenges were also highlighted as contributing factors to the smuggling menace.
Revenue Mobilization and DACF Allocations;
Assembly Members expressed concern over revenue mobilization challenges and delays in the release of the 2% share of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) meant for Area and Town Councils. Management explained that strict government guidelines had made it difficult to settle arrears for 2024 and 2025 but proposed improving internally generated funds (IGF) as a sustainable alternative.
Calls were also made for broader stakeholder consultations ahead of fee-fixing exercises to ensure fairness, compliance, and community buy-in.
MP Calls for Unity and Better Coordination;
Addressing the House, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Biakoye, Hon. Jeane Marrie, called for unity, reconciliation, and improved coordination between the Assembly and her office. She expressed concern over the number of requests reaching her office on matters that fall within the Assembly’s mandate, particularly poor road access and difficulties in accessing DRIP machines.
Aligning her remarks with the Government’s RESET Agenda, the MP expressed optimism about working with the DCE and the new DCD to reposition the district for accelerated development. She also encouraged intensified public education on revenue mobilization and briefed Members on national policy interventions, including the abolition of selected taxes and efforts to stabilize the Ghanaian cedi.
Public Health, Transport and Other Resolutions;
Members raised concerns about rising typhoid cases, reckless motor riding, unapproved transport fares charged by drivers, and the state of the district’s fire tender and ambulance. The Assembly resolved to write to the police to enforce approved transport fares and intensify public safety measures. The MP pledged to collaborate with the District Health Directorate to support typhoid testing efforts.
Closing Remarks;
In his closing remarks, the DCE appealed to Members to set aside differences and work collectively for the development of the district. The Presiding Member cautioned against discussing chieftaincy matters on the Assembly floor due to their sensitive nature and commended Members and staff for their cooperation in addressing early challenges faced during the year.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment to accountability, collaboration, and effective local governance in the Biakoye District.
