A REPORT OF DISTRICT CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S ENGAGEMENT WITH THE CHIEFS AND PEOPLE OF TAPA AKANIEN COMMUNITY

INTRODUCTION
Pursuant to the Local Governance Act (Act 936), Inclusive Participation in development is a major mandate in the development of communities in the District Assembly. In this regard, on the Tuesday 18th of August 2021, the Hon DCE, Comfort A. Attah and members of the District Planning and Co-ordinating Unit engaged with Tapa Akaniem Community at the Durbar Ground to deliberate on matters affecting the development of the area.
In attendance were Elders of the community, fishermen, teachers in the community, famers etc. In total, the engagement witnessed 43 people, comprising 25 males and 18 females
DISTRICT CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REMARK
In her remarks, the District Chief Executive thanked the congregation for honoring her invitation and stated that the development of the communities in the District most especially the overbanks communities since they seem to be cut off from the other communities. She also asked for a complete participation of community members in discussion issues affecting them that need the attention of the District Assembly.
DEVELOPMENTAL CONCERNS
Highlights of the issues discussed at the engagement were:
1. Community based telecommunication network mast
2. Extension of electricity to the community
3. Construction of 1 No. 6 Unit Classroom Block.
4. Construction of CHPS compound
5. Construction of motorable road to link the community to other communities

DISCUSSIONS
A community member raised concern about no network connectivity in the area and expressed worry over how they suffer to make call in emergency situation.
Again, there are no motorable route to other community making it difficult for them to commune to other communities except by the water body.
Another need of the people in the community is the construction of classroom block that has been started for some years now but has come to a standstill.
The people also requested for the construction of a CHPS compound to facilitate service delivery to them because the nearest health center they attend is Abotoase clinic which in terms of distance disadvantage them.
Extension of electricity to the community was another need mentioned by the people which they pleaded to the Hon. DCE to consider to make their community habitable.
HON. DCE’s RESPONSE
The Hon. DCE took note of their concerns and promised to address them accordingly. Starting from poor network connectivity, the Hon. DCE said she has contacted some network communication institutions to consider the installation of community based network mast in deprived communities in the District and she is hopeful that it will yield positive result. Regarding the halted classroom construction, she said the contractor is facing difficulties to convey construction materials to site but others alternative means are under consideration so the project will be continued soon.
CONCLUSION
The engagement was very successful with the people of Tapa Akaniem expressing their appreciation to the Hon. DCE the official who went there with her.
IMAGES FROM THE ENGAGEMENT