Bawku West DCE outlines development projects, revenue challenges and key district priorities

The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Bawku West, Hon. James Ayamweogo, has highlighted ongoing development initiatives, revenue mobilisation challenges and key interventions across various sectors in the district.

He made the remarks while addressing the Third Ordinary General Assembly Meeting at the District Assembly Conference Hall in Zebilla.

Hon. Ayamweogo expressed appreciation to the Presiding Member, Assembly Members, traditional authorities, heads of departments, security agencies, development partners and the media for their continued commitment to the district's development.

He described the meeting as more than a statutory obligation, saying it provided an opportunity for stakeholders to assess progress, discuss challenges and agree on practical measures to accelerate development.

Revenue mobilisation remains a challenge

On the Assembly's financial performance, the DCE disclosed that the Assembly had set an Internally Generated Funds (IGF) target of GH₵1,335,820.00 for 2026 but had collected only GH₵601,645.00 as of September.

He further indicated that the Assembly had not received any additional District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) allocations since the previous meeting. However, GH₵704,197.85, representing the second-quarter release for the Persons with Disabilities Fund, was received in September.

He urged Assembly Members to intensify revenue mobilisation efforts by encouraging property owners, business operators and other ratepayers to fulfil their tax and rate obligations.

New projects set to commence
Hon. Ayamweogo announced that all projects initiated in the previous year had been completed, while preparations were at an advanced stage for the commencement of additional development works.

The planned projects include the construction and furnishing of a maternity block at Kusanaba; a three-unit classroom block with an office, store, four-seater KVIP, urinal and changing room at Kpantarigu; and the drilling and installation of 5 boreholes with hand pumps in selected communities.

Other projects are the completion of a six-unit classroom block at Asoblaga and the construction of 5 lockable stores at Binaba Market.

He also reported the completion of a Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) Compound at Yikurugu by the Northern Development Authority (NDA), as well as a three-unit classroom block at Kopella.

Education sector receives support
In the education sector, the DCE said the Education Directorate had organised capacity-building training in foundational literacy and numeracy for 15 Community of Excellence schools.

He disclosed that 48 teachers had been received, with documentation completed for 46 of them. Transfers involving headteachers and classroom teachers had also been carried out to address staffing needs and improve teaching and learning.

The Assembly also supported schools with educational and learning materials, including 3,674 sanitary pads, 204 markers, 600 science books, 134 boxes of chalk, 1,424 registers, 650 mathematics books, 2,970 DL Mathematics books and 2,200 creative arts books.

Farmers benefit from dry-season support

Under agriculture, Hon. Ayamweogo said Farm Mate had provided production inputs to 252 farmers to support dry-season tomato cultivation.

He added that nurseries had been established and were awaiting transplanting as part of efforts to boost agricultural production.

Health interventions intensified
The DCE outlined several health-related interventions undertaken by the Health Directorate, including the implementation of Cycles 2 to 4 of the Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention programme and the commencement of free primary healthcare services.

The Directorate also trained 500 caregivers on child rights and nutrition, alongside 15 nutrition champions on Infant and Young Child Feeding.

Cooking demonstrations were organised in 4 communities, while a review of maternal death audit findings was also conducted.

PWDs receive business and educational support

The Assembly continued its support for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) through various interventions aimed at improving their livelihoods and access to essential services.

A total of 117 PWDs, comprising 52 males and 65 females, received cash assistance to support small businesses, while 20 others, made up of 11 males and 9 females, received full start-up support.

Additionally, 43 PWDs were each given 3 sheep, while 4 beneficiaries received assistance for dry-season vegetable farming. Five males were supported to acquire wheelchairs, and 9 PWDs received assistance with orthopaedic services.

The DCE further disclosed that 58 students with disabilities, comprising 29 males and 29 females, received educational support.

Communities urged to improve sanitation practices

On water and sanitation, Hon. Ayamweogo called on residents to take greater responsibility for maintaining water and sanitation facilities in their communities.

He expressed concern about the low level of participation in National Sanitation Day activities and urged Assembly Members to take a more active role in mobilising residents for the exercise.

He also commended the Water Resources Commission and its partners for initiatives aimed at promoting environmental sustainability in the Gambaga sub-basin, particularly the inauguration of environmental chiefs.

Drug abuse and road accidents raise security concerns

Although the district has remained peaceful, the DCE urged residents to help maintain the prevailing security situation by providing credible information to security agencies whenever necessary.

He, however, raised concerns about the increasing incidence of drug abuse among young people and called for stronger collaboration among parents, community leaders and security agencies to address the problem.

Hon. Ayamweogo also expressed worry over the rising number of road traffic accidents, particularly those involving motorbikes.

He urged motorists and other road users to comply with traffic regulations, avoid excessive speeding, wear appropriate protective equipment and refrain from riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs.