In fulfilment of its mandate to promote a governance system that allows the citizens to participate in decision making, the Ho West District Assembly organized a townhall Meeting on Tuesday 16th May at Kpedze Sreme Evangelical Presbyterian Church to communicate government programmes, policies and its interventions to the people as well as get first-hand information from the community.
The District Coordinating Director, Mr. Wisdom Kporngor in his opening address welcomed all dignitaries to the meeting and outlined the activities of the meeting. He encouraged all to participate in the deliberations.
The District Chief Executive of Ho West, Hon. Ernest Victor Apau in his welcome address expressed his gratitude for the support he received from residents in executing of his developmental agenda for the district.
He enumerated his plans for development of Kpedze and also outlined projects and programmes that have been implemented in Kpedze since his appointment as District Chief Executive of Ho West.
He indicated that the Assembly is committed to the provision of developmental projects across the District and pleaded with the people to have patience in the execution of the developmental agenda in the district.
The Head of Physical Planning Department, Mr. Emmanuel Doh presented some development projects that have been undertaken by the Assembly. He also presented on land use plan and other development control interventions. He took the opportunity to advise members present at the meeting to aquire a valid building permit from the Assembly before putting a building to avoid prosecution.
The Director of Department of Social Welfare and Community Development, Mr. Roland Kumfo also presentation outlined strategies instituted by the Assembly to address the needs of the vulnerable in the district. According to him, child rights promotion and protection, justice administration, community care, gender related issues, adult education, local economic development and extension services are paramount to the Assembly in setting priorities of the district.
There was an open forum where stakeholders were given the opportunity to speak out their grievances. Most of the questions asked were centered on the relocation of Agenda 111 District Hospital projects from Kpedze to Dzolokpuita.
In response to the relocation, the District Coordinating Director, Mr. Wisdom Kporngor explained that the decision was not taken by the Assembly and assured that their grievances will be forwarded to the appropriate authorities for redress.
The townhall meeting brought together Chiefs and Divisional Chiefs of Kpedze, Hon Assembly Members of Kpedze, Leaders of Religious bodies, Civil Society Organizations, Representatives of Clans in Kpedze, Members of Kpedze Development Committee, Youth of Kpedze, the Security Services, Heads of Department, media and the general public.