The Member of Parliament for Juaboso and Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, has engaged traditional authorities and religious leaders in discussions on sustainable strategies to grow the local economy.
Speaking at the meeting on 4th July 2026, Mr. Akandoh said the purpose of the engagement was to identify practical and sustainable ways to boost the economy of the Juaboso District.
He noted that cocoa has traditionally been the backbone of the economy in the Western North Region, particularly in the Juaboso District. However, declining cocoa production and the poor survival rate of newly planted cocoa farms have negatively affected the district’s economic growth.
According to him, there is an urgent need to explore alternative cash crops and economic activities that can replace cocoa and improve the livelihoods of residents. He stressed that although the government is investing in infrastructure such as schools, roads, and hospitals, economic development also requires that people have sustainable sources of income to support their families.
Mr. Akandoh announced that an ad hoc committee would be established to identify viable economic alternatives and recommend investment opportunities that will create jobs and increase income for people in the district.
The Chairman of the Juaboso Local Council of Churches, Pastor Elijah Adama, commended the Member of Parliament for his visionary leadership. He said the meeting focused on finding practical solutions to strengthen the district’s economy and expressed confidence that the committee would develop innovative ideas to improve the livelihoods of residents.
He also revealed that the MP briefed participants on several ongoing and planned development projects in the district, including the construction of the Juaboso Nursing Training College, a 24-hour market, the expansion of health facilities, and improvements to the district’s road network.
The Acting Paramount Chief of the Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Council, Nana Ofori Ahenkah II, said cocoa had long been the backbone of the local economy but was no longer generating the expected returns. He explained that the engagement was aimed at identifying suitable alternatives that could revive and strengthen the district’s economy.
According to him, preliminary feasibility studies indicate that rubber, oil palm, and ginger cultivation have great potential in the district. He said the committee would further study these opportunities and recommend the best strategies for implementation.
Nana Ofori Ahenkah II added that a strong local economy would improve the financial well-being of residents, promote development, and secure a brighter future for the Juaboso District. He also commended Kwabena Mintah Akandoh for his vision and commitment to the development of Juaboso and Ghana as a whole.
