The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Sefwi Akontombra, Mr. Appiah Joseph, has identified mismanagement as the biggest challenge facing the district. Speaking at a Thanksgiving service at the Church of Pentecost in Sefwi Akontombra, he accused the previous NPP government and the former MP of poorly managing the district’s affairs, leading to widespread setbacks in development.
Mr. Appiah revealed that when the NDC left office in 2016, they handed over the Akontombra Small Water System with a balance of GH¢70,000. However, the district now owes about GH¢30,000 in electricity bills, indicating significant financial mismanagement since then.
He also highlighted concerns over the Akontombra Rice Factory, stating that a corruption scandal surrounds the project. According to him, the government invested approximately 3 million Ghana cedis (30 billion old cedis) last year, but it remains unclear how the funds were used.
Addressing the state of infrastructure, Mr. Appiah said that several road contracts were awarded by the previous government, but none have been completed. He also expressed concern over the unstable electricity supply in the district, noting that power outages occur every two hours, affecting residents and businesses. He pledged to work towards stabilizing the electricity system and improving general infrastructure.
Mr. Appiah emphasized that as DCE, it is his responsibility to restore order and initiate development in the district.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Akontobra, Mr Pious Kwame Nkuah, also addressed the congregation, announcing the establishment of the Akontombra Development Fund. He said the fund aims to support various development projects in the district. A planning committee chaired by Mr. Appiah Kubi Baidoo, a former DCE, has been formed to oversee the initiative.
The MP also touched on youth unemployment, particularly the high interest among young people in joining the security services. He noted that about 2,000 youth are seeking security-related opportunities, which are currently limited. As an alternative, he encouraged young people to focus on education, promising to support those who pass their exams to continue their studies.
He said he has already assisted about 150 students in purchasing application forms for tertiary institutions. Mr. Nkuah stated that he will not make false promises about security recruitment but will instead prepare the youth through education so they are ready when such opportunities arise.
The event served as a platform for both leaders to assure the people of their commitment to addressing the challenges facing Akontombra and to outline their visions for the district’s .
