The Affutuakwa Traditional Council has appealed to the Central Regional Minister, Hon. Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, to prioritise development challenges confronting Assin Foso and the wider Assin Central Municipality.
The appeal was made by the Sahene of Effutuakwa Traditional Area and Chief of Foso Akrofuom, Sahene Agyei Kwame III, who represented the Omanhene, Okumanini Baffour Asare Kyeahene II, and the Affutuakwa Traditional Council during the Regional Minister’s “Accounting to the People” tour in Assin Foso.
Welcoming the Regional Minister and his delegation, Sahene Agyei Kwame III described the visit as a demonstration of government’s commitment to listening to the concerns of residents and accounting to them on development.
He said Assin remains an important food-producing area in the Central Region, with farmers producing cocoa, cassava, plantain and maize, but noted that poor infrastructure continues to hinder economic activities.
According to him, the deplorable condition of roads in Assin Foso and surrounding areas is having a serious impact on businesses, transportation and agriculture.
He specifically raised concerns about the Twifo Praso–Assin Foso and Assin Foso–Oda roads, saying their poor condition makes transportation difficult, particularly during the rainy season, and sometimes prevents vehicles from reaching farming communities.
He also called for urgent attention to the third phase of the Anwiankwanta–Yamoransa Road, describing portions of the route as dangerous and requiring immediate intervention.
On education, the traditional authority appealed for support for the Assinman Nursing and Midwifery Training College, particularly as the institution moves to a new site.
Sahene Agyei Kwame III said the new site requires improved infrastructure and better road access to facilitate the smooth operation of the college.
He further highlighted challenges relating to access to potable water, particularly in parts of the Assin Foso township.
Touching on sanitation, he commended the Omanhene, Okumanini Baffour Asare Kyeahene II, for initiating a sanitation programme aimed at keeping the principal streets of Assin Foso clean.
He disclosed that the initiative currently employs 34 women, who work daily to maintain cleanliness along the main streets of the township.
However, he appealed to the government and other stakeholders for financial support to sustain and expand the initiative.
The Sahene stressed that the traditional authorities were not only making demands but were prepared to partner with government to accelerate development.
He said the traditional council was ready to make land available for government projects, while the youth and residents were equally prepared to contribute to the development of the area.
“What we need is your hand in ours,” he said, emphasising the need for stronger collaboration between government and the traditional authorities.
Sahene Agyei Kwame III also expressed appreciation to the government for projects already underway in Assin, particularly the 24-Hour Economy Market, and appealed for Assin Foso to be given priority as the commercial hub of the municipality.
He argued that the development of Assin Foso would have a positive impact on communities across Assin.
Concluding his address, he thanked the Regional Minister for visiting the area and urged him to carry the concerns of the people of Assin Foso and Assin Central to the government.
The Regional Minister’s “Accounting to the People” tour is aimed at engaging residents and stakeholders on development, government programmes and challenges requiring attention across the region.
