The Ayawaso West Municipal Assembly has held its first-ever Stakeholders Forum for Inclusive Development, bringing together government officials, businesses, institutions, civil society groups Chiefs the Security services and residents to chart a collective path toward the municipality’s development.
The forum, held the theme, inclusive development, focused on strengthening partnerships among stakeholders to address key challenges and improve the quality of life for residents across the municipality. The engagement forms part of efforts by the Assembly to deepen citizen participation and promote collaborative governance.
Addressing participants, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Dr. Michael Mensah, described the forum as a unique opportunity for residents, businesses and institutions to engage directly with the Assembly on development challenges and propose practical solutions.
He noted that while the Assembly has been engaging residents across its electoral areas, the new forum was designed to bring together a broader range of stakeholders, particularly businesses, professionals and institutions whose contributions are critical to the municipality’s growth.
Dr. Mensah stressed that sustainable development cannot be achieved by the Assembly alone and called for stronger partnerships to help address challenges relating to infrastructure, sanitation, economic growth, social services and community development. He encouraged stakeholders to actively participate in shaping the municipality’s future through dialogue and collaboration.
Greater Accra Regional Minister Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo underscored the importance of collective action in accelerating development within the municipality.
According to her, Ayawaso West’s strategic location, thriving commercial activities, educational institutions and growing business community present significant opportunities for development if stakeholders work together toward common goals.
She called for stronger public-private partnerships to attract investment into infrastructure, sanitation, waste management and local economic development while urging businesses and institutions to support skills training, youth employment, internships and entrepreneurship programmes.
The Regional Minister also advocated the use of digital technology and data-driven planning to improve service delivery and ensure resources are directed toward the needs of residents, including vulnerable groups. She emphasized that the true measure of the forum’s success would be the partnerships created and the actions implemented after the discussions.
Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon and Deputy Minister for Agriculture, John Dumelo, also called for stronger collaboration among government, academia, businesses, civil society organizations and residents to advance development within the constituency.
He emphasized that sustainable progress depends on inclusive partnerships that create opportunities for young people, support local businesses and address pressing community needs.
The MP further urged universities and research institutions within the municipality to apply their knowledge, innovation and expertise to solving local development challenges. He also stressed the need for transparency, accountability and open communication to ensure that residents’ views are reflected in local policy decisions.
Mr. Dumelo assured participants of his continued commitment to advocating for the resources, infrastructure and policies needed to unlock the full potential of Ayawaso West Wuogon.
He encouraged residents to remain active participants in the development process, stressing that lasting change can only be achieved when all stakeholders share responsibility for the municipality’s future.
Participants at the forum expressed optimism that the initiative would strengthen cooperation between the Assembly and key stakeholders while creating a platform for practical solutions to challenges confronting the municipality.
The event is expected to serve as a foundation for future partnerships and collaborative projects aimed at promoting inclusive growth, improving public services and enhancing the overall well-being of residents in Ayawaso West.
Story by Osman Issah Abadoo
