On Tuesday, 3rd September, 2024, the Eastern Regional Co-ordinating Council in collaboration with the Ministry of Information organized a Townhall Meeting and Exhibitions at the Centre for National Culture, Koforidua.
This was held to bring governance closer to the people and ensure good governance. The event also aimed to promote inclusive governance and provide a significant platform for showcasing government achievements in the region since 2017 to date, as well as to gather feedback and recommendations for future implementation.
The Minister for Information, Hon. Fatimatu Abubakar, in her opening remarks, outlined the importance of the Town Hall Meetings and Exhibitions as part of the government’s broader effort to keep citizens informed on policies and initiatives aimed at improving their livelihoods.
She added that a similar program was held in the Greater Accra region and same would be replicated in all the other regions.
The Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Seth Kwame Acheampong, presented the achievements of H. E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s led government from 2017 to date. He highlighted on both completed and on-going programs and project on health, education, governance, security, roads and economic development.
On roads, Hon. Seth Kwame Acheampong presented a total road network of 7,147.79 kilometres of which 5,555.79 kilometres have been awarded on contract and 1,859.62 kilometres have been completed.
He continued that, completed paved length of Urban Roads as at August 2024 stood at 329.50km.
The Hon. Regional Minister highlighted that enrollment figures at second cycle school keeps increasing due to the Free Senior High School program. Thus, enrollment figures have increased from 127,095 to 196,314 for 2016/2017 and 2023/2024 academic years respectively, representing 54.46% increase.
He added that infrastructure developments in education had soared up with 400 number awarded projects since 2017. Most of these were espansions and rehabilitation works. Under the period, a new STEM school was constructed at Akyem Abomosu and a TVET school at Akyem Anyinam.
Hon. Seth Kwame Acheampong reported that the government has provided 174 health infrastructure projects for the region between 2017 and 2024.
Dr. Alex Ampaabeng, the Deputy Finance Minister, said that the current stable electricity supply was a key element of the government’s efforts to support businesses and enhance the quality of life for all Ghanaians. Dr. Ampaabeng also added that the cedi has stabilized after a series of fluctuations.
Dr. Anthony Nsiah-Asare, the Presidential Advisor on Health, also made a presentation on the status of the Agenda 111 health projects, nationwide.
The event provided participants with the opportunity to engage directly with government officials, including Hon. Fatimatu Abubakar, Hon. Seth Kwame Acheampong, Dr. Alex Ampaabeng and Dr. Anthony Nsiah-Asare.
All the thirty-three Municipal and District Assemblies in the region showcased their socio-economic and physical developments and potentials to the general public, and achievements.
Attendees were able to ask questions about various topics such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development and other relevant issues.