Lower Manya Krobo Assembly unveils major devt projects with GH¢7.2m DACF allocation

Correspondence from Eastern Region

The Lower Manya Krobo Municipal Assembly in the Eastern region has outlined an ambitious slate of development projects in education, health, infrastructure, and sanitation after receiving GH¢7.2 million from the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) for the first and second quarters of 2025.

At the 2nd Ordinary Meeting of the 2nd Session of the 8th Assembly held on Thursday, October 2, 2025, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), John Atter Matey, presented a detailed account of funds received and ongoing initiatives across the municipality. He emphasised transparency, prudent resource use, and community participation as key drivers of local development.

DACF Allocations and Projects

According to the MCE, the Assembly received GH¢2,363,252.64 in the first quarter and GH¢4,856,637.30 in the second quarter, totalling GH¢7,219,889.94 for the year.

These funds are being channelled into several critical projects. Among them are the drilling and mechanisation of five boreholes with solar panels at Tsledorm, Oborpah Gyekiti, Gortsonya, Abotia, and Narhkope to improve access to potable water. In education, the Assembly has advertised contracts for the construction of a two-unit kindergarten block at Kpong Quarters RC and a three-unit classroom block with a computer laboratory, office, and staff common room at Agormanya RC.

John Atter Matey further revealed that two Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds are earmarked for construction at Amedeka and Patehunya, while procurement processes are being initiated to supply furniture to kindergarten, primary, and senior high schools across the municipality.

Internally Generated Funds and Development Control

On revenue mobilisation, the Assembly budgeted GH¢2,725,746.00 for Internally Generated Funds (IGF) in 2025. By the end of August, it had mobilised GH¢1,035,862.74, representing 38 percent of the target. The MCE assured stakeholders that measures were being put in place to improve IGF collection, to exceed the year’s target.

He noted that the Assembly had intensified development control measures, including allocating an additional vehicle to the Physical Planning and Works Departments to enhance the collection of building permits for both permanent and temporary structures.

Resolution of VRA Property Rate Dispute

A significant breakthrough was also announced regarding a long-standing dispute with the Volta River Authority (VRA) over property rate payments. The MCE explained that the matter stemmed from a boundary dispute between Lower Manya Krobo and Shai-Osudoku Municipalities.

Following intervention by the Technical Committee of the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, the issue has been resolved, affirming that Akuse and Amedeka fall within Lower Manya Krobo. Consequently, the VRA will begin paying all applicable property rates to the Assembly starting January 1, 2025.

Legacy Projects and Infrastructure

Highlighting legacy projects, the MCE said that 20 percent of the DACF allocation has been dedicated to renovating official residences and Assembly facilities. Renovation works are underway at the official residences of the MCE, the Municipal Coordinating Director, and the Municipal Finance Officer, as well as the Assembly buildings, including the old Assembly block.

He also disclosed that a culvert under construction at Salosi was nearing completion, with progress estimated at 80 percent.

Sanitation Initiatives

Turning to sanitation, John Atter Matey reaffirmed the importance of the recently launched National Sanitation Day, describing it as a key performance indicator for Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs). The next clean-up exercise is scheduled for Saturday, October 4, 2025, in Odumase as part of preparations for the Ngmayem Festival.

Fifty Zoomlion sanitation workers have been deployed to keep Odumase and the surrounding areas clean throughout October. The MCE appealed to Assembly Members to mobilise their communities to participate actively in the exercise.

Accountability and Oversight

The Assembly Chief also disclosed that the Assembly was recently invited by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Local Government to respond to queries raised in the 2024 Internal Audit Report. Issues discussed included cash handling, procurement practices, DACF releases, and IGF mobilisation.

He assured the Assembly that corrective measures were being taken to prevent a recurrence of the challenges identified.

Security Infrastructure

On security, the MCE announced that the Krobo block had been elevated to a Divisional Police Command, with its headquarters located at Odumase. In collaboration with the Manya Krobo Traditional Council, the Assembly has designated the former nursing college at Lassi as the Divisional Command Office.

Renovation works are underway, and the facility is expected to be commissioned by the Inspector General of Police in the coming weeks.

Conclusion

The MCE concluded his address with a call for unity, participation, and accountability in governance. “We are committed to ensuring that resources are used prudently to bring about the development that we all desire. With your support, we will continue to transform Lower Manya Krobo into a model municipality,” he said.