The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Sunyani, Vincent Antwi Agyei, has announced plans to complete six key infrastructural projects within eight months as part of efforts to accelerate socio-economic development under President John Dramani Mahama’s new administration.
Mr. Agyei disclosed that the Sunyani Municipal Assembly is currently finalizing the tender processes for the projects, pending approval from the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC).
“We are almost through with the tender process. As you know, any project beyond GH₵500,000 must receive regional approval. We have completed tender openings and evaluations and forwarded all documents to the RCC. Once approval is granted, we will cut sod for all six projects and expect them to be completed within eight months,” he stated.
The MCE revealed that three of the projects will focus on educational infrastructure, including a three-unit classroom block at Yaa Nyamere, a kindergarten block at Tanaano, and another classroom project at Asufufu. In addition, a health centre is under construction at Baaku ne Aba, with another planned for Kosuame Number 2 to improve access to healthcare in rural areas.
Mr. Agyei further announced that the Assembly has initiated 15 water projects — 10 of which are mechanized boreholes, while the rest are hand-pump systems designed for off-grid communities.
“These are targeted at communities without access to the national electricity grid. In such areas, hand pumps are more sustainable and effective,” he explained.
The MCE disclosed that the municipality has so far received GH₵7 million under the District Assemblies Common Fund — GH₵2.8 million in the first quarter and GH₵4.7 million in the second, which are being directed toward priority projects in line with national guidelines.
Touching on roads, he said the Assembly has begun reshaping works using a drip machine, including the Sunyani–Baako ne Aba road, which is being prepared for asphalting. He added that additional feeder roads will also receive attention to improve transportation and economic activity.
Mr. Agyei also highlighted ongoing collaborations with the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) to support women and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), while discussions are underway with the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) to facilitate access to credit for smallholder farmers.
“We are exploring ways to help farmers secure group loans with some form of guarantee or collateral since many are small-scale producers. This will boost productivity and enhance the overall agricultural value chain,” he said.
The MCE identified poor roads and limited financial access as key challenges facing the municipality, but assured that the Assembly is working with development partners to address these constraints.
Outlining his long-term vision, Mr. Agyei said he aims to become the first MCE to use Internally Generated Funds (IGF) to undertake major development projects.
“We have streamlined expenditures to free up resources for IGF-driven projects. Two mechanized water systems have already been completed at Atronie and Awotwiman,” he revealed.
He further hinted at plans to establish a modern recreational centre in Sunyani through a public-private partnership, noting that the city currently lacks such a facility.
“Sunyani lacks a proper recreational facility. We are engaging private investors to develop one on available public lands. When I leave office, I want to be remembered for landmark projects that will transform the face of the municipality,” he emphasized.
Background: Sunyani Municipality
Sunyani, the capital of the Bono Region, has a population of about 220,000, with an estimated 35–40 percent engaged in farming. The municipality comprises over 120 communities, many of which depend on agriculture and small-scale enterprises as their main source of livelihood.
By: Addo Dennis Adjei
Read also…
Click on the link to join the OnlineTimesGH News channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for
YOU: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VajF89Q6WaKprDT5mu2V
About The Author
