Mr Bless Kodjo Katamani, District Chief Executive (DCE) for Akatsi North, has engaged residents of Ave Dakpa and Agbi in separate town hall meetings to account for development projects undertaken by the District Assembly in 2026.
The meetings were also to present proposed projects and budgetary plans for the 2027 fiscal year.
The meetings, held on October 22 and 23 respectively, formed part of efforts to promote transparency, accountability and citizen participation in local governance.
The engagements provided a platform for the Assembly to brief residents on completed and ongoing projects, proposed development interventions and plans to address the district’s priority needs in the coming year.
Addressing participants, Mr Katamani outlined projects and interventions across key sectors, including education, health, roads, agriculture and infrastructure, and reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to improving living standards and accelerating development in the district.
He explained that the meetings were intended to keep residents informed about the Assembly’s activities while providing them with the opportunity to contribute to discussions on development priorities for 2027.
Mr Katamani identified the District Assemblies Common Fund as a major source of financing for development projects, noting that allocations under the administration of President John Dramani Mahama had exceeded those received under previous governments.
He stressed the need for prudent and effective utilisation of available resources to deliver tangible development outcomes and improve the welfare of residents.
Beyond the Common Fund, he identified Internally Generated Funds (IGF) and support from non-governmental organisations (NGOs) as additional sources of revenue and assistance for the Assembly.
Mr Katamani said the Assembly would continue to explore opportunities to mobilise additional resources to meet the district’s growing development needs.
He noted that the town hall meetings were also intended to account for public funds received and expended by the Assembly and to demonstrate its commitment to transparency and responsible resource management.
The meetings brought together traditional and religious leaders, residents and other stakeholders to deliberate on development priorities, resource mobilisation and the effective delivery of public services.
Togbui Nyamekor Glakpe V, Paramount Chief and President of the Ave Dakpa Traditional Council, welcomed the initiative and called for the meetings to become a regular feature of engagement between the Assembly and residents.
He urged the Assembly to intensify efforts to generate more internal revenue to finance development projects and reduce dependence on external sources of funding.
The town hall meetings form part of the Assembly’s efforts to deepen participatory governance by providing residents with information on public expenditure and creating opportunities for them to influence development planning.
The engagements are expected to strengthen public confidence in the Assembly, promote citizen involvement, and ensure that development plans for the 2027 fiscal year reflect the needs and aspirations of the people of Akatsi North.