On 28th June 2024, the Asutifi North District Assembly held its Executive Committee meeting at the District Assembly Hall. The District Chief Executive (DCE) chaired the meeting attended by the District Coordinating Director, heads of departments, unit committee members, and other key stakeholders. The Executive Committee meeting serves as a platform for discussing critical issues affecting the district, reviewing progress on ongoing projects, and making strategic decisions to guide the Assembly’s operations.
The agenda for the meeting included discussions on-budget performance, updates on key projects, departmental reports, and deliberations on strategies to enhance service delivery and local governance in the district.
Heads of departments, including Education, Health, Agriculture, Social Welfare, and Sanitation, presented their reports, outlining their achievements, ongoing activities, and challenges. Key highlights from the departmental reports included:
Social Services: reported on efforts to improve school attendance and performance, including the distribution of learning materials and the organization of teacher training workshops. The Health Department reported on the implementation of health outreach programs, immunization campaigns, and the status of health facilities. Concerns were raised about the shortage of medical supplies and staff in some clinics.
The Agriculture Department discussed initiatives to support farmers, including training on modern farming techniques, distribution of improved seeds, and access to agricultural extension services. The department highlighted the need for more resources to reach a wider number of farmers.
The District Finance Officer presented a comprehensive report on the assembly’s financial performance for the first half 2024. The report highlighted the achievements in revenue mobilization, including internally generated funds (IGF) and grants from central government and donor agencies.
The Finance Officer noted that while revenue collection was generally on track, certain revenue streams, such as property rates and market tolls, were underperforming. The Committee discussed strategies to enhance revenue collection, including strengthening enforcement measures, improving public awareness, and exploring new revenue sources. Expenditure was reviewed against the budget, with an emphasis on ensuring that spending aligns with the district’s priorities. The Committee urged departments to adhere to budgetary controls and avoid unauthorized expenditures.
The newly established revenue task force should work closely with the Finance Department to implement strategies that enhance revenue collection and reduce leakages.
The District Planning Officer provided an update on the status of key projects, including road rehabilitation, school construction, health facility upgrades, and water and sanitation projects. It was noted that while several projects were progressing well, some faced delays due to funding constraints, contractor issues, and logistical challenges.
The Committee emphasized the need for close monitoring of contractors and regular progress reporting to ensure that projects are completed on schedule and within budget. The DCE instructed the Works Department to intensify supervision and address any bottlenecks promptly. The assembly should adopt more stringent project management practices, including regular progress reviews, contractor performance evaluations, and proactive problem-solving.
Improved coordination between departments will be essential for addressing cross-cutting issues and optimizing resource use. Continued investment in capacity building for assembly staff and community representatives will be critical for improving governance and service delivery.
The Executive Committee meeting of 28th June 2024 was a productive session that allowed the Asutifi North District Assembly to review its progress, address challenges, and make strategic decisions to guide its operations. The resolutions adopted during the meeting are expected to enhance the assembly’s effectiveness in delivering services and addressing the needs of the community.
As the assembly moves forward, it will be crucial to maintain a focus on enhancing revenue mobilization, improving project implementation, and fostering stronger community engagement. By working collaboratively and strategically, the Asutifi North District Assembly can continue to drive positive development outcomes for the district and its residents.0