Traditional leaders in the Wa West District are actively campaigning for the district’s upgrade to municipal status, citing potential revenue increases, as the district assembly reports significant infrastructural advancements and addresses escalating road safety and security issues. The push for this elevation was a key topic at the recent ordinary meeting of the Wa West District Assembly held in Wechiau.
Push for Municipal Status
Paramount Chief of the Dorimon traditional area, Naa Alhaji Seidu Tungbani Salinbile II, urged the District Chief Executive (DCE) to intensify efforts towards achieving municipal status. He emphasized that this upgrade is crucial for increasing the district’s financial resources.
“I wish to appeal to the DCE not to relax on this matter. They should see the Regional Minister and the MP so that they can work on it very fast. If we get municipal status, that will be more money for the District Assembly,” Naa Salinbile stated.
Naa Salinbile II also stressed the importance of involving traditional authorities in major district initiatives to ensure equitable development. He further reminded the assembly to prioritize the payment of outstanding allowances for divisional chiefs, using the district’s Internally Generated Funds (IGF).
Infrastructure and Development Strides
District Chief Executive Richard Wullo highlighted the assembly’s significant progress in local infrastructure development. He reported the completion and ongoing construction of numerous educational facilities across the district.
Additionally, the Wechiau Community Day Senior High School has been officially integrated into a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution, enhancing educational opportunities.
Investment in essential services has also been a focus, with 35 boreholes successfully provided in the first quarter of the year. This initiative was supported by the Member of Parliament, Peter Toobu, and various private organizations.
The assembly has also made strides in supporting vulnerable populations, disbursing GHC 212,000 to 66 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to aid their livelihoods.
Road Safety and Security Challenges
Addressing the growing concerns over road safety, DCE Richard Wullo appealed to community members to refrain from constructing illegal speed humps. He urged motorists to adhere to speed limits within communities to prevent accidents and protect lives and property.
However, the Wa West District Commander, ASP Seth Osei, presented a different perspective from a security standpoint. He requested the assembly to install standardized, authorized speed ramps.
ASP Osei explained that these official speed control measures are vital for police operations, enabling them to effectively check commuters and combat highway robberies. He noted that unauthorized humps can damage vehicles and hinder law enforcement efforts.
The district has seen a low incidence of crime, with only two robbery cases reported since the beginning of the year. ASP Osei attributed this to increased police visibility and proactive measures.
“Our officers are deployed to check commuters and ensure nobody can carry out any nefarious acts,” ASP Osei stated. He also highlighted the urgent need for improved telecommunication networks in remote areas to facilitate quicker police response times.
Looking Ahead
The dual focus on achieving municipal status and enhancing infrastructure, while simultaneously tackling complex road safety and security issues, sets the stage for future development in Wa West. The effectiveness of the assembly’s strategies for revenue generation and crime prevention, alongside the collaboration between traditional authorities and the district administration, will be critical in shaping the district’s trajectory. Observers will be watching to see how these competing priorities are balanced and what impact the potential municipal status will have on the district’s resources and overall governance.
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