info@businessghana.com
The Policy Advisor for Political Affairs at the Office of the Vice-Presiddent, Dr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, has engaged heads of key state institutions in the Central Region to discuss ways of deepening collaboration for the region’s development.
The meeting, held at the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), brought together heads of the Ghana Police Service, Ghana National Fire Service, officers of the RCC, the Ghana Revenue Authority and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), among other agencies.
Dr Ofosu Ampofo urged the RCC and the Regional Security Council (RECSEC) to work closely in addressing the region’s challenges, especially development and security.
“This is especially important because we live in an uncertain world. Today, there may be peace, but tomorrow, challenges can arise. When such challenges come, the RCC and REGSEC must be proactive in addressing them,” he said.
Dr Ofosu Ampofo said festivals such as the Oguaa Fetu Afahye played a vital role in strengthening cultural identity and unity among the people.
He emphasised that the country had a decentralised system that required regional leaders to take full responsibility for driving progress in their areas.
“Nobody will come from outside to run your region or your district for you. Once you are appointed as a Regional Minister, the expectation is that you will implement the vision of His
Excellency the President, who has entrusted you with that responsibility,” the Vice-President’s Advisor, who has risen through the political ranks to hold multiple national portfolios, said.
Dr Ofosu Ampofo commended the presence of heads of departments and urged all technical officers to use their expertise to guide political appointees.
“Political appointees may come into the region, but it is often the REGSEC members who provide the situational reports and direction to help them navigate effectively,” he said.
Dr Ofosu Ampofo expressed optimism that the collaborative spirit in the region would help fulfil the development agenda of President John Dramani Mahama, describing him as a hardworking leader dedicated to the welfare of Ghanaians.
Touching on infrastructure, Dr Ofosu Ampofo said President Mahama remained passionate about addressing road challenges.
“His Excellency is very passionate about roads, which is why he introduced the ‘Big Push’ agenda. Only three days ago, he was at the Ofankor-Nsawam Road project site, demonstrating his commitment,” he added.
He stated that the concerns raised by the Central Regional Minister about poor road networks, particularly between Accra and Cape Coast, would be passed on to the sector minister for urgent attention.
He urged the people to focus on celebrating their heritage.
“Today is a day of festivity. Let us all go and support Osabarimba and the people of Oguaa to ensure a successful festival,” he concluded.
The Central Regional Minister, Eduamoah Ekow Panyin Okyere, who opened the discussions by apprising the Vice-President’s delegation of issues in the region, appealed to the government and private investors to consider establishing more industries in the Central Region instead of concentrating them in Accra.
He also stated that the Central Region was home to some of the best schools in the country and encouraged the youth to explore technical and vocational skills for self-reliance.
Mr Okyere urged the departmental heads to work diligently for the progress of the region.
The minister insisted that the region must not be described as one of the poorest, as reported in the past, but rather positioned as a hub of development.
On national politics, he expressed optimism that the second coming of President Mahama should usher in a renewed phase of inclusive development, particularly for the Central Region.
Dr Ofosu-Ampofo, on behalf of the Vice-President, led a delegation to the Central Region to pay a courtesy call on the Omanhene of the Oguaa Traditional Area at the Emintsimadze Palace.
