Awutu-senya: The Awutu-Senya West District Assembly announced a collection of GHS758,861.65 by the end of March 2026, representing 27.27 percent of the projected GHS2,782,425.39 internally generated fund (IGF) for the year 2026.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Nyamekye Kalala Eghan, the District Chief Executive, highlighted that land and concessions were the key contributors, bringing in GHS287,233.85, which accounted for 72.68% of its specific budget. Fines also surpassed expectations with a collection of GHS11,176.80, equating to 178.8 percent against a budget of GHS6,250. However, Mr. Eghan stressed the need for continued efforts to sensitize community members on fulfilling their tax obligations to supplement external funds for development.
Mr. Eghan elaborated that the first quarter typically presents challenges as bills are prepared and distributed. This year's performance is a continuation of efforts from the previous year. However, he acknowledged lower-than-expected returns in rates and licenses, which necessitate a more proactive revenue mobilization approach in future quarters.
On external funding, Mr. Eghan reported that the Assembly received GHS3,574,259.41 in actual transfers from the Government of Ghana against a budget of GHS8,357,113.47. The District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) had a budget of GHS33,698,000.31. Remarkably, the last tranche of 2025 funds, amounting to GHS5,137,234.13, was received in April, totaling GHS16,765,973.13, an unprecedented figure for the district.
In terms of expenditure, the quarter saw a total outlay of GHS5,848,143.13, which included GHS3,401,094.31 for compensation and GHS1,470,313 for non-financial assets. On agriculture and rural development, Mr. Eghan emphasized transforming agriculture from a subsistence activity to a business enterprise.
The District Health Directorate has been active in expanding health services, handing over a Reproductive and Child Health Unit to the Papaase Community Health Planning and Services compound. The directorate also donated equipment to the Akrampa CHPS compound and launched a four-year strategic plan to improve healthcare delivery.
Addressing education, Mr. Eghan noted that 4,374 candidates participated in district examinations across 13 centers. Investment in education continues with the provision of modern facilities. A recent incident involving students was resolved, and preventative measures are being considered.
Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya West, Madam Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui, distributed 4,374 mathematical sets to BECE candidates and partnered in a training workshop for teachers on integrating AI into teaching strategies.
During the LEAP validation exercise, 1,506 households were reassessed across 89 communities. The district is among ten selected to benefit from a new programme linked to LEAP aimed at reducing early marriages and pregnancies among adolescent girls.
Mr. Eghan expressed optimism for improved fund releases to support planned programmes and urged collaboration among staff, assembly members, traditional leaders, and citizens to build a desirable Awutu Senya.
Source: Ghana News Agency