Government’s Significant Development Efforts in Central Region Highlighted by Regional Minister

Cape coast: Mrs. Justina Marigold Assan, the Central Regional Minister, has highlighted the significant strides made by the government in the Central Region over the past seven years. During a speech at the Central Regional Townhall Meeting and Exhibition, Mrs. Assan detailed the government's efforts and accomplishments, advocating for the re-election of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the forthcoming elections to ensure continued development in the region. According to Ghana News Agency, Mrs. Assan emphasized the government's commitment to the Central Region, pointing out the various sectors that have benefitted from government projects and interventions since 2017. She noted that the government had been particularly supportive in areas such as education, tourism, health, water and sanitation, security, and agriculture, along with road infrastructure. The Central Regional Townhall Meetings and Exhibitions serve as a platform provided by the Ministry of Information for regional and sector ministers to acco unt for their stewardship and highlight government projects. Mrs. Assan remarked that the region had seen the completion of 350 infrastructural projects in schools since 2017, including 222 projects at the basic level and 128 at the secondary level. Additionally, the government has facilitated the distribution of 455 laptops and 34 buses across various schools and has ensured that the Regional Director of Education and all district directors are equipped with vehicles to enhance their operations. Highlighting the impact of the government's Free Senior High School (SHS) education policy, Mrs. Assan mentioned a significant increase in SHS enrolment from 20,300 in 2016 to 53,980 in 2023. She also pointed to a rise in TVET enrolment, which she credited with reducing teenage pregnancy and equipping the youth with practical skills for the future. In the health sector, the Regional Minister outlined several projects, including the expansion of the accident and emergency unit and the establishment of an infectious disease center at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital. She also mentioned that eight of the Agenda 111 hospital projects are in various stages of completion in the region, and the area now boasts 23 ambulances, a significant improvement from the two available before 2017. Addressing infrastructure, Mrs. Assan clarified that the ongoing 30-kilometre road dualisation project was a government initiative, countering speculation that it was being undertaken by ECOWAS. She expressed optimism that the project would enhance investment opportunities and boost tourism in the region. In agriculture, the Regional Minister highlighted the enhanced rice production and the success of the Planting for Food and Jobs policy, which has registered and supported more than 21,000 farmers in the region. She also noted that the region is home to 24 factories under the One District One Factory Project, with 11 completed and 13 in progress.