The Jaman South Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Siata Watara, has defended the government’s record, citing what she described as “unprecedented” financial inflows, expanded social interventions and accelerated infrastructure delivery.
She credited the administration of President John Dramani Mahama with rapid development in the municipality.
Ms Watara was speaking during the “Accounting to the People” series at Drobo in the Bono Region last Wednesday.
Earlier, she led the Bono Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboa, to inspect some ongoing projects in the area.
Accountable governance
She described the accountability initiative as a deliberate shift towards accountable governance, while using the platform to highlight some projects constructed under the current government.
Ms Watara disclosed that while the Assembly received GH¢1.2 million of the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) in 2024, it had, between April and December 2025 alone, received GH¢9.75 million.
She described the amount as “unprecedented”, adding that the inflows demonstrated the government’s commitment to deepening decentralisation and accelerating development at the local level.
Ms Watara explained that the Assembly had completed some abandoned projects through a newly introduced legacy fund under the DACF.
On security, the MCE commended the government and local leadership for maintaining calm in the municipality despite chieftaincy disputes, announcing the lifting of the curfew as evidence of improved stability.
She urged traditional authorities to sustain dialogue, stressing that peace remained the foundation for development.
Livelihoods intervention
Highlighting pro-poor policies, Ms Watara pointed to the expansion of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme, with beneficiary households increasing and plans underway to enrol 700 more.
She also cited a 25 per cent increase in LEAP grants and improvements in the Ghana School Feeding Programme, including a rise in enrolment and an upward adjustment in feeding grants from GH¢1.50 to GH¢2.00.
“These interventions show a government that is responsive to the needs of the vulnerable,” she said.
Ms Watara said the government’s economic agenda was felt through agriculture and youth employment initiatives, including the distribution of fertilisers, seedlings and 10,000 day-old chicks under the Nkoko Nkitinkiti programme.
The MCE called on stakeholders to set aside differences and support the government policies and programmes.
Mr Addae Akwaboa highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects in the region, particularly the 80-kilometre Jinijini-Sampa Road under the “Big Push” initiative.
He explained that the project, when completed, would ease transportation challenges and enhance security.
Mr Akwaboa said the government would ensure that the local economy thrives through the construction of the 24-hour economy market.
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Source:
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