The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Afigya Kwabre South in the Ashanti Region, Patricia Pearl Ankrah, has announced the assembly’s plans to establish a scholarship scheme to support brilliant needy students within her district.
The initiative, aimed at learners at the tertiary level, seeks to alleviate the financial burden on parents while promoting equitable access to quality education for all students, regardless of their backgrounds.
Ms Ankrah, who is the first female DCE for the area, said the scheme would go a long way toward bridging the financial gap that stands in the way of many students who are academically good yet lack the financial wherewithal to take their education to the highest levels.
The DCE gave this assurance during her maiden press briefing at Kodie, the district capital. She said her encounter formed part of President Mahama’s “resetting agenda,” which aims to deepen citizen participation and accountability in governance.
She used the platform to highlight key developmental projects undertaken within her first seven months in office, after her confirmation on May 15, 2025, following her nomination by the President.
Since assuming office, she has hit the ground running by rolling out interventions across critical sectors of the local economy.
Addressing the media, the DCE said her administration had prioritised inclusive development, with projects spanning education, health, agriculture, road, electricification, security, water and sanitation.
She noted that her first few weeks in office were dedicated to extensive stakeholder engagement with traditional authorities, opinion leaders, and community members to gather first-hand information on the district’s challenges and development opportunities.
The engagement, according to the DCE, has helped them identify pressing needs and align with their development agenda, reflecting the real concerns of the people.
Ms Ankrah said that several roads within the district had been reshaped using equipment from the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), improving accessibility for residents, farmers and traders.
Aside from road maintenance, the DCE had also cut the sod for the construction of a two-unit KG block at Kyerase, a three-unit classroom block at Dumakyi, a six-unit classroom block at Wawaase Akwaasu, a health centre at Ntiribuoho, a 20-seater toilet facility at Heman and a CHPS compound at Ntiribuoho.
On the challenges facing the assembly, she cited the lack of electricity extension in certain communities, poor road networks in some areas and unresolved boundary disputes with adjoining districts.
Ms Ankrah raised concerns about the activities of quarry companies, particularly the blasting of stones, which she said had been inconveniencing residents and affecting their health and safety.
Major challenge
Another major challenge, she noted, which was negatively impacting the assembly’s revenue mobilisation effort was the unwillingness of residents to honour their tax obligation and revealed the plans for intensive public education to sensitise residents to the importance of paying taxes to support development.
Upcoming projects, the DCE said, include construction of major roads, health centres and classroom blocks; the setting up of a scholarship scheme for brilliant needy students within the district; legacy projects and the establishment of a 24-hour economy market at Abuaboagy.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh