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Report by Joseph Nana Yaw Cobbina
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Bosomtwe in the Ashanti Region, Hon. Engr. Abdullah Hamidu, has reaffirmed his commitment to transforming the district into a municipality, pledging to tackle unemployment, improve security, and unlock the area’s tourism potential.
Speaking in an engagement with stakeholders, the DCE said Bosomtwe already has the population size and economic prospects of a municipality but continues to struggle with limited resources.
“In acknowledging the new directive to transfer about 80 percent of funds to the Assemblies—an unprecedented step—he noted that the district’s size and population place demands more typical of a municipality. Unfortunately, that makes the allocations we receive from the District Assembly Common Fund inadequate to support the level of development required. “We are a district in name, but in reality we function like a municipality,” he lamented, adding that the limited resources make meaningful progress difficult.
Hon. Hamidu described Bosomtwe as one of the poorest districts in the country, with nearly 80% of residents living in deprivation. He stressed that despite the challenges, agriculture, cultural heritage, and tourism offered enormous potential if backed by stronger investment and policy support.
Health and Security Concerns
On health care, the MCE revealed that a regional hospital in the district was yet to be operationalized, though engagements with the Minister of Health were far advanced to make it functional in the shortest possible time.
He further highlighted security as a major inherited challenge, pointing out that four police stations in the district remain non-operational. With limited active personnel, he has petitioned both the Interior and Regional Ministers for urgent reinforcement.
“Our district lies on a critical route linking Cape Coast, Takoradi, and Japa, which has recorded robbery incidents in recent times. For now, the Formed Police Unit has been deployed, but we urgently need more men to strengthen long-term security and investor confidence,” he stated.
Tackling Unemployment
Hon. Hamidu also underscored unemployment as a pressing concern. He announced plans to introduce skills development programmes and provide financial support to empower the youth to become self-reliant.
“We are lobbying industries and factories to establish here, given the vast lands available. That way, the youth can be absorbed into meaningful employment,” he explained.
Partnership with Traditional Authorities
The MCE emphasized the importance of traditional leaders in governance, expressing his determination to bridge the gap between political and traditional leadership.
“Growing up, traditional leaders were the most respected authorities. Today, their influence seems to have declined. I have engaged several of them and incorporated their insights into governance. They remain critical partners in development,” he said.
Addressing Illegal Mining
On illegal mining, Hon. Hamidu disclosed that some sites had operated for close to two decades. His administration, he said, had already seized machinery and halted certain operations. Moving forward, his focus is on ensuring proper documentation for legitimate miners while restoring abandoned pits for agricultural use.
Bold steps are being taken: we are pursuing those behind unregulated mining, closing down illegal sites, and reclaiming the land for productive use,” he stressed.
Unlocking Tourism Potential
Since assuming office two months ago, Hon. Halidu has toured several communities along the Bosomtwe lake enclave, which he described as a major tourism asset. He revealed that discussions were underway with hospitality investors, NGOs, and private partners to develop attractions such as a canopy walkway, modern hotels, and recreational facilities.
“With the right investments, we can transform the lake enclave into a vibrant tourism hub, create jobs, and boost the local economy,” he assured.
Hon. Hamidu concluded by pledging to work tirelessly to elevate Bosomtwe’s status and improve living conditions for residents.
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