Hon. Dr. Othniel Ekow Kwainoe Pays Working Visit to Ekumfi District Assembly

Ekumfi MP, Hon. Dr. Ekow Kwainoe in a group photograph with staff of Ekumfi District Assembly 

As part of his familiarisation and working tour within the Ekumfi Constituency, the Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Hon. Dr. Othniel Ekow Kwainoe, has paid an official visit to the Ekumfi District Assembly. The visit on Monday, February 3, 2025, aimed to foster stronger collaboration between the MP’s office and the Assembly to promote development across the district.

Hon. Dr. Ekow Kwainoe

During a meeting with the management and entire staff, Hon. Dr. Kwainoe expressed worry about the performance of the district which found its way in the Public Accounts Committee hearing. He emphasised his commitment to a collaborative approach in addressing the challenges of the district. 

He underscored that his mandate comes from the people, and his success is tied directly to meeting their expectations. “I’m here because of my people, because they gave me authority and power to do their work. They expect nothing but the best from me, so if I fail, I will lose my seat. I come with a lot of fire because I must deliver on the promises I made during my campaigns,” he stated.

The Parliamentarian stressed the urgent need for change, highlighting that, repeating the same approaches would not yield different results. “For that change to happen, we must be ready to be agents of change,” he added, urging staff to enhance accountability, innovation, and a results-driven mindset.

Hon. Ekow Kwainoe requested an inventory of all uncompleted projects in the district as well as their action plan, emphasising the need to track progress and ensure accountability.

Mr. Osei Yeboah, Coordinating Director, Ekumfi District Assembly

Mr. Douglas Osei Yeboah, the District Coordinating Director, commended Dr. Kwainoe on his move to ensuring a collaborative progress for the district. He called for cooperation with the assembly to fight for the establishment of a Fire Service station to improve emergency response capabilities, Immigration Service post to enhance security within the district. Other key areas of focus included harnessing the district’s tourism potential for economic growth, boosting local commerce and supporting traders by constructing a market complex, streamlining legal matters, especially land-related issues and ensuring innovative revenue generation regime.

He requested the MP to present his schedule on the disbursement of his common fund so as to enable the assembly have a comprehensive budgetary allocation for the district.

Hon. Dr. Othniel Ekow Kwainoe called for unity and hardwork assuring staff of his open-door policy, encouraging them to share ideas and suggestions freely. “Don’t see yourself as too small because wisdom cometh from areas that we don’t even expect,” he said, stressing the importance of teamwork in achieving the district’s developmental goals.

A section of Ekumfi District Assembly Staff at the meeting

Assembly staff raised concerns about poverty, with only 3% of budget allocations reaching the district, significantly limiting development efforts. 

Sanitation was also identified as a major issue, largely attributed to behavioural factors. The MP urged the Assembly to intensify public education campaigns while enforcing sanitation regulations. 

Calls we made to establish a dedicated land desk to manage development-related land issues and prevent litigation. The suggestion also included earmarking lands for specific purposes to attract investors.

On revenue generation, Dr. Kwainoe encouraged the Assembly to adopt innovative strategies, leveraging data and best practices to boost internally generated funds. “I am very hands-on. I’ll be checking, looking, and asking questions because I believe that’s how progress is made,” he remarked.

Mr. Zibrim

Mr. Safianu Zibrim, the Budget Analyst, appealed to the MP to look beyond his Common Fund allocations and actively seek additional support from the Common Fund Secretariat to finance key projects in the district.

As the district awaits the nomination of a District Chief Executive, Dr. Kwainoe emphasised that, whoever is appointed must align with the collective vision for Ekumfi’s growth. “My minister has made it clear that, the DCE is coming to work for the government and with the MP. Therefore, it’s my duty to ensure that whoever becomes the DCE aligns with the vision we have for the whole of Ekumfi.”

Hon. Ekow Kwainoe concluded with a passionate appeal; “Help me so that we can all build Ekumfi and this District Assembly together. I’m sure that when things get better, it will benefit all of us.”

By: Yusuf Ibrahim Dadzie

Ekumfi MP Sympathises with Affected Traders of the Kantamanto fire Outbreak

Dr. Kwainoe meets affected Kantamanto fire outbreak

Two days into the New Year, an inferno ravaged the largest secondhand clothing market in Ghana, Kantamanto, destroying hundreds of stalls and property. The tragedy has drawn widespread support with many personalities stepping forward to sympathise, offer compensation, and encourage the affected traders.

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Ekumfi, Hon. Dr. Othniel Ekow Kwainoe, joined this effort, addressing a section of affected traders from his constituency who rely on the Kantamanto market for their livelihoods. Describing the incident as unfortunate, the Legislator lamented that, it occurred during what should have been a period of celebration for the new year and the victory of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2024 general elections. He expressed his deepest sympathy to the traders and assured them of his support in helping them recover. 

In his address, Dr. Kwainoe pledged to provide assistance through his office to enable the traders bounce back to business. He also promised to advocate for government intervention to support the affected individuals. 

His visit and commitment to the affected traders reflect his dedication to standing with his constituents in times of need, offering them hope and a path forward.

By: Yusuf Ibrahim Dadzie