The Obuasi Municipal Assembly has secured a US$50,000 climate action grant, while the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Faustilove Appiah Kannin, has unveiled a bold development agenda to create jobs, improve infrastructure, and transform the municipality into a more resilient and sustainable urban centre.
The MCE made this known when she delivered her Sessional Address at the First Ordinary Meeting of the Third Session of the Eighth Assembly held at the Old Assembly Conference Hall, last Tuesday.
The MCE reported a strong performance in Internally Generated Funds (IGF), with the Assembly achieving 92.76 per cent of its 2025 target. Out of an estimated GH¢16.51 million, the Assembly mobilised GH¢15.31 million.
She attributed the performance to improved revenue mobilisation strategies and urged closer collaboration with Zonal Councils to surpass future targets. External revenue inflows also improved significantly, with the Assembly receiving over GH¢43.6 million from statutory and donor sources, including the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) and other development partners.
Appiah Kannin disclosed that several key infrastructure projects are ongoing across the municipality. These include a two-storey 800-seater auditorium at the Obuasi Recreational Centre, a three-storey commercial complex with 51 lockable stores, classroom blocks, health facilities, and staff accommodation projects.
She noted that despite funding challenges affecting the pace of some projects, the Assembly remains committed to ensuring their completion to improve service delivery and stimulate local economic activity.
A key highlight of the address was the announcement that Obuasi has been awarded a US$50,000 grant under the Youth Climate Action Fund.
The grant will support initiatives targeting young people between the ages of 14 and 24, focusing on environmental awareness creation, climate resilience education, youth capacity building, and sustainable environmental practices.
According to the MCE, the initiative forms part of efforts to strengthen climate adaptation strategies while creating opportunities for youth participation in environmental governance.
The MCE further announced Obuasi’s inclusion in the Ghana Smart Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Cities Programme, aimed at transforming selected secondary cities into smart, inclusive, and resilient urban centres.
As part of the programme, 15 young officers have been trained to collect socio-economic and spatial data to support evidence-based planning. She added that the municipality is currently preparing its first Voluntary Local Review (VLR) report on the Sustainable Development Goals, which will position Obuasi on the global development stage.
Madam Faustilove also outlined the Obuasi Green Agriculture and Youth Employment Initiative (OGAYEI), a flagship programme designed to promote modern agriculture and create sustainable jobs for young people.
A funding proposal has already been submitted to the Ghana EXIM Bank for consideration. The initiative will focus on agribusiness development, climate-smart agriculture, value addition, and youth training in modern farming practices.
On security, the MCE noted that the municipality remains generally peaceful, with security agencies continuing efforts to maintain law and order. She commended the Police Service and Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) for their interventions in addressing armed robbery, illegal mining activities, and other security concerns.
The MCE expressed concern over rising cases of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes, calling for intensified public education and preventive healthcare measures.
She also urged residents to take advantage of HIV testing services and self-testing kits, noting that early detection remains critical in controlling the spread of the virus within the municipality.
Touching on sanitation, Appiah Kannin acknowledged persistent challenges such as waste disposal inefficiencies and drainage issues. She outlined plans to expand waste management services, promote waste segregation, and strengthen sanitation enforcement.
She further disclosed that litter bins have been procured for installation at strategic locations across the municipality to improve environmental cleanliness and promote responsible waste disposal practices.
The MCE highlighted ongoing education infrastructure projects funded by the Assembly, AngloGold Ashanti, and the AngloGold Ashanti Trust Fund.
In agriculture, she noted interventions under the Community Farming Support Project and Climate-Resilient Oil Palm Project, as well as the distribution of 7,291 broilers to 271 farmers under the government’s Nkoko Nketenkete Programme.
Madam Faustilove reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to inclusive governance and stakeholder engagement, emphasising continuous consultation through community durbars, town hall meetings, and media engagement.
She expressed appreciation to Assembly Members and stakeholders for their support and called for sustained cooperation to achieve the municipality’s development objectives.
“The progress we seek can only be achieved through unity of purpose and collective effort,” she stated.
The two-day Assembly meeting brought together Assembly Members, department heads, traditional leaders, and key stakeholders to deliberate on development priorities for the municipality.
Ernest Offen, ISD Obuasi
