The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Kassena-Nankana West, Hon. Stephen Aeke Akurugu, has reaffirmed his strong commitment to advancing the development agenda of President John Dramani Mahama in the District.
Speaking to members of the Parliamentary Press Corps after appearing before Parliament’s Sub-Committee on Local Government on Friday, October 10, 2025, Hon. Akurugu said his administration is focusing on improving security, sanitation, education, and road infrastructure as part of efforts to accelerate local development under the President’s Resetting Ghana Agenda.
“Almost all the key development areas of security, sanitation, education, and roads are being tackled. As a border district close to Burkina Faso and other Sahelian countries, security is our top priority. We are working closely with security agencies to ensure peace and stability, because without peace, development cannot thrive,” he emphasized.
Touching on sanitation, Hon. Akurugu noted that the district had already undertaken two major clean-up exercises, one in Paga, the district capital, and another at the Kandega Market, with a third scheduled for Katiu-Chiana.
“The President has declared a national campaign to keep our communities clean, and we are fully supporting it. A filthy environment breeds disease, so we are taking sanitation seriously. Plans are also underway to recruit sanitation guards to enforce district by-laws,” he revealed.
On road infrastructure, the DCE described the district’s road network as “deplorable,” listing key routes that require urgent attention.
“The roads from Kandega Junction to Sirigu, and from Catholic Mission through Natugnia, Mayoro, Tazika, and Navio to Paga, are in poor condition. The steel bridge at Navio has been down for years. But we are working with the MP and the Roads and Highways Ministry to fix these challenges,” he said.
Hon. Akurugu disclosed that he and the Member of Parliament have both engaged the leadership of the Feeder Roads Department to fast-track repairs, including the Navio Bridge and Katiu-Kayoro route.
He also dismissed suggestions of strained relations between his office and the MP, describing their working relationship as “cordial and cooperative.”
“Yes, sometimes there can be small hitches, even couples have disagreements. But ours is a healthy working relationship focused on development. We both share the same vision of transforming Kassena-Nankana West,” he added.
Hon. Akurugu reaffirmed his resolve to deliver on President Mahama’s vision of equitable development across all districts, stressing that his administration will not relent until the district’s infrastructure and living standards improve significantly.
Source: Felix Nyaaba/expressnewsghana.com