The Gomoa West Assembly has allocated resources in the first quarter of this year to address challenges in the education sector within the district, according to Mr Bismark Baisie Nkum, the Gomoa West District Chief Executive (DCE), during his sessional address at the Assembly's meeting in Apam, the district capital.
As part of their interventions, the assembly supplied over 1,000 dual desks, 200 hexagonal desks, and 250 metallic dual desks to schools in the district during the first quarter.
In addition, the Chiefs and people of Gomoa Tarkwa, in collaboration with the district assembly, released a 72-acre land to the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), for the establishment of a campus in the area.
Mr Nkum mentioned that the proposed site was inspected by the university management, and documentation for the commencement of work would be finalized soon.
The assembly also provided school uniforms to pupils in several basic schools located in communities such as Ohua, Sampa, Assin, Brofoyedur, Dago, Bewadze, Onyadze, Akyempim-Hasowaodze, Eshiem, Mankessim, and Gyankrom during the period.
To address the high teacher attrition rate in the district, the assembly assigned 42 National Service Personnel to basic schools and deployed 50 graduate teachers to Senior High Schools.
Mr Nkum urged the assembly to approve the reintroduction of extra classes for final-year students to prepare them for the Basic Education Certificate Examination, which would help improve academic performance in the district.
In terms of infrastructure and logistics, the assembly initiated the construction of a 6-unit teachers' quarters at Gomoamaim and a 3-unit classroom block at Appiakrom Debiso as part of efforts to address educational challenges.
Regarding security, Mr Nkum mentioned that although there were complaints of robbery on the Ankamu-Dawurampong starch road and chieftaincy issues in Mumford and Apam, the district continued to enjoy peace and tranquillity.
He stated, “Crime rate in the district is very low, the police had intensified snap checks and highway robbery has subsided within the period under review.”
However, he noted an increase in false and prank calls in the district and urged assembly members to educate their constituents to stop this practice, as it was counterproductive.
In terms of agriculture, the assembly sensitized a total of 1,950 farmers, including 450 youth, 1,498 adults, and two physically challenged individuals, on the Planting for Food and Jobs program to encourage the adoption of certified seeds, increase access to improved inputs, and enhance the quality of extension services.
During the first quarter of 2023, 1,253 kg of maize was shelled, 30 acres of land were ploughed, and seven acres were harrowed.
The Social Welfare Department, in collaboration with the National Health Insurance Authority, registered 950 indigenes onto the National Health Insurance Scheme free of charge.
To address health issues, the assembly distributed 1,146 Long-lasting Insecticide Treated Nets to mothers and conducted a two-day training for 40 midwives on safe motherhood and lifesaving skills to reduce maternal deaths and complications.
Mr Nkum highlighted the assembly's revenue collection, stating that in the first quarter of 2023, they collected GH¢197,783.43 of the budgeted amount of GH¢930,000.00, representing a marginal improvement compared to the previous year.
He called on assembly members to intensify education efforts to encourage community members to fulfil their tax obligations, which would supplement the Common Fund and other grants for development.
