Korean delegation calls for acceleration of Ahanta West project

Accra, July 25, GNA – A delegation from Korea on Monday called on the Government to speed up the process for the implementation of the strategic development plan for the Ahanta West District to start before the end of this year.

The plan, which is at the implementation stage, is to improve the socio-economic development of the people of Ahanta West in particular and the Western Region as a whole.

Mr Kwaak Young-Hoon, Chairman of Kwaak Environmental Studies and Policy Research Institute and leader of the Korean delegation, said this in a discussion with the Deputy Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Elvis Afriyie-Ankrah.

He said the implementation of the project needed a collaborative effort from both Ghana and Korean Governments.

He noted that prioritising, setting strategic policy decisions and getting the right people to cooperate with would help in the successful implementation of the project and also meet the set deadline.

Mr Young-Hoon, however, noted that the road networks linking the three beneficiary towns - Princess Town, Agona Nkwanta and Apowa - should be improved in order to make those areas easily accessible.

He said the plan was expected to turn the district into the best ever-green districts in the country.

Mr Afriyie-Ankrah assured the delegation of the government's intention to ensure that the project was implemented as soon as possible.

He said the project plan was currently being handled at the highest level and that all attempts were being made to facilitate the development of the District. Some strategies were also being adopted to attract investors to develop the area, he added.

Mr Afriyie-Ankrah said the country needed to have a long-term vision which was beyond partisan politics.

He expressed appreciation to the Korean Government as well as the company for their efforts in ensuring the success of the project.

The project aims at developing a modern town with residential, industrial, tourism, educational, advanced transportation network, and integrated ecologically sustainable features.

It is expected to resolve the imminent housing problems in the oil and gas enclave, create good jobs which could trigger economic growth, and prevent urban sprawling that might result from sudden huge investment and immigration.

The project upon completion would benefit the entire District and its people, operators in the oil industry and allied business activities, as well as the adjourning districts and the country at large.