The Ada West District Assembly, located in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, witnessed a significant political development on May 13, 2025, with the confirmation of Jerry John Foreigner Mills-Nkrumah as the new District Chief Executive (DCE). The election, held at the district headquarters in Sege, saw a decisive victory for Mr. Mills-Nkrumah, securing 69.9% of the votes cast by the 22-member assembly, comprised of 15 elected members and 7 government appointees. This appointment marks a new chapter in the district’s leadership, placing Mr. Mills-Nkrumah, a prominent figure within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and a former teacher at Ada Senior High Technical School, at the helm of local governance. His background as the Sege Constituency secretary for the NDC and his deep roots within the community position him to understand and address the pressing challenges faced by the district.
Mr. Mills-Nkrumah’s acceptance speech highlighted his commitment to collaborative governance and a profound understanding of the local landscape. Expressing gratitude to the NDC for entrusting him with this responsibility, he pledged to work closely with Daniel Keshi Bessey, the Member of Parliament for the Sege Constituency, to drive development initiatives within the district. His recognition of the multifaceted challenges facing Ada West, ranging from infrastructural deficits to socio-economic disparities, underscored his preparedness to tackle the complex issues hindering the district’s progress. He specifically mentioned critical areas requiring immediate attention, including water shortages, dilapidated road networks, inadequate housing for teachers, and the lack of essential furniture and staffing within schools.
Furthermore, Mr. Mills-Nkrumah acknowledged the unfinished Community Day School project initiated by the previous NDC government, a testament to his commitment to continuing and completing vital development programs. He also addressed the district’s struggles with revenue generation, the lack of permanent facilities for essential services like the Fire and Immigration Services, the shortage of operational vehicles for security agencies, and the delayed completion of the Agenda 111 health infrastructure project started by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government. His pledge to collaborate with the MP to mitigate these challenges demonstrates his intention to pursue a bipartisan approach to development, prioritizing the needs of the community above political affiliations.
The new DCE’s vision extends beyond addressing immediate challenges to fostering a sense of collective responsibility for the district’s future. He emphasized that the onus of development rests not solely on the central government but also on the shoulders of the assembly members, urging them to actively participate in shaping the district’s trajectory. This call for shared responsibility reflects a commitment to participatory governance, empowering local representatives to play a more active role in shaping their communities. Mr. Mills-Nkrumah also highlighted the pressing issue of youth unemployment within the district, suggesting that leveraging the NDC’s flagship programs could offer potential solutions and create opportunities for the younger generation.
Addressing local conflicts, Mr. Mills-Nkrumah acknowledged the ongoing dispute surrounding the Ada Songor Lagoon, a contentious issue with deep-seated implications for the community. He expressed confidence in the ability of local elders, youth, and women to resolve this conflict internally, urging politicians to refrain from exploiting the situation for personal gain. This call for local ownership of conflict resolution reflects his respect for traditional leadership structures and his commitment to ensuring that local voices are prioritized in addressing community concerns. His stance underscores the importance of prioritizing community well-being over political maneuvering.
The appointment of Jerry John Foreigner Mills-Nkrumah as the fifth DCE for Ada West District since its establishment in 2012 signifies a transition in leadership. He follows in the footsteps of previous DCEs Anthony Yaw Klokpah, Foah Teye Agat Martey Teye George, A.L Akrofi, and Sampson Tetteh Kpankpa, each of whom contributed to the district’s development journey. Mr. Mills-Nkrumah’s ascension to this role marks a new phase in Ada West’s pursuit of progress, bringing with it a renewed focus on addressing critical challenges and fostering a more inclusive and participatory approach to governance. His commitment to collaboration, his deep understanding of local issues, and his emphasis on community involvement promise a future where the needs and aspirations of the people of Ada West are at the forefront of development efforts.
