Hon. Mary Haruna, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Nadowli-Kaleo, has outlined an ambitious development agenda for the district, prioritizing crucial sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and youth empowerment. Recognizing the interconnected nature of these areas, Hon. Haruna emphasized the urgent need for collaborative efforts and strategic investments to uplift the lives of the people in Nadowli-Kaleo. Her vision centers on addressing the district’s pressing challenges and leveraging available resources to unlock its vast potential. Central to her strategy is fostering partnerships with the Regional Coordinating Council, central government, development partners, and the private sector to mobilize the necessary resources and expertise.
A significant component of Hon. Haruna’s development strategy is a comprehensive overhaul of the district’s road network. Acknowledging the debilitating impact of poor road infrastructure on the local economy and access to essential services, she emphasized the urgency of securing investments for the construction and rehabilitation of feeder roads. Improved road infrastructure is seen as a catalyst for economic growth, facilitating easier transportation of goods and services, connecting farmers to markets, and ensuring access to healthcare and education facilities. While some reshaping and spot improvements are underway, the DCE stressed the need for a more comprehensive and sustained investment to address the pervasive challenges posed by the current state of the roads.
Addressing the growing concern of youth unemployment, Hon. Haruna emphasized the need to create opportunities for the district’s young population. Her approach focuses on leveraging government initiatives like YouStart and the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) to provide young entrepreneurs with the requisite skills, training, and financial support. Furthermore, the Assembly is promoting vocational training and agriculture-based initiatives to equip young people with practical skills and create sustainable livelihood opportunities. This multi-pronged approach aims to empower the youth, reduce unemployment, and contribute to the overall economic development of the district.
Healthcare is another key priority for the DCE. Hon. Haruna highlighted the importance of strengthening the healthcare system by partnering with the Ghana Health Service. This collaboration aims to complete abandoned Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, ensure equitable distribution of health workers across the district, particularly in underserved areas, and enhance the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to ensure access to affordable healthcare for all residents. By revitalizing primary healthcare infrastructure and improving access to quality healthcare services, the district aims to enhance the overall wellbeing of its citizens.
Hon. Haruna also underscored the importance of quality education in transforming the fortunes of the district. Her vision involves ensuring timely provision of essential teaching and learning materials, upgrading existing classroom infrastructure, and supporting community-led teacher motivation initiatives. By investing in these areas, the district aims to create a conducive learning environment for students, improve academic outcomes, and empower the next generation with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the 21st century. The DCE believes that a well-educated populace is crucial for sustained development and prosperity.
In her appeal for urgent intervention, Hon. Haruna reiterated the need for collaborative efforts and strategic investments to address the district’s challenges. She called upon the government, development partners, and private investors to channel resources into road infrastructure development, healthcare facility upgrades, and livelihood empowerment programs. These investments are viewed as critical to unlocking the district’s potential, improving the well-being of the people, and creating a vibrant and prosperous future for Nadowli-Kaleo. The DCE’s vision for the district hinges on a holistic approach that addresses interconnected challenges and leverages partnerships to achieve sustainable development.