The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) has initiated 14 projects to improve the livelihoods of residents in the metropolis.
They are under the District Assemblies Common Fund, Districts Development Fund, GETFund and European Union at various stages to transform the metropolis.
The projects include the construction of a six-unit classroom block with ancillary facilities at Kansaworado, a Community Health Planning Service compound at Kojokrom, teachers’ accommodation for Mberedane Basic school, construction of a six-seater water and sanitation with an overhead tank for Essikado Junior High School and three mechanised boreholes for Ahanta Mampong, Ntaamakrom and Kwesikrom.
In furtherance of this, between January and August this year the assembly raised GH¢9.345 million in Internally Generated funds representing 62.8 per cent of projected internally generated revenue of GH¢14.874 million with GH¢34.564 million. As total budgeted revenue for the year and GH¢ 23.797 million realised as of August 2022, representing 68.8 per cent.
Besides, total expenditure budgeted for the period was GH¢34.564 million which the Assembly spent GH¢22.057 million, representing 63.8 per cent
Abdul Issah, Metropolitan Chief Executive, who made these known at the second ordinary meeting of the assembly in Sekondi, noted that the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty had provided financial support and assistance to 2,909 extremely poor individuals drawn from 499 communities within the metropolis.
“From September 2021 to April 2022, the assembly has disbursed a total amount of GH¢162,352.00 to the beneficiaries, Ghana Employment and Social Protection programme trained 25 beneficiaries from various communities in various trades and given start-up equipment to begin their trade towards creation of jobs and wealth.
“Though the assembly has chalked several successes, it is overwhelmed with postings and transfers during the third quarter of the year with a total of 14 staff were posted out of the assembly, 11 persons also retired from active service and two passed on however, eight new entrants in both professional and sub-professional status were posted to the assembly but conducive office accommodation for staff remained a major challenge,” Mr Issah bemoaned.
