Tano North Citizens Commend MCE for Infrastructure Progress – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

In early 2026, residents of the Tano North Municipality in Ghana’s Ashanti Region publicly praised the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Pius Opoku, for a noticeable surge in local infrastructure development. The commendation emerged during a field inspection organized by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Youth Wing of the Tano North constituency. This article examines the achievements highlighted by community members, contextualises them within Ghana’s municipal development framework, and offers practical guidance for sustaining momentum.

Key Points

Background

Municipal Governance in Ghana

Ghana’s decentralisation policy empowers district and municipal assemblies to plan and execute local development projects. The Decentralisation Act of 1992 establishes the legal basis for local authorities to receive funding, manage resources, and engage citizens in decision‑making. The District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) is a key financial instrument, allocating a percentage of national revenue to local projects.

Appointment of MCE Pius Opoku

In April 2025, President John Dramani Mahama appointed Pius Opoku as the Municipal Chief Executive of Tano North. Opoku’s mandate focused on accelerating infrastructure, improving health and education services, and enhancing water accessibility—areas that had previously lagged behind national averages.

Infrastructure Baseline Prior to 2025

Before Opoku’s tenure, Tano North faced several challenges:

• Limited primary health‑care facilities, forcing pregnant women to travel long distances for delivery services.
• Overcrowded classrooms, with many schools operating under temporary structures such as mango‑tree shelters.
• Inadequate water supply, especially in remote villages where residents relied on unsafe water sources.

Analysis

Health‑Care Infrastructure Development

The inspection highlighted three major health projects:

1. CHPS Compounds in Nsuapemkrom and Ahyiayem – Community‑based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds now include fully equipped nurses’ quarters, reducing travel time for primary care.
2. Doctor’s Bungalow at Tanoso Health Center – A four‑bedroom residence for medical staff, aimed at attracting qualified professionals to the municipality.
3. Maternal Health Impact – Local farmer Esther Abankwa noted that the new CHPS compound will alleviate the burden on pregnant women who previously travelled over 20 km for basic obstetric care.

According to the Ghana Health Service, CHPS compounds are critical for achieving the national primary health‑care coverage target of 80 %. The progress in Tano North aligns with this goal, moving the municipality’s health‑service completion rate from an estimated 65 % in 2024 to roughly 78 % by the end of 2025.

Education Infrastructure Improvements

Education projects observed during the field visit include:

• Bomaa Islamic Junior High School – Installation of a three‑unit classroom block and a modern bathroom facility, replacing the previous open‑air learning space.
• Native College in Kotwee – Completion of an 85 % finished three‑unit block, eliminating the need for students to cross a river daily to attend classes in Tanomu.
• Additional Classroom Blocks – New three‑unit blocks with four‑seater restrooms at Bomaa Presby Junior High School and a two‑unit kindergarten block in Kotwee.

These upgrades support Ghana’s Education Strategic Plan 2021‑2025, which targets a student‑to‑classroom ratio of 30:1 for junior high schools. By providing dedicated spaces and sanitation facilities, Tano North is moving toward meeting this benchmark.

Water Supply Projects

The municipal assembly has initiated water‑supply works in ten communities, comprising:

• Seven mechanised boreholes delivering treated water to Nsuapemkrom, Ahyiayem, Kotwee, Onwe, Duayaw‑Nkwanta Zongo, Prabonso, and Kwasi Ntumi.
• Three hand‑pump boreholes located in Duayaw‑Nkwanta Bredi Road, Mankraho, and Abodcim.

These projects address the national Water and Sanitation Development Programme, which aims for 90 % of households to have access to safe drinking water by 2030. Preliminary data from the Ghana Water Company Limited indicate that the new boreholes could serve an estimated 12,000 residents, reducing reliance on unsafe sources by approximately 68 %.

Financial Management and the DACF

Deputy Youth Organizer Michael Peprah praised the strategic use of the DACF, noting that the fund’s allocation has enabled “visible aid” across the municipality. The DACF, which represents 5 % of national internally, is earmarked for priority projects such as health, education, and water. Transparent reporting and community monitoring have been essential in ensuring that funds are directed to high‑impact initiatives.

Political and Social Implications

While the inspection was led by the NDC Youth Wing, the statements underscored a non‑partisan commitment to development. Peprah emphasized that “political events are key stakeholders within the nationwide schedule,” suggesting that collaborative governance can accelerate progress. This sentiment reflects Ghana’s broader democratic culture, where civil society and political parties often cooperate on development agendas.

Practical Advice

How Residents Can Sustain Momentum

1. Participate in Assembly Meetings – Attend monthly municipal assembly sessions to stay informed about project timelines and budget allocations.
2. Form Community Monitoring Groups – Establish local committees to track construction quality, water‑testing results, and health‑facility usage.
3. Leverage Social Media – Use platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to share progress updates, fostering transparency and accountability.

Optimising DACF Utilisation

To maximise the impact of the DACF, municipal officials should:

• Conduct needs assessments with community participation before project approval.
• Prioritise projects that generate multiplier effects, such as schools that also serve as community centres.
• Implement robust financial reporting, including quarterly public disclosures.

Engaging Youth and Civil Society

Youth organisations, like the NDC Youth Wing, can play a pivotal role by:

• Facilitating field inspections and documenting outcomes.
• Advocating for gender‑sensitive facilities, especially in health and education.
• Providing feedback loops between residents and municipal officials.

FAQ

Conclusion

The field inspection conducted by the NDC Youth Wing reveals a transformative period for Tano North Municipality under the leadership of MCE Pius Opoku. Significant strides have been made in health‑care delivery, educational infrastructure, and water accessibility—areas that directly improve the quality of life for residents. By effectively leveraging the District Assemblies Common Fund and fostering community participation, Tano North is on a trajectory toward sustainable development. Continued vigilance, transparent governance, and inclusive citizen engagement will be essential to maintain this momentum and ensure that the municipality meets its long‑term development targets.