PREPARATION OF DISTRICT MEDIUM TERM DEVELOPMENT PLAN (2018-2021): NEEDS ASSESSMENT IN AREA COUNCILS

As part of the preparation of the District Medium Term Development Plan (DMTDP 2018-2021), the Ellembelle District through its District Planning Coordinating Unit (DPCU) has engaged the Seven (7) Area Councils on their respective issues that needed to be factored in the next DMTDP (2018-2021).

The team led by the District Planning Officer, Mr. Michael Appiah-Acheampong, visited the Area Councils namely, Asasetre Area Council, Awiebo Area Council, Esiama Area Council, Kikam Area Council, Atuabo Area Council, Nkroful Area Council and Aiyinase Area Council. The team interacted with and took the concerns as well as issues from the representatives of all the communities constituting each area council.

Issues from identifiable groups such as artisans, hairdressers, dressmakers, phone dealers and repairers among others were also noted as part of efforts to promote Local Economic Development (LED).

The Government’s policy of One-District-One Factory is receiving lots of support at the local level as some traditional authorities pledged to make land available for the establishment of the factories within their communities or areas of jurisdiction. With abundance of Kaolin, Silica as well as large scale production of cocoa and cassava, almost every Area Council in the district is well positioned for one or two factories.

Due to the terrain of the Northern part of the Aiyinase Area Council, the Aiyinase North was split into Four (4) Zones namely: Santaso Zone, Aidusuazo Zone, Kwesikrom Zone, Asomase Zone. This northern part has vast stretch of land that support agriculture. Large acres of cocoa farms were noticed.

The Northern part of Aiyinase North provides opportunity for Financial Institutions to establish Offices as there is none. Larger quantities of cocoa produced in the district are from this part. Non-Governmental Organizations are also being urged to move to this area and operate.

The Needs Assessment offered the Ellembelle District Assembly the opportunity to actually obtain first-hand information on issues confronting the various communities which needs addressing through good policies and fashioning of great plans for the next four years.