The Amansie West District Assembly in Manso Nkwanta was the venue for the 2024 Regional Budget Hearing held on Thursday, October 18, 2024. This important event brought together several District Assemblies, including Obuasi East, Akrofuom, Amansie West, and Amansie Central, to discuss budgetary allocations and performance.
The major reason for holding budget hearings is to facilitate open discussions among stakeholders regarding the revenue and expenditure estimates of various District Assemblies. This process allows for transparency, accountability, and collaboration in financial planning.
Budget Hearings are recognized as a pivotal component of the Budget Management Process, providing a platform for open discussions on revenue and expenditure projections of the Assemblies.
Organized as part of the preparation for the 2025-2027 Composite Budget, this hearing aims to give the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) a chance to review and guide the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in their financial planning. The objective is to ensure that budget allocations align with the goals and strategies outlined in government policies and adhere to the 2025-2027(upcoming fiscal period) Budget Guidelines established by the Ministry of Finance.
The Hosting District led by the District Chief Executive of Amansie West ensured necessary items and equipment were in place for the smooth running of the event. In his opening remarks, the District Chief Executive of Amansie West, Hon. Nii Larteh Ollenu, extended a warm welcome to all attending District Chief Executives and their teams. He expressed his enthusiasm for hosting the hearing in Manso Nkwanta. He underscored the necessity for each Assembly to present a clear financial roadmap that outlines expected income and expenditures, similar to how individuals manage their household budgets.
Obuasi East highlighted several notable achievements, including:
Completion of a Classroom Block: A 100% completion of a single-unit classroom block, including a head teacher’s office and staff common room, for St. Joseph Basic School in Wawase.
Progress on Existing Structures: 80% completion of the first floor of an existing classroom block in Boete.
Head Teacher’s Office: Full completion of a head teacher’s office with a washroom, storage area, and veranda at Ahansoyewodea.
Footbridge Construction: 100% completion of six footbridges located in Wawasi, Ahansoyewodea, Anyimadukrom, Brahabobome Ato Plans, Akaporiso, and Tutuka Tietiaso.
Bathhouse Project: 80% completion of a bathhouse at Christ the King Senior High School (C.K.C) in Akaporiso, among other initiatives.
Despite these successes, the district faced challenges, including the lack of major marketing centers and inadequate waste management service providers.
After a detailed examination of the financial performance regarding income and expenditure, the Regional Team commended the Obuasi East District Assembly for its progress. They encouraged the Assembly to develop innovative strategies to enhance revenue mobilization for future projects.
The hearing concluded with a renewed commitment among the participating Assemblies to collaborate effectively and ensure that their budgets reflect the objectives and strategies of government policies.
Reported by: Rosemond Asirifi Amponsah, MIS