The Shama District Assembly has invested GHS 17 million from the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) into several capital projects. These projects include a 24-hour market, new school blocks, and health facilities, aiming to improve community services and living standards.
Paul Otis Dentu, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Shama in the Western Region, expressed satisfaction with the ongoing work. The government released the GHS 17 million in 2025 to fund these critical infrastructure developments. The Assembly will closely monitor project completion to ensure they meet community needs on schedule.
This investment aligns with Ghana's broader decentralization efforts, empowering local assemblies to drive development. The DACF, a portion of national revenue allocated to district assemblies, is crucial for local infrastructure. This initiative reflects a national trend of using DACF to address local development gaps, as seen in similar projects across other districts.
Mr. Dentu, along with the Planning Officer and Coordinating Director, inspected the progress of these projects. He announced a commitment to building institutional places of convenience, especially in schools lacking these critical facilities. This commitment supports the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) agenda.
The projects include a three-unit classroom block with an office and staff common room at Awuna Beach. Krobo Bosomdo is receiving a two-unit Kindergarten block with ancillary facilities. The Anto community benefits from a six-unit classroom block, while Komfueku has a two-storey classroom with additional facilities. The Assembly also inspected progress on Nurses' quarters in Fawomaye and Asomase No. One, with a CHPS compound and Nurses' quarters also underway in Dwomo. The district capital now boasts a newly constructed theatre to serve the maternity block of the district health centre.
Eric Aboagye Mensah, the District Coordinating Director, urged communities to trust the Assembly's commitment to delivering more services. He highlighted plans for road reshaping in September to improve connectivity to market centres, clinics, and the assembly. Mr. Mensah called on contractors to deliver projects on time, as management prepares to decide on 2026 projects.
The Assembly also purchased two new vehicles and repaired buses using Internally Generated Funds (IGF). This demonstrates a dual approach to funding, combining national allocations with local revenue. The timely completion of these projects is vital for enhancing public services and stimulating local economic activity in the Shama District.
The investment in a 24-hour market is particularly significant. Such markets can boost local commerce, create jobs, and provide continuous access to goods and services. This initiative could serve as a model for other districts seeking to enhance their local economies and improve residents' quality of life. The focus on educational and health infrastructure also addresses fundamental needs, contributing to human capital development.