The management of Prefos Limited, a leading provider of Turkish innovative street lighting solutions, has paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development (MLGDRD), Hon. Martin Agyei-Mensah Korsah. The visit aimed to introduce Prefos' expertise and explore potential collaborations to enhance the safety, security, and aesthetic appeal of communities across Ghana, in line with the Ministry’s vision for sustainable development and improved local governance.

The delegation was led by Wendy Agyemang Duah, Managing Director of Prefos Limited, who was accompanied by a team of seasoned professionals with expertise in cutting-edge lighting technologies. During the meeting, Wendy Agyemang Duah highlighted Prefos Limited’s successful track record in Ghana, citing notable projects such as the installation of advanced lighting systems at Wa Airport, Kotoka International Airport, the Volta River Authority, and the Ablankese Sports Stadium in Kumasi. These projects, she noted, underscore Prefos’ capability to deliver high-quality, innovative lighting solutions.

In his welcome address, Hon. Martin Agyei-Mensah Korsah commended Prefos Limited for its impressive track record in delivering innovative infrastructure solutions and its significant contributions to Ghana’s development. He acknowledged the positive impact of Prefos’ work on national infrastructure, noting that the lighting systems installed at Wa Airport, Kotoka International Airport, the Volta River Authority, and the Ablankese Sports Stadium have greatly enhanced the nation’s infrastructure and improved the quality of life for citizens.

The Minister further emphasized the Ministry’s recognition of the critical role that partnerships with companies like Prefos can play in addressing the nation’s infrastructure challenges. He expressed eagerness to explore potential collaborations with Prefos Limited to leverage their expertise in advancing the Ministry’s goals for sustainable development and improved local governance across the country.

SOURCE: Humble Owusu Yeboah

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

The 5th Annual Performance Assessment (APA) Orientation under the Ghana Secondary Cities Support Programme (GSCSP) has taken place, bringing together representatives from 35 Municipal Assemblies across the country.

The orientation, aimed at equipping the Assemblies with the necessary knowledge and tools, focused on preparing them to meet the required disbursement-linked indicators essential for the release of funds under the programme.

The APA, which marks the final assessment under the GSCSP, is a critical step in ensuring that the Assemblies are well-prepared to access funds for vital developmental projects within their municipalities.

Speaking at the opening of the orientation, the Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, Hon. Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, urged the Assemblies to maximize this opportunity to learn and understand all the requirements thoroughly.

Hon. Korsah emphasized the importance of the Assemblies' commitment to fulfilling the disbursement-linked indicators, which are key to unlocking the necessary funding for socio-economic growth within their municipalities. He encouraged the Assemblies to work diligently towards meeting these indicators, ensuring they can fully access the funds available for the benefit of their communities.

The orientation marks a significant landmark in the ongoing efforts to support and develop secondary cities across Ghana, contributing to the broader goal of enhancing socio-economic development and improving the quality of life for residents in these municipalities.

SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

In a determined drive to ensure the timely and quality completion of key infrastructure projects, Hon. Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, the Minister for Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, embarked on an intensive two-day inspection tour of project sites across the Western and Central Regions. These projects, executed under the Ghana Secondary Cities Support Program (GSCSP), are pivotal to the government's broader agenda of fortifying secondary cities as engines of socio-economic growth.

During his tour, the Minister visited several Municipal and District Assemblies, including Ahanta West, Effia Kwesimintsim, Mfantseman, Assin Fosu, Agona West, and Awutu Senya East, scrutinizing the progress of roads, drains, markets, lockable stores, lorry parks, and terminals—all at various stages of completion.

Hon. Adjei-Mensah Korsah was unreserved in his praise where progress aligned with set timelines, commending the Assemblies for their dedication to these critical projects.

 However, his message was unequivocal to those lagging: There will be no room for delays or requests for contract extensions. "We will not entertain any requests for extension in contract duration," the Minister declared. "These projects are essential to our nation’s development, and any delays undermine our goals for economic growth and community wellbeing."

This firm stance reflects the government’s commitment to delivering on its promises within stipulated timelines, ensuring that infrastructure serves its intended purpose without unnecessary delays.

The Minister emphasized the importance of adhering to project timelines, warning contractors that failure to meet deadlines could lead to contractual breaches and the possible cancellation of contracts.

In addition to insisting on timeliness, the Minister called for a heightened focus on quality. He urged District Assemblies to reinforce their supervisory roles, ensuring that all projects meet the highest standards of durability and efficiency.

 "The quality of these projects will determine their longevity and their value to our communities. We cannot compromise on this," he stressed.

The GSCSP is more than just an infrastructure initiative; it is a vital component of Ghana's strategy to build resilient, self-sustaining secondary cities capable of driving regional development. By providing District Assemblies with the necessary funding and capacity-building resources, the program aims to enhance service delivery and foster local economic growth.

As Hon. Adjei-Mensah Korsah concluded his tour, his directive was clear: The successful completion of these projects is non-negotiable. The urgency and quality of the work being done today will define the future of Ghana’s secondary cities, ensuring they become vibrant, sustainable centers of development.

 The Minister’s unwavering commitment to this vision sends a strong signal to all stakeholders: There is no room for complacency; the stakes are too high, and the timeline too critical for anything less than excellence.

SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)