Vice President Opoku-Agyemang Champions National Unity as Government Tackles Infrastructure Delays and Chieftaincy Tensions

Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has reaffirmed the Mahama administration's commitment to strengthening Ghana's democratic institutions and fostering national unity. Receiving the third edition of the Democracy Cup at the Jubilee House on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, the Vice President emphasized that democracy, much like football, relies on active participation, fairness, and a deep respect for institutional rules. Presented by First Deputy Speaker Bernard Ahiafor, the Democracy Cup serves as a symbol of collaboration between the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary to promote responsible citizenship and non-violent civic engagement across the country.

Simultaneously, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has moved to address significant infrastructure bottlenecks in the Ashanti Region. During an inspection of the Kejetia Market Phase II and the Krofrom Market projects in Kumasi, the Minister expressed concern over prolonged delays that have stifled local economic growth. While the Kejetia project stands at roughly 70% completion, the Krofrom Market has faced intermittent funding issues since 2007. To resolve this, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly has secured GH₵100 million toward the GH₵179 million required for completion, with Ayariga pledging coordinated action among stakeholders to revive construction and improve sanitation for traders.

In the Central Region, security and governance have taken center stage as the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) imposed strict restrictions on traditional activities in the Denkyira Traditional Area. Chaired by Regional Minister Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah, REGSEC mandated that all Akwasidae celebrations be confined to palace premises in Dunkwa-On-Offin and suspended all chieftaincy installations indefinitely. These measures were enacted to prevent the escalation of tensions between local factions and maintain public order. This security-focused approach coincided with Minister Eduamoah’s "Accounting to the People Tour" in Assin South, where he inspected and commissioned various classroom blocks, health centers, and boreholes to ensure transparency in the use of public funds.

On the legislative front, Members of Parliament are intensifying local development and accountability efforts. In Ketu North, MP Eric Edem Agbana held his 50th Quarterly Accountability Series, highlighting a scholarship program benefiting over 800 students and the distribution of 5,000 bags of fertilizer to local farmers. Meanwhile, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) is decentralizing its operations by expanding mobile services and opening new offices in Yendi and the Eastern Corridor of the Northern Region. This initiative, supported by Yendi MP Abdul-Fatawu Alhassan, aims to eliminate the influence of "Goro boys" and reduce the travel burden on residents seeking essential licensing services, further reflecting the government's broader goal of making state institutions more accessible to underserved communities.