By Samuel Ofori Boateng
Manso-Abore (Ash), July 30, GNA – Mr Prince Manu Morris, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Amansie West in the Ashanti region, has urged residents in the area to put aside their political differences and unite behind efforts to accelerate development in the district.
He said political affiliations should not become a barrier to development, stressing that the collective interest of the people must remain the priority if the district was to make meaningful progress.
Mr Morris made the call during a community engagement with the chiefs and people of Manso Abore, ahead of a planned exercise to clear structures that have allegedly encroached on the road reservation.
The exercise is intended to pave the way for the contractor to undertake the construction of the Manso Abore community town roads.
The DCE said some residents had constructed buildings along portions of the road, resulting in encroachment that had significantly reduced the available space for vehicular movement.
He explained that the situation had made the road increasingly difficult to use, with some sections becoming so narrow that two vehicles could not conveniently pass each other.
Mr Morris said the encroachments were affecting the smooth implementation of the road project and could undermine efforts to improve the appearance and accessibility of the community.
He, therefore, appealed to affected residents to cooperate with the District Assembly and remove structures that fall within the road reservation to enable the contractor to access the area and proceed with the project.
The DCE also called on residents, who had erected kiosks and other temporary structures at the designated site for the proposed 24-hour market to remove them, to allow construction works to commence.
He said the contractor was ready to begin the project, but the site needed to be cleared to facilitate the smooth execution of the works.
Mr Morris further expressed concern over the construction of houses without the necessary approval from the District Assembly.
He urged residents to desist from putting up structures without obtaining the appropriate building permits and advised prospective developers to consult the Assembly before commencing construction.
He explained that compliance with planning and building regulations was essential to prevent road encroachment, protecting public spaces, and ensuring orderly development within the district.
The DCE reiterated his appeal to residents to support the Assembly’s development initiatives irrespective of their political affiliations.
He said the development of Amansie West required the collective efforts of residents, traditional authorities, community leaders, and the District Assembly.
The queen mother of Manso Abore, Nana Apirebi Takyiaw; the Assembly Member for Abore, Mr Akwasi Poku Blessing; and other community leaders appealed to residents to cooperate with the District Assembly, to ensure the speedy completion of the road project.
They urged affected property owners to support the planned exercise by removing structures that had encroached on the road reservation, stressing that such cooperation would enable the contractor to gain access and undertake the Abore town roads project.
The community leaders said the completion of the road project would improve accessibility and movement within Manso Abore and contribute to the broader development of the community.
They also encouraged residents to comply with the Assembly’s planning regulations and obtain the necessary permits before undertaking construction projects.
The leaders reaffirmed their support for initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure and living conditions in Manso Abore and called on residents to place the development of the community above individual and political interests.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/ Christabel Addo