By Edward Dankwah
Accra, Sept. 11, GNA – Mr Mahama Ayariga, Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, has said the transformation of Zongo communities could serve as a catalyst for addressing broader development challenges across Ghana.
He said improving living conditions, infrastructure and economic opportunities in Zongo communities would not only benefit residents but also demonstrate practical solutions to some of the challenges confronting the country.
The Minister made the remarks at the Zongo Chiefs Conference, organised by the Ministry in Accra, on the theme: “The Zongo Development Agenda.” The conference focused on measures to redevelop Zongo communities and improve the livelihoods of their residents.
Mr Ayariga said the challenges confronting Zongo communities, particularly among the youth and women, required a collective effort involving community leaders and government.
He cited the stark contrast between Mamobi and surrounding communities as an example of the inequality that existed within some urban areas.
Mr Ayariga said during a recent visit to Mamobi, he observed that apartments being constructed around the area were valued at about 700,000 dollars each, while on the opposite side of the same street, rooms in Mamobi were being rented for less than GH¢1,000.
“This is only a street that separates the two communities, and we need to find ways of mobilising investment to unlock the economic potential of Zongo communities,” he added.
He said the situation had prompted him to consider how resources could be channelled into Zongo communities to reduce poverty and improve the standard of living.
Mr Ayariga said the government was prepared to support efforts by Zongo leaders to lead the redevelopment process, adding that the Finance Minister had assured him of support for initiatives aimed at transforming the communities.
He said President John Dramani Mahama had also tasked him to make as much impact as possible in Zongo communities during his tenure.
The Minister said the redevelopment agenda would focus on addressing challenges, including poor sanitation, inadequate housing, lack of toilets, poor road networks and difficulties in extending pipe-borne water to homes.
He said many Zongo communities had developed without adequate planning, making it difficult to provide essential infrastructure and services.
Mr Ayariga, however, stressed that redevelopment would not involve relocating residents from their communities.
“When I say we need to redevelop the place, somebody will say we need to take them out of that place. We can’t take them out of that place. We are going to redevelop the place for them to live in and not to take them out of that place, but to also live in comfort,” he said.
He urged Zongo leaders to take ownership of the redevelopment process and work together with the government to develop structures that would allow resources to be channelled effectively into the communities.
Mr Ayariga noted that successive governments had introduced initiatives, including the Zongo Development Fund and a dedicated Zongo ministry, to address challenges in the communities.
He said the new approach should give greater responsibility to the communities themselves, with the government providing the necessary resources and institutional support.
“This time, I want it to be your responsibility. Your baby, your organisation, so that we as a government will support you,” he added.
The Minister said community ownership would also help dispel fears that government redevelopment initiatives were intended to displace residents.
He said the ultimate objective was to reorganise Zongo communities into more functional, efficient and liveable spaces while creating economic opportunities for young people and improving the value of the communities.
“If you are able to tackle the problems of our Zongo communities, then there’s no other problem that you will not be able to tackle,” he said.
He pledged to work with the chiefs, religious leaders and youth representatives to begin a process that would produce tangible results within a reasonable period and contribute to the broader transformation of Ghana.
GNA
Edited by Audrey Dekalu