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The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Agortime Ziope, Hon. Odikro Alfred Eklu, has highlighted achievements recorded during his first year in office, while outlining plans to accelerate development across the district despite inherited challenges.
Speaking in an interview with Channel 247 News, Hon. Eklu emphasized his commitment to a hands-on leadership approach, noting that his role goes beyond office work to active engagement with communities and institutions.
“I am not going to be an office-bound administrator. I will continue to visit communities, interact with residents, and understand their needs to improve living conditions,” he stated.
The DCE described his first year as largely successful, citing key interventions funded through the District Assembly’s Common Fund. These include the construction of school buildings, Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds, and other critical infrastructure projects.
He also announced plans to establish a 24-hour economy market to stimulate local trade and economic growth within the district.
On sanitation, Hon. Eklu noted significant progress, revealing that several refuse dumps have been cleared across communities as part of efforts to improve environmental conditions.
Despite these gains, the DCE acknowledged persistent challenges affecting development in the district. These include inadequate staffing in public institutions, poor road networks, lack of potable water, weak mobile network coverage, insufficient medical equipment, and abandoned projects.
He further highlighted infrastructural deficits in the education and health sectors, noting that some institutions operate without proper office spaces. At the district capital, two senior high schools reportedly lack administration blocks, forcing headmasters to work under trees.
The Education and Health Directorates also face office accommodation challenges, although construction works are currently underway to address the situation. Efforts are also ongoing to provide teachers’ bungalows and drill at least 10 boreholes in water-stressed communities.
Hon. Eklu assured residents of his commitment to completing all inherited projects and strengthening public institutions under his jurisdiction. He added that he would work closely with the area’s Member of Parliament to tackle the district’s development needs.
“As long as I remain DCE, I will ensure that all institutions in my district are well equipped and functioning effectively,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for including the district in key government initiatives, particularly the BIG PUSH infrastructure programme.
The DCE urged residents to remain confident in his administration and the government’s ability to deliver on its promises.
“We are determined to meet the expectations of our people and improve their standard of living,” he assured.
Hon. Eklu reiterated his commitment to inclusive governance, stressing that sustained engagement with communities would remain central to his leadership approach.
Yaw Boagyan
