The Eastern Regional Coordinating Council (ERCC) has held its second meeting with Heads of Departments, and the Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs), to take stock of their stewardship to improve their performances.
The participants converged at the ERCC’s conference hall at Koforidua, to approve the minutes of their previous meeting, presentation of reports by some departments and District Assemblies, and discussed the Regional Minister’s speech.
Mrs Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, the Eastern Regional Minister, commended the Municipal and District Chief Executives for the zeal they had exhibited since they assumed office about six months ago, and encouraged them to ensure the judicious use and proper management of resources entrusted them by the government.
She touched on issues including governance and accountability, road projects, the 24-hour economy, social welfare, health, and education.
Mr Awatey also spoke about the threat of security because of issues like youth unemployment and chieftaincy dispute, saying “I will collaborate closely with the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), our traditional leaders, and key stakeholders to enhance intelligence gathering and swift response to emerging threats.”
Regarding governance and accountability, Mrs Awatey said the region had been introduced to a new technology called Smart Workplace, and it expected the region to start its application in 2026.
She said Smart Workplace was a modern, technology-driven work environment that used digital tools, automation, and data to enhance productivity, collaboration, and employee well-being, saying “It should therefore be at the back of our minds to further build the capacity of staff and put the required framework and logistics in place to support the application of the new system.”
She said in the Eastern Region, agriculture directly supported more than 75 per cent of households-producing a variety of crops such as cocoa, taro, cassava, maize, plantain, citrus, coconut, and oil palm.
It was therefore expected of Municipal and District Assemblies (MDAs) to channel adequate resources and attention into these areas, as well as livestock and poultry production, artisanal and agro-processing, she mentioned.
In the health sector, the Minister said the priorities included completing stalled Community-based Health Planning Services (CHPS) compounds, constructing several other new ones to ensure the consistent supply of essential medicines, and supporting mental health interventions, especially in post-mining and disaster-prone communities.
Mrs Awatey noted that the poor state of roads, especially in rural areas and major trunk roads, continued to hinder economic growth and access to essential services, hence she had gaged the Ministry of Roads and Highways, and the Ghana Highways Authority to prioritise critical feeder roads in the 2026 infrastructure plan.
“Their responses have been positive – routine maintenance contracts have been awarded. Priority will be given to roads connecting markets and agricultural zones,” she revealed.
Regarding issues of the 24-hour economy, she was optimistic that, “all the MDAs were seriously preparing to take advantage of this initiative by identifying and designating local economic zones for extended-hour activities, improving street lighting and security in commercial areas, facilitating permits for night-time operations, and supporting Small and Medium-scale Enterprises with infrastructure and logistics.”
She encouraged the assemblies to align their local development plans with the national 24-hour economy agenda to attract central government and private sector support.
This policy presented a timely opportunity to unlock local economic potential and reduce unemployment across the region, she said.
Madam Evelyn Korang, the Council of State Member for the Eastern Region, entreated the Heads of Departments, and the MDCEs to put in more efforts in the subsequent months to fully achieve their aims.
GNA
Edited by Christabel Addo
20 Dec. 2025
Photo Caption: Mrs Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, the Eastern Regional Minister, speaking at the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council meeting in Koforidua.
