Speaking to the media, the Metropolitan Director of NADMO, Alhaji Abubakar Kamal, revealed that out of the 88 structures classified as hazardous and dangerous during assessments conducted in 2025, three prominent buildings in Sekondi and Takoradi respectively have currently been prioritized for action.

According to him, the affected structures include the Zenith Building, Prempeh Building, and the late Justice Archer’s Building, all of which have been identified as posing varying levels of risk to occupants and the general public.

“It is long overdue for these actions to be taken. The Assembly has been concerned about the state of these buildings for some time, and we are now at the stage where concrete measures are being pursued to address the situation,” Alhaji Kamal stated.

He explained that NADMO and other relevant authorities are currently engaging landlords and property owners to agree on the most appropriate interventions and ensure compliance with safety directives.

“We are at the final stage of our work. We are engaging the various landlords and owners of these properties to determine the way forward and ensure that the necessary actions are taken without delay,” he said.

Providing details of the assessments conducted on the affected buildings, Alhaji Kamal disclosed that the Prempeh Building has been recommended for renovation after technical evaluations showed that rehabilitation works could restore the structure to a safe condition.

However, the situation is markedly different for the Zenith Building, which has been deemed beyond repair.

“Our assessment points to renovation for the Prempeh Building, but in the case of the Zenith Building, the recommendation is for total demolition due to the extent of deterioration and the danger it poses,” he explained.

The NADMO Director stressed that the exercise forms part of broader efforts to protect lives and property within the metropolis, urging owners of aging and abandoned structures to cooperate with authorities.

The move is expected to enhance public safety and reduce the risk of building-related disasters, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions.

NADMO has assured residents that it will continue working closely with the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly and property owners to ensure that all identified dangerous structures are addressed in accordance with safety regulations.

Speaking during a media engagement in Sekondi, the MCE explained that concerns over the completion of the Takoradi Market Circle project should be directed to central government, stressing that the project is not being executed by the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA).

According to him, STMA is only a beneficiary of the project, while all contractual and financial decisions are being handled by the central government.

“Seeking answers from the Assembly regarding the completion of the Takoradi Market Circle project is misplaced because it is purely a central government project. The Assembly is only a beneficiary,” he stated.

Lawyer Faidoo revealed that the government is currently seeking parliamentary approval for an additional €18 million to compensate the contractor following the prolonged suspension of works on the project.

The Takoradi Market Circle Redevelopment Project was funded through a €48 million facility, which had already been secured before the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration assumed office. However, construction works were halted in 2022 when Ghana entered negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for economic support amid a worsening fiscal crisis.

Providing details on the financial commitments made so far, the MCE said approximately €42 million had been paid to the contractor before the project was suspended.

“By the time the project was halted, €42 million out of the total contract sum had already been paid to the contractor. When the new NDC administration came into office, the remaining €6 million under the original contract was quickly settled,” he explained.

However, the contractor reportedly rejected the final payment as a basis for resuming work, arguing that the government had breached the contractual agreement by suspending the project for more than two years.

According to the Mayor, the contractor initially demanded €36 million as compensation for losses and additional costs incurred due to the suspension.

“The contractor indicated that because the project had been halted for over two years, there were additional costs arising from the breach of contract. Initially, they demanded €36 million in compensation,” he said.

He added that extensive negotiations led by the Ministry of Finance succeeded in reducing the compensation claim by half.

“Through the intervention of the Ministry of Finance, the figure was negotiated down from €36 million to €18 million. Government is currently awaiting parliamentary approval for that amount so work can resume on the project,” he noted.

The Mayor expressed optimism that the long-delayed redevelopment project would eventually be completed, citing assurances from President John Dramani Mahama.

He recalled the President’s commitment to the people of Takoradi to ensure the completion of the modern market facility and pledged that city authorities would continue to advocate for the fulfillment of that promise.

“President John Dramani Mahama has assured the people of Takoradi that the Market Circle project will be completed. As city managers, we will continue to remind government of that commitment until the project is fully delivered,” Lawyer Faidoo stated.

The Takoradi Market Circle Redevelopment Project, one of the largest urban renewal initiatives in the Western Region, has remained stalled for several years, drawing concerns from traders and residents who have eagerly awaited its completion.

The project, which forms part of the MP’s broader commitment to enhancing teaching and learning conditions, is expected to transform several aging school facilities into safer, more conducive environments for pupils and teachers.

The sod-cutting ceremony, attended by education stakeholders, community leaders, assembly members, and residents, marked the beginning of what many describe as a significant investment in the future of education in the Sekondi Constituency.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Nyameke Blay Armah reaffirmed his dedication to improving access to quality education through strategic infrastructure development. He noted that creating a conducive learning atmosphere remains critical to raising educational standards and equipping the next generation with the tools needed to succeed.

“This project is an investment in our children and the future of Sekondi. Every child deserves to learn in a safe and comfortable environment, and we are committed to ensuring that our schools receive the necessary support to deliver quality education,” he stated.

The first phase of the renovation programme will cover eight schools across the constituency. The beneficiary institutions include Old Hospital School, St. Peter’s Primary and JHS, Rev. Griffeon Primary and JHS, STMA Boundary Road School at Edankessim, Chief Ibrahim Basic School, Presbyterian School, St. Andrew’s School, and A.M.E Zion School.

The renovation works are expected to address critical infrastructural challenges, including the rehabilitation of classrooms, roofing systems, sanitation facilities, and other essential amenities necessary for effective teaching and learning.

Residents and education stakeholders have welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that will significantly improve learning outcomes and the overall educational experience of pupils.

The GH¢3 million project adds to ongoing efforts by the Sekondi MP to strengthen social infrastructure and promote sustainable development within the constituency.

With work set to begin immediately, the initiative is expected to bring renewed hope to thousands of pupils and teachers who have long grappled with deteriorating school facilities.

According to Mr. Asuman, the destructive activities of illegal miners are rapidly eroding the foundations of cocoa production by destroying vast stretches of fertile farmland, polluting critical water bodies, and drawing labour away from cocoa farms.

Speaking at Samahu in the Prestea Huni Valley Municipality during the presentation of the Cocoa Farmers Support Programme organised by the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, he said more than 19,000 hectares of productive cocoa farms have already been lost to illegal mining activities in major cocoa-producing regions, including Ashanti, Western and Central.

He noted that excavators are being deployed on cocoa lands to remove topsoil and create deep mining pits, leaving once-thriving plantations permanently damaged.

“Illegal mining is currently the biggest obstacle facing Ghana’s cocoa industry. It is destroying fertile land, contaminating our rivers with harmful chemicals and creating labour shortages that are affecting cocoa production across the country,” he stated.

Mr. Asuman warned that the continued destruction of cocoa farms is contributing to declining national output and reducing Ghana’s cocoa export volumes, with serious implications for foreign exchange earnings and the financial sustainability of COCOBOD.

He explained that falling production levels are limiting the cocoa regulator’s ability to meet its financial obligations and support programmes aimed at improving the welfare of cocoa farmers.

“If urgent measures are not implemented, the cocoa industry in Ghana will perish,” he cautioned.

The Cocoa Farmers Support Programme forms part of efforts to boost cocoa yields, improve household incomes and strengthen the long-term resilience of farming communities in cocoa-growing areas.

The Member of Parliament for Prestea Huni Valley, Robert Wisdom Cudjoe, also expressed concern about the growing trend of cocoa farmers selling their lands to illegal miners in exchange for immediate financial gains.

He said many farmers fail to appreciate the long-term value of cocoa cultivation, opting instead for short-term benefits that ultimately leave them worse off.

“The money they take from galamsey operators may sustain them for a short period, but cocoa is a lifelong investment that can support generations,” the MP noted.

Mr. Cudjoe commended initiatives such as the Gold Fields Foundation’s support programme, saying they provide much-needed incentives for farmers to remain committed to cocoa production and resist the temptation to engage in illegal mining activities.

Executive Secretary of the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, Abdel Razak Yakubu, said the programme is designed to increase cocoa productivity, raise farmers’ incomes and promote sustainable livelihoods in both mining and cocoa-growing communities.

He reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to supporting initiatives that improve the economic well-being of farmers while safeguarding the environment for future generations.

The incident occurred during break time when pupils were playing on the school compound. The victim, identified as Christiana Opare, is said to have been bitten by a snake believed to have emerged from the bushy surroundings of the school.

According to reports, Christiana was immediately rushed to the Ekutuase CHPS Compound for medical attention. However, due to the severity of her condition, she was referred to the Elmina Hospital for further treatment. Sadly, she died while being transported to the facility.

The father of the deceased, Ernest Opare, has expressed disappointment over what he described as the poor state of the school environment. He alleged that overgrown vegetation on the compound created a habitat for dangerous reptiles, including snakes, thereby putting pupils at risk.

Mr. Opare also suggested that delays in seeking medical intervention may have contributed to his daughter’s death, arguing that a quicker response could have improved her chances of survival.

The child’s mother, Ama Vida, who was unwell at home when the incident occurred, recounted the heartbreaking moment she received news of her daughter’s condition.

Meanwhile, the Wassa East District Education Directorate has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The tragedy has sparked concerns among residents and parents about safety conditions in schools, particularly the maintenance of school compounds in rural communities.

The order was granted by the High Court on June 9, 2026, following an ex parte application filed by five party members from the constituency.

The applicants are Andrew Adade, Daniel Quaicoe, Francis Kwakye Amprofi, Dominic Boakye Acheampong, and Michael Arhin.

The respondents in the suit include the New Patriotic Party, the party’s Western Regional Secretary Henry Amankwa Afirifa, Western Regional Chairman Francis Ndede Siah, Tarkwa-Nsuaem Constituency Chairman Benjamin Assabil, and Constituency Secretary Fuseni Amadu.

According to the court order, the respondents, their agents, assigns, associates, representatives, and any persons acting on their behalf have been restrained from conducting, supervising, declaring, recognizing, or taking any action concerning the constituency’s scheduled electoral area elections.

The injunction specifically bars any activities connected to the elections slated for June 10, 2026, or any related procedures until the legal matter before the court is determined or settled by the parties.

The court directed that the interim order shall remain in force for ten days unless the application is renewed on notice.

The order was issued by the High Court in Sekondi and certified by the Judicial Service of Ghana on June 9, 2026.

The case is expected to have significant implications for the conduct of internal party elections within the Tarkwa-Nsuaem constituency as stakeholders await the court’s final determination.

The project is aimed at helping to address the persistent “no-bed syndrome” at the hospital while improving access to quality healthcare services, particularly for vulnerable and underserved populations within the region.

Speaking at the launch, MTN Ghana’s South-West Regional Senior Manager, Prince Owusu Nyarko, said the initiative underscores the telecommunications giant’s commitment to supporting healthcare delivery through strategic partnerships and community-focused interventions.

According to him, the project reflects MTN’s dedication to bridging critical infrastructure gaps in the health sector and contributing meaningfully to the well-being of communities.

“The Y’ello Care initiative continues to demonstrate our commitment to supporting institutions that provide essential services to the public. We believe this intervention will significantly improve patient care and ease pressure on the hospital’s resources,” he stated.

The Administrator of the Effia-Nkwanta Regional Hospital, Michael Danso, welcomed the intervention and described it as timely, noting that financial constraints had prevented the facility from undertaking the repairs independently.

He expressed appreciation to MTN Ghana and Sikap3 Edwuma for the support and further appealed for assistance in training local artisans to manufacture hospital beds locally to help reduce maintenance costs and improve sustainability.

Operations Manager of Sikap3 Edwuma, Matthew Bentho, described the initiative as a practical and impactful response to the widespread no-bed syndrome confronting many healthcare facilities across the country.

He said the project would not only restore damaged equipment but also enhance the hospital’s capacity to provide quality healthcare services to patients.

The intervention forms part of MTN Ghana’s broader Y’ello Care programme, which leverages employee volunteerism and strategic partnerships to address pressing social challenges and improve lives in communities across the country.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the Western Regional launch of the policy in Takoradi, Mr. Nelson stressed that government efforts alone would not be sufficient to achieve the policy’s objectives.

According to him, the active involvement of healthcare professionals, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), traditional authorities, development partners, civil society organisations, and community leaders will be critical to the policy’s success.

“The government cannot achieve these objectives alone. We need the support and commitment of all stakeholders to ensure that quality primary healthcare services become accessible to every Ghanaian, regardless of where they live,” he stated.

Mr. Nelson noted that ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare infrastructure at both the district and community levels would significantly improve access to healthcare services and enhance health outcomes across the region.

He described the Free Primary Healthcare Policy as a transformative intervention aimed at reducing barriers to healthcare access and improving the well-being of citizens.

The Minister further assured the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service, and other stakeholders of the unwavering support of the Western Regional Coordinating Council in rolling out the policy successfully across the region.

“The Western Regional Coordinating Council remains committed to supporting this initiative. We will continue to work closely with all partners to ensure that the policy achieves its intended impact in our communities,” he added.

At the launch, the District Director of Health Services for Ellembelle, Dr. Augustine Kwesi Amoako, provided stakeholders with an overview of the policy framework and its implementation strategy.

Dr. Amoako explained that the initiative is designed to strengthen primary healthcare delivery by improving access to essential health services, particularly for vulnerable populations and residents in underserved communities.

“This policy seeks to strengthen our healthcare delivery system and ensure that every Ghanaian has access to essential primary healthcare services without financial hardship,” he said.

He noted that the successful implementation of the policy would contribute significantly to the country’s efforts towards achieving universal health coverage and improving healthcare outcomes nationwide.

The Free Primary Healthcare Policy forms part of the government’s broader strategy to expand healthcare access, strengthen preventive healthcare services, and improve the overall quality of care available to Ghanaians.

Drivers operating on the route have reportedly increased fares in recent weeks, citing the worsening condition of the Agona Nkwanta–Dixcove road, which they say is causing frequent vehicle breakdowns and increasing maintenance costs.

Several commuters who spoke to reporter Ephya Gyambrah complained that the continuous fare increments are taking a toll on their daily lives and businesses.

According to some traders and workers who rely on the route, transport fares have nearly doubled in certain communities, making movement difficult for residents.

“I spend almost all my daily sales on transportation alone. The roads are very bad, but the fares are becoming unbearable,” a trader lamented.

Commercial drivers, however, insist the increments are necessary to keep their businesses running.

One driver at the Agona Nkwanta lorry station explained that the poor nature of the road has significantly affected their vehicles.

“We are not increasing the fares because we want to cheat passengers. The road is destroying our cars every day. Almost every week we are repairing shock absorbers, tyres and other parts,” he said.

Another driver added that fuel consumption has also increased because vehicles are forced to move slowly through pothole-ridden sections of the road.

“If we continue to charge the old fares, we cannot survive. The road from Agona Nkwanta towards Dixcove has become very terrible, especially during the rains,” the driver stressed.

Some drivers further indicated that transport unions have had no option but to adjust fares informally to cushion operators against the rising cost of vehicle maintenance.

Residents and commuters are therefore calling on the government and the Ghana Highway Authority to urgently rehabilitate the stretch to reduce the burden on both drivers and passengers.

They fear that if immediate action is not taken, transport fares could rise even further, worsening the economic hardship faced by people living and working along the corridor.

The Minister made the appeal during this year’s Eid al-Adha prayers at the Takoradi Central Mosque, where he urged both Muslims and non-Muslims to come together in a collective effort to prevent further flooding disasters.

According to him, recent heavy rains have already caused significant destruction in parts of the metropolis, warning that the situation could worsen if immediate action is not taken to improve sanitation in communities.

“Today we celebrate Eid, but tomorrow we must all pick up the spades and clear our gutters,” Mr. Nelson stated.

“The rains are increasing and if we fail to act together, we risk exposing our communities to more devastating floods.”

He stressed that sanitation should not be viewed as the responsibility of government alone, but rather a shared civic duty that requires the active participation of residents, religious bodies, and local leaders.

The Minister further appealed to community members to desist from indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains, describing the practice as a major contributor to perennial flooding in the metropolis.

Mr. Nelson commended the Muslim community for their contribution to peace and development in the region and encouraged them to use the Eid celebration as an opportunity to promote unity, discipline, and communal responsibility.

He assured residents that the government remains committed to improving drainage infrastructure in flood-prone areas but emphasised that public cooperation remains critical in addressing the sanitation challenge.