The Assembly Member for the New Nsuta JJ Electoral Area, Honourable Mohammed Issahaku, has organized a community engagement forum to discuss pressing issues affecting residents and explore practical solutions through stakeholder collaboration.
The engagement brought together residents, representatives from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine (AGA), authorities from the Anglican Basic School, and other key stakeholders. The forum provided a platform for direct interaction through presentations and an open question-and-answer session.
Power Supply Challenges Take Centre Stage
One of the major issues discussed was the persistent power supply challenges affecting some parts of the community.
Representatives of the Electricity Company of Ghana explained that illegal electricity connections and the activities of unqualified electricians remain major causes of frequent outages in the area. According to ECG officials, unauthorized electrical installations often overload transformers, leading to breakdowns and unstable power supply.
The officials further disclosed that some residents continue to purchase inappropriate electricity meters instead of approved ones designated for their communities, creating additional operational challenges.
ECG assured residents that efforts are ongoing to improve electricity supply through the replacement of aging transformers with higher-capacity equipment to meet growing demand.
AngloGold Ashanti Clarifies Recruitment Concerns
Employment opportunities at the Obuasi Mine also featured prominently during discussions.
Officials of AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine addressed concerns raised by some residents regarding the company’s recruitment process. The company maintained that its employment system remains transparent and competitive, emphasizing that all qualified applicants are given equal opportunities regardless of background.
To demonstrate its commitment to local employment, AGA officials disclosed that four individuals from the New Nsuta JJ Electoral Area were recently recruited by the mine.
Residents, particularly the youth, were encouraged to pursue technical and vocational training backed by recognized certification to improve their employability within the mining sector.
School Security and Sanitation Issues Raised
Teachers from the Anglican Basic School highlighted growing concerns about security and sanitation challenges confronting the school.
According to school authorities, some individuals have turned portions of the school premises into gathering spots for smoking and other undesirable activities, posing safety risks to pupils and teachers.
The teachers also expressed concern about indiscriminate refuse dumping within the school compound, warning that the practice threatens hygiene and negatively affects the learning environment.
In response, Honourable Mohammed Issahaku appealed to AngloGold Ashanti to support the construction of a fence wall around the school to enhance security and protect school property. He also called for assistance in providing a mechanized borehole to improve access to potable water within the community.
Call for Community Responsibility
The Assembly Member urged selected community members to assist in monitoring activities around the school and report offenders to the appropriate authorities to help address security and sanitation concerns.
He further emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration in addressing challenges facing the electoral area, stressing that development can only be achieved through collective effort.
Participants commended Honourable Mohammed Issahaku for creating a platform that allows residents to engage directly with institutions and stakeholders on matters affecting their welfare.
Residents expressed optimism that the concerns raised during the engagement would receive the necessary attention and lead to tangible improvements within the New Nsuta JJ Electoral Area.