PRCC OF STMA ENDS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AT ADIEMBRA LORRY PARK

The Public Relations and Complaints Committee (PRCC) of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) has concluded its community engagement exercise for 2025 at the Adiembra Lorry Park. The initiative aimed to educate the public on the mandate of the PRCC and the various interventions designed by the Assembly and central government to promote development and deepen local-level democracy.

Addressing members of the Adiembra community, the Hon. Presiding Member of the Assembly, who doubles as Chairman of the Committee and Assembly Member for the Adiembra Electoral Area, Hon. Patrick Brempoh, explained that the PRCC is responsible for educating the public on grievance mechanisms within the Assembly, including how to lodge complaints against Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), as well as Members and Staff of the Assembly.

He added that the committee investigates complaints or allegations made against the conduct of officers and members in accordance with the rules of natural justice and makes recommendations to the District Assembly for the appropriate action. Hon. Brempoh further noted that the committee's mandate is ultimately to promote transparency, probity and accountability in the dealings of the Assembly with the public.

The Hon. Presiding Member also highlighted opportunities available under the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme and the Disability Fund, both administered through the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development. He explained that beneficiaries of the two interventions register with the Social Welfare office, after which they are interviewed to assess their vulnerability before being considered for receiving support. He disclosed that three residents of the Adiembra community are currently on the LEAP programme.

Hon. Patrick Brempoh further noted that the Assembly is currently constructing toilet facilities at Mpintsin and Ahanta Mampong communities. Additionally, two Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds are being constructed at Kansaworado and Eshiem, while ten (10) boreholes with 10,000-litre poly tanks are being provided for selected communities, including Adiembra Type “C”.

In a related development, the Regional Operations Operator of Washking Limited, Miss Emmanuella Lamisi Debezor, informed the gathering that the company promotes hygiene through the construction of bio-digester toilets for households, institutions, and communities at a reasonable cost and flexible payment plans, upon assessment. She explained that applicants with existing facilities suitable for toilet installation would pay approximately GH¢3,000, while those requiring new construction could pay up to GH¢9,000, with instalment periods ranging from six months to three years.

During the open forum, a Unit Committee Member and resident of Adiembra, Mr. Danso, expressed concern about the poor state of inner roads in the community. He also appealed for the presence of Environmental Health Officers, noting that some residents still engage in open defecation and dispose of waste in polythene bags into gutters, leading to choked drains.

Other concerns raised included excessive noise from motor riders, theft of construction materials at a project site near Nana Kobina Djan, and noise pollution from funeral programmes held at the lorry park, which disturb nearby residents. Participants appealed for measures to address these issues. Another resident also sought clarification on the residential classification system used for property rate assessments, such as first, second, and third-class classifications.

Responding to the concerns, the Public Relations Officer of the Assembly, Mr. John Laste, stated that the complaint on noise nuisance and reckless riding by motorcyclists had already been received and referred to the appropriate security agency. He explained that residential classifications for property rates were determined based on the location of areas within the communities.

On road infrastructure, Mr. Laste assured residents that town roads would be considered for improvement, but noted that inadequate space and encroachment on reserved lands often hinder such developments. He revealed that a study is underway to introduce walkways to enhance the safety of pedestrians and schoolchildren. He emphasized that such interventions may require sacrifices and urged residents to cooperate by releasing space when required in the interest of development.