YKMA HOLDS COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP ENGAGEMENT AT BOTI

Yilo Krobo, 12th August 2026 – In a bid to bring governance closer to the people and deepen participatory democracy, the Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly (YKMA), under the leadership of the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Francis Addo Akumatey, has held a Community Leadership Engagement with stakeholders at the Boti Epicenter.

The engagement brought together Traditional Authorities, Assembly Members, and residents from communities under the Boti Zonal Council.

The forum provided an avenue for residents to share concerns and for the Assembly to account for its activities while strengthening collaboration for improved service delivery.

Opening AddressIn his opening remarks, Hon. Akumatey acknowledged the critical role of Traditional Leaders as custodians of the land and key partners in driving community development.Key Issues RaisedCommunity members presented challenges affecting their daily lives and development.

The key issues raised included:

Road Network: The poor state of the Huhunya-Boti-Tsotsunya road is hampering the transportation of farm produce and causing post-harvest losses.

Security: Residents expressed concern over the presence of unidentified security personnel and requested clarity on their mandate.

Education: Dilapidated school infrastructure, stalled projects, and inadequate furniture are negatively affecting teaching and learning

.Health: Limited health facilities and the exodus of nurses without replacement are affecting healthcare delivery.Water: Most boreholes are dysfunctional, and some communities share water sources with cattle, raising health and sanitation concerns.

Telecommunications: Poor network coverage is affecting communication, mobile money, and access to information.Cattle Rearing / Nomadic Herdsmen: Stray animals destroying farms and competing for water sources are creating tensions.

Property Rate: Unauthorized persons collecting property rates have caused confusion among residents.

Tourism: There are concerns about the management of key tourist sites such as Boti Falls, Umbrella Rock, and the Three-Headed Palm Tree.

Electricity: Residents cited high electricity bills as a major financial burden on households and businesses.MCE’s Response and Assurances

Responding to the concerns, Hon. Akumatey assured residents of the Assembly’s commitment to addressing them:Roads:

The Assembly is engaging the Department of Feeder Roads and the Ministry of Roads. DRIP machines will soon be deployed to reshape priority roads.

Security: The MCE will collaborate with the Somanya, Koforidua, and Asesewa Police Commands to streamline security coverage. Residents were urged to avoid activities that attract security raids.

Education: Plans are underway to refurbish schools, engage GETFund to complete abandoned projects, and supply furniture annually.Health:

The Assembly will construct more CHPS compounds and engage the Municipal Health Director to address personnel shortages.Water: 10 boreholes are drilled annually across the Municipality. Boti communities are due to benefit, with measures to separate human and animal water sources.Telecommunications: Consultations with network providers are ongoing to improve coverage in the Boti area.Cattle Rearing: The MCE will engage security heads to address farmer-herder conflicts. Chiefs were advised to consult the Assembly before leasing land.Property Rate: Only authorized collectors will operate. Residents were encouraged to verify bills with Assembly Members.Tourism: Hon. Akumatey dismissed claims that Boti Falls and other sites have been sold to private developers.

Electricity: The Assembly is engaging ECG on billing concerns and urged residents to continue paying estimated bills in the interim.

Conclusion In his closing remarks, Hon. Akumatey thanked participants for their engagement and reaffirmed YKMA’s commitment to following up with relevant stakeholders to ensure sustainable solutions for Boti and its surrounding communities.