The Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly has disbursed more than GH¢3.1 million to 1,128 beneficiary households under the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme over the past year, according to the Municipal Chief Executive, Roland Atanga Ayoo.
He made this known during a stakeholder engagement in Bolgatanga, where he presented an account of his first year in office. He explained that the payments formed part of efforts to strengthen social protection for vulnerable households within the municipality. Additional support was also extended to persons with disabilities to help improve their livelihoods and organisational activities.
Mr. Ayoo indicated that despite financial limitations and delays in fund releases, the Assembly recorded progress across multiple development areas.
He revealed that the municipality generated GH¢2.46 million in Internally Generated Funds (IGF) in 2025, representing 75.11 percent of its annual target. This reflects a slight improvement over the previous year’s performance. He added that funding from the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) and development partners contributed to key projects, although disbursement delays remained a challenge.
Infrastructure Development
According to the MCE, the Assembly undertook several infrastructure projects, including road rehabilitation, drainage systems, and the construction of schools, markets, and health facilities. Ongoing projects such as classroom blocks, CHPS compounds, and boreholes are at various stages of completion in communities including Sumbrungu, Yorogo, and Nyariga.
Education Support
In the education sector, over 1,200 dual desks and more than 11,800 textbooks were distributed to basic schools. Additionally, more than 600 teachers received training to enhance curriculum delivery, while 450 BECE candidates benefited from learning materials.
Health Interventions
Mr. Ayoo noted that some CHPS compounds have been completed and equipped, while others are still under construction or awaiting formal handover to the Ghana Health Service. He also highlighted intensified public health campaigns aimed at improving maternal health and disease prevention awareness.
Agriculture and Economic Support
The Assembly further supported agricultural and economic activities, registering over 800 farmer groups comprising nearly 20,000 farmers under the Feed Ghana Programme. Women engaged in agro-processing received equipment support, while about 170 artisans are expected to benefit from apprenticeship tools to strengthen vocational skills.
Sanitation and Security
Sanitation efforts included 11 major clean-up exercises and the evacuation of waste to the final disposal site at Sherigu. Public education campaigns and routine environmental inspections were also intensified. Mr. Ayoo further stated that the municipality continues to enjoy relative peace due to strong collaboration between security agencies and community stakeholders.
Challenges and Outlook
Despite these gains, the MCE acknowledged challenges such as limited financial resources, rapid urban expansion, and climate-related pressures. He reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to improving revenue mobilisation, strengthening partnerships, and pursuing sustainable development.
He concluded by calling on residents and stakeholders to support the Assembly’s development agenda, stressing that sustained progress depends on collective responsibility and cooperation.
Source: BlueWaves Radio 93.7FM / Fauzia Haruna
