Ahwerease Darmang, July 3, 2025
In a rare and heartfelt engagement, Hon. Philibert Fummey Amenorpe, Municipal Chief Executive for Nsawam Adoagyiri, visited the Ahwerease Darmang Electoral Area, offering not just government updates but a listening ear to communities long yearning for change.
The visit drew traditional leaders, residents, and Assembly officials to the Palace at Ahwerease Darmang, where the MCE and his team were warmly welcomed in line with local customs. The area includes the communities of Darmang, Ahwerease, Noka, Anoff, Kwasitenten, and Duayeden, each with a distinct identity, yet united by common struggles with infrastructure, access to basic services and a desire to be heard.
The Chief, in his welcoming remarks, encouraged the MCE to lead with humility and a sense of duty to the people. He expressed hope that Hon. Amenorpe would remain close to the communities he serves and take a practical interest in their everyday challenges. The Chief also appealed to officials and staff of the Municipal Assembly to offer their full support to the MCE, emphasizing that collective effort is essential for progress.
Taking the floor, Hon. Amenorpe thanked the Chief and elders for their warm reception and wise counsel. Speaking on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, he introduced three of the government’s newly launched flagship programs, Adwuma Wura, aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs; the National Apprenticeship Program, which offers vocational skills training and stipends; and Feed Ghana, a bold plan to support farmers with inputs, credit, and recognition.
“These programs are meant for communities like yours,” he emphasized. “For our young people who want to work but need a push. For our farmers who feed us. For every household that wants a better tomorrow.”
But it was during the open discussion that the heart of the visit was truly revealed. Residents, one after the other, spoke not only of frustrations, but of dreams interrupted.
In Darmang, residents painted a picture of a community rich in spirit but left behind in development. Children attend school in overcrowded classrooms with broken furniture. An incomplete toilet facility sits unused. Streetlights that once offered safety have gone dark. A once-promising water project has been completed, but never commissioned. “We’re trying,” one teacher said quietly, “but the children deserve better.”
In Ahwerease, the road leading to Mason Lane remains impassable during the rainy season, cutting off access to key areas. A community centre remains a dream, and efforts to clean up a heaped refuse dump have stalled. Even the palace lacks basic support for renovations. “It’s hard to build pride in a place that looks forgotten,” a youth leader remarked.
Noka shared similar concerns, no running water, a deteriorating school building with a roof that leaks during storms, and a bridge that connects the town to nearby communities remains unfinished. “We’ve been patient,” an elder noted. “But for how long?”
In Anoff, residents spoke of the need for a simple toilet facility. For Kwasitenten, the plea was for inclusion in the school feeding program and a proper Junior High School block so children don’t have to travel far. “Even a small town deserves to see progress,” one mother said.
Duayeden, perhaps the hardest hit, is battling multiple challenges, from rough, unpaved roads and poor network reception to the lack of a CHPS compound. Residents expressed deep concern about illegal sand mining, persistent disturbances from a nearby quarry company, and unresolved land disputes with external taskforces. “We feel invaded, unheard, and unsupported,” said a visibly emotional resident.
Through it all, the MCE listened intently. “I may not have all the solutions today,” he admitted, “but what I can promise is that you have my attention and my commitment. These concerns are real, and so is my responsibility to act.”
He assured the communities that their issues would not be shelved or ignored. More importantly, he emphasized that traditional leaders and residents would remain key partners in the development process.
“This isn’t a ceremonial visit,” he said. “This is the start of a working relationship. One where your voices will guide our actions.”
As the sun dipped behind the hills and the meeting came to a close, there was no promise of overnight miracles, but there was a shift. Hope, though cautious, had found its way into the hearts of many. For the first time in a long while, the people of Ahwerease Darmang felt seen.
