TARKWA, GHANA
Abdul Aziz Sanni, Personal Assistant to the Member of Parliament for Tarkwa Nsuaem, Hon. Issah Salifu Taylor, has outlined a development vision for Tarkwa, highlighting ongoing interventions and key areas that require further investment to transform the municipality into a modern economic and industrial city.
In a detailed write-up titled “Tarkwa Today and Way Forward,” Mr. Sanni described Tarkwa as more than a mining town, stressing its importance as an economic, industrial, educational and commercial centre with significant potential for further growth.
He noted that while Tarkwa is internationally recognised for its gold and manganese resources, the municipality is also home to a growing population, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, businesses and financial institutions.
Healthcare, education and infrastructure
Mr. Sanni highlighted healthcare as one of the areas receiving attention, noting that some facilities across the municipality require renovation, upgrading, medical equipment, fencing and staff accommodation.
According to him, Hon. Issah Salifu Taylor, working with the Municipal Health Directorate, has undertaken an assessment of health facilities to identify their specific needs.
He said renovation works have commenced at the Benso and Tarkwa Banso Health Centres, with further interventions expected as resources become available.
On education, Mr. Sanni pointed to the presence of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) as evidence of Tarkwa’s position as an important educational and technical hub, particularly in mining, engineering and technology.
He added that the MP has supported educational opportunities, including scholarships and initiatives aimed at recognising and motivating teachers and other professionals.
Electricity and potable water
The write-up also highlighted interventions in the electricity sector.
Mr. Sanni stated that 31 faulty transformers identified across the municipality had been replaced through the efforts of Hon. Issah Taylor, an intervention he said was expected to improve power reliability for households and businesses.
Access to potable water was also identified as a critical development priority.
According to Mr. Sanni, several mechanised boreholes being provided across communities are interventions facilitated by the MP to improve access to safe and reliable drinking water.
He, however, acknowledged that more investment would be needed to achieve sustainable water access for all communities.
Youth and women’s economic empowerment
Mr. Sanni also drew attention to initiatives targeting young people and women.
He described Hon. Issah Taylor’s Youth in Driving and Work-and-Pay Car Policy as an initiative designed to equip young people with driving skills while creating pathways towards productive employment and economic independence.
For women and traders, he highlighted the MP’s Interest-Free Loan Programme, which seeks to provide access to capital to help strengthen existing businesses and expand economic opportunities.
Digital connectivity and security
According to the MP’s aide, digital connectivity is becoming increasingly important to Tarkwa’s development, particularly for education, businesses, mobile financial services and communication.
He said Hon. Issah Taylor had facilitated the provision of network towers at Bonsawire and Amantin to address connectivity challenges in those communities.
Street-lighting interventions have also been supported as part of efforts to improve visibility, safety and security.
Tarkwa’s inner roads remain a major concern
Despite the interventions outlined, Mr. Sanni acknowledged that Tarkwa continues to face significant development challenges.
He identified the poor condition of the municipality’s internal road network as one of the most visible infrastructure deficits.
According to him, the situation has affected transportation, businesses, drainage, accessibility and the general appearance of the municipality.
He said the Tarkwa Inner Roads Project, being pursued in collaboration with Municipal Chief Executive Hon. Ebenezer Cobbinah and the Government of Ghana, has been awarded to a local contractor, with mobilisation to site expected.
Mr. Sanni described the project as more than a road intervention, arguing that improved inner roads could enhance mobility, support businesses, improve drainage and accessibility, and contribute to the physical transformation of Tarkwa.
Environmental challenges
The MP’s aide also acknowledged the environmental challenges associated with Tarkwa’s mining economy.
He called for responsible and sustainable mining, stronger environmental enforcement, reclamation of degraded lands and greater protection of water bodies.
He further identified sanitation as an area requiring urgent attention, arguing that a growing urban population needs improved waste management, public sanitation facilities, drainage, waste collection and sustained public education.
A call for collective action
Mr. Sanni stressed that the transformation of Tarkwa cannot be achieved by the MP alone.
He called for cooperation among the Municipal Assembly, government, mining companies, traditional authorities, businesses, civil society organisations and residents.
He said Tarkwa must move beyond being known primarily as a centre for mineral extraction and work towards becoming a modern industrial, educational, commercial and technological city.
“Tarkwa has the resources. Tarkwa has the people. Tarkwa has the institutions. Tarkwa has the economic potential,” Mr. Sanni wrote, stressing that what the municipality needs now is sustained investment, collaboration and a clear vision for the future.
He concluded by describing the ongoing efforts as the beginning of a new phase for the municipality, while acknowledging that significant work remains to be done.
“This is Tarkwa today. This is the challenge before us. And this is the Tarkwa we must build together,” he stated.
Written by : Ayami
