Vincent Antwi Agyei, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Sunyani, has announced an ambitious target to complete six major infrastructural projects within eight months to accelerate socio-economic development in the municipality under the new NDC government.
He noted that the Sunyani Municipal Assembly is currently finalizing the tender processes, after which the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) will give final approval for the commencement of the projects.
“We are almost through with the tender process. As you know, any project beyond GH₵500,000 must receive regional approval.
We have completed tender openings and evaluations and forwarded all documents to the RCC. Once approval is granted, we will cut sod for all six projects and expect them to be completed within eight months,” he stated.
Educational and Health Infrastructure
According to the MCE, three of the projects will focus on educational infrastructure, including: A three-unit classroom block at Yaa Nyamere, A kindergarten block at Tanaano, and another classroom project at Asufufu.
In addition, a health centre is being constructed at Baaku ne Aba, with another planned for Kosuame Number 2, to improve access to basic healthcare in rural communities.
Water Supply Projects
Mr. Agyei also disclosed that the assembly has initiated 15 water projects—10 of which will be mechanized boreholes, while the remaining will be fitted with hand pumps.
“These are targeted at communities without access to the national electricity grid. In such areas, hand pumps are more sustainable and effective,” he explained.
He revealed that under the District Assemblies Common Fund, the municipality has so far received GH₵7 million, with GH₵2.8 million disbursed in the first quarter and GH₵4.7 million in the second.
These funds are being directed into priority projects in line with national guidelines.
Road Rehabilitation Efforts
Touching on road infrastructure, the MCE said the assembly has commenced reshaping works on several roads using a drip machine, including the Sunyani–Baako ne Aba road, which is being prepared for asphalting.
He assured that additional feeder roads within the municipality will also receive attention to enhance transportation and economic activity.
Supporting Local Businesses and Farmers
To strengthen local economic growth, Mr. Agyei indicated that the assembly is collaborating with MASLOC to provide financial support to women and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the municipality.
With about 40 percent of Sunyani’s population engaged in farming, the MCE said discussions are ongoing with the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) to facilitate access to credit for smallholder farmers.
“We are exploring ways to help farmers secure group loans with some form of guarantee or collateral since many are small-scale producers. This will boost productivity and enhance the overall agricultural value chain,” he added.
Challenges and Interventions
The MCE identified poor road networks and limited access to financial support for SMEs as major challenges confronting the municipality.
He assured that the assembly, in collaboration with development partners, is working to address these gaps to strengthen the local economy.
Legacy Projects and Vision
Outlining his long-term vision, Mr. Agyei expressed his desire to become the first MCE to use Internally Generated Funds (IGF) to undertake major development projects.
“We have streamlined expenditures to free up resources for IGF-driven projects. Two mechanized water systems have already been completed at Atronie and Awotwiman,” he said.
He further announced plans to establish a modern recreational centre in Sunyani through public-private partnership arrangements.
“Sunyani lacks a proper recreational facility. We are engaging private investors to develop one on available public lands. When I leave office, I want to be remembered for landmark projects that will transform the face of the municipality,” he emphasized.
Background: Sunyani Municipality
Sunyani, the regional capital of the Bono Region, has a population of about 220,000, with an estimated 35–40 percent engaged in farming.
The municipality comprises over 120 communities, many of which depend on agriculture and small-scale enterprises as their main source of livelihood.
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