The Ashanti Regional Minister, Hon. Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has spearheaded a historic open forum with representatives of all political parties in the region, marking a significant step toward inclusive governance and regional development. The engagement, which forms part of the Ashanti Development Dialogue, aimed to foster unity, exchange ideas, and map out a collective vision for the future of the Ashanti Region.
The meeting, held in Kumasi, brought together representatives from key political parties, including the New Patriotic Party (NPP), National Democratic Congress (NDC), Progressive People’s Party (PPP), All People’s Congress (APC), Convention People’s Party (CPP), Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP), Ghana Union Movement (GUM), People’s National Convention (PNC), People’s National Party (PNP), National Democratic Party (NDP), Alliance for Progressive People (APP), and Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG).
In his opening remarks, Hon. Dr. Amoakohene underscored the importance of fostering dialogue across political lines to accelerate development. “The progress of the Ashanti Region is a shared responsibility. Development is not about political colors but about our collective commitment to making life better for our people. This forum provides a unique opportunity for us to put aside our differences and focus on what truly matters—building a stronger, more prosperous region,” he stated.
Key Discussions on Ashanti’s Development Agenda
During the interactive session, representatives engaged in candid discussions on various aspects of regional growth, including infrastructure development, job creation, education, healthcare, and economic expansion. Participants shared their perspectives on policy strategies and the role of political leadership in addressing pressing developmental challenges.
Several key themes emerged from the discussions:
- Strengthening Infrastructure and Industrialization – Participants agreed on the urgent need for enhanced road networks, improved healthcare facilities, and the expansion of industrial zones to boost local employment.
- Youth Empowerment and Job Creation – Political representatives emphasized the importance of supporting youth entrepreneurship, vocational training, and initiatives to curb unemployment.
- Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection – With illegal mining (galamsey) being a major concern, attendees called for stricter enforcement of mining regulations while promoting responsible community-driven mining practices.
- Education and Digital Transformation – The need to modernize the educational system, invest in digital learning tools, and bridge the digital divide in rural communities was a key point of consensus.
Commitment to a Collaborative Future
At the end of the forum, participants lauded the initiative as a progressive step toward inclusive governance. They pledged their support for the Ashanti Development Dialogue, agreeing that such engagements should be held regularly to monitor progress and keep all political actors aligned with the region’s growth agenda.
Hon. Dr. Amoakohene reiterated his commitment to creating an open platform where political leaders, traditional authorities, and civil society organizations can work together to shape a sustainable development plan for Ashanti. “This is just the beginning. We must continue these conversations, translate our ideas into actionable policies, and work collectively towards a brighter future,” he emphasized.
The meeting concluded with a renewed sense of purpose and unity, with all parties agreeing that when it comes to development, Ashanti must stand as one.
#DialogueForDevelopment #StrongerTogether #AshantiRegion