The District Chief Executive for the Ajumako Enyan Essiam District, Hon. Andrews Kojo Duodu, has called on Ghanaians to embrace patriotism, discipline, integrity and selfless service to help drive the country’s development agenda and national transformation efforts.
According to him, Ghana’s progress cannot be achieved solely through government policies and interventions, stressing that citizens must also undergo a change in mindset and demonstrate a renewed commitment to national development.
Hon. Andrews Kojo Duodu made the remarks during the National Prayer and Thanksgiving Day celebration held at the Church of Pentecost, Bisease Central and English Assembly in the Ajumako Enyan Essiam District of the Central Region.
Addressing the congregation, the DCE urged politicians, public office holders and citizens to reject corruption and uphold honesty and accountability in both public and private life.
He noted that corruption continues to deprive the country of vital resources needed for development and warned that Ghana’s socio-economic progress would remain slow unless the menace is collectively confronted.
“Every cedi lost through corruption could have been used to provide schools, hospitals, roads, water systems and other essential infrastructure needed to improve the lives of the people,” he stated.
Hon. Duodu further advised leaders at all levels to put the interest of Ghana above personal gains, emphasizing that leadership is about service and sacrifice rather than self-enrichment.
The DCE stressed that attitudinal change remains one of the most effective tools for transforming both the district and the country as a whole.
He therefore called on citizens to obey the laws of the country, protect public property, pay taxes regularly, maintain environmental cleanliness and discharge their duties with honesty, dedication and professionalism.
According to him, although government continues to invest significantly in infrastructure and social intervention programmes, such investments can only produce meaningful results when citizens demonstrate discipline, accountability and a strong sense of civic responsibility.
Touching on the recent flooding that affected several communities across the country, Hon. Andrews Kojo Duodu described the disaster as a wake-up call for citizens to change their attitudes towards sanitation and environmental management.
He appealed to residents to desist from dumping refuse into drains and rivers, avoid building on waterways and flood-prone areas, and actively participate in communal labour activities to keep their communities clean.
The DCE observed that many environmental challenges confronting the country, including perennial flooding, could be minimized if citizens adopt responsible environmental practices and comply with planning regulations.
Hon. Duodu also expressed appreciation to heads of departments, security agencies, traditional authorities, religious leaders, assembly members and staff of the District Assembly for their continuous support towards the development of the district.
He disclosed that the Assembly is currently implementing several development projects through the District Assemblies Common Fund and other government interventions aimed at improving the living conditions of residents.
According to him, the projects include the construction and rehabilitation of classroom blocks, CHPS compounds, teachers’ and nurses’ bungalows, roads, mechanized boreholes, markets and other critical infrastructure across various communities within the district.
He added that while some of the projects are ongoing, others have already been completed and handed over to beneficiary communities for use.
The District Chief Executive assured residents that the Assembly remains committed to ensuring the equitable distribution of development projects throughout the district.
He pledged that more communities would continue to benefit from government interventions in the coming years.
Hon. Andrews Kojo Duodu further appealed to residents to continue living in peace and harmony, stressing that sustainable development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of conflict and political intolerance.
He also encouraged the youth to remain law-abiding, work hard, acquire employable skills and avoid violence, drug abuse and other social vices that could undermine the district’s development.
The DCE called on churches and other religious bodies to continue praying for the peace, unity and prosperity of Ghana as well as divine guidance for the country’s leadership.
He specifically requested prayers for President John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Finance Minister and Member of Parliament for Ajumako Enyan Essiam, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, ministers of state and all public office holders.
According to him, the country’s leaders require wisdom, courage, good health and divine direction to effectively discharge their responsibilities.
Hon. Andrews Kojo Duodu concluded by encouraging residents of the district to remain hopeful, united and committed to supporting government policies and initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of the people.
He expressed confidence that through unity, discipline, integrity, hard work, the fight against corruption and God’s guidance, both the Ajumako Enyan Essiam District and Ghana at large would experience accelerated socio-economic growth and lasting prosperity.
Story by Yaw Boagyan
