Eastern Regional Minister Assumes Office with Bold Vision for Development

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Honourable Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey, the newly appointed Eastern Regional Minister, officially assumed office on Tuesday, February 4, 2024, reaffirming her dedication to enhancing the living conditions of the people and driving sustainable development in the region.

With a strong background in governance, education, and community development, Minister Awatey is well-positioned to spearhead initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth and social progress. She emphasized her commitment to addressing critical regional challenges, including illegal mining (galamsey), infrastructure deficits, and youth unemployment.

Upon her arrival, she received a warm welcome from the staff of the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council (ERCC). Following the reception, she held a closed-door meeting with the management team to discuss key regional issues and outline a collaborative approach to governance.

During a subsequent engagement with staff at the ERCC, Minister Awatey announced plans to embark on a regional tour to interact with chiefs and residents, gathering firsthand information on infrastructure and development challenges. She also reviewed the handing-over notes from her predecessor to ensure continuity in governance.

As part of her leadership agenda, the minister outlined several focus areas to drive regional development. She pledged to improve the quality of education and healthcare services, ensuring the well-being and advancement of citizens. Acknowledging the lack of mobile network coverage in some communities, she committed to championing the rural telephony project to expand mobile telecommunications and bridge connectivity gaps in rural areas. She emphasized the need for safe and quality drinking water to enhance public health and sanitation across the region. Recognizing the crucial role of young people in economic development, she vowed to foster job creation initiatives to provide employment opportunities for the youth. She reaffirmed her commitment to improving road networks, particularly in farming communities, to facilitate the transportation of foodstuffs to market centers. Additionally, she assured close collaboration with security agencies to enhance public safety and reduce crime rates.

Minister Awatey highlighted the devastating impact of illegal mining on the region’s environment, particularly its effects on water bodies, forest reserves, and agricultural lands. She noted that the Eastern Region has been severely affected, with polluted rivers, degraded lands, and widespread deforestation. To combat this menace, she stressed the urgent need for responsible and sustainable mining practices, advocating for a collective effort to restore the region’s natural resources while promoting lawful economic activities.

In her address to the ERCC staff, Minister Awatey urged them to set aside political differences and focus on delivering high-quality public service. She emphasized the importance of maintaining a professional, ethical, and inclusive work environment where all employees feel valued and respected. "The campaign period is over; now is the time to unite and work towards the region’s progress," she stated, calling on staff to uphold transparency, teamwork, and dedication in their duties. She expressed confidence that with commitment and integrity, the ERCC can become a model institution in public service.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Regional Coordinating Director, Yaw Adu Asamoah, formally handed over key documents outlining the region's action plans to Minister Awatey, ensuring a smooth transition. He provided an overview of the ERCC’s workforce, noting a total staff strength of 222, comprising 144 males and 76 females, with 72 senior officers and 150 junior officers. Yaw Adu Asamoah assured the Minister of the full cooperation of civil servants in implementing government policies and pledged to foster collaboration in achieving the region’s development goals.

As Minister Awatey embarks on her tenure, expectations are high that her leadership will bring transformative change to the Eastern Region, fostering growth, prosperity, and sustainable development.

Credit: Nana Kwasi Asare

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