Residents of the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality are expressing growing frustration over what they describe as a widening development gap, despite the Assembly’s steady rise in Internally Generated Funds (IGF) and allocations from the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF).
According to locals, the municipality, which serves as a major mining and commercial hub in the Western North Region, continues to grapple with poor road infrastructure, inadequate sanitation facilities, and several abandoned public projects. They say the slow pace of development has left many communities feeling neglected and disillusioned.
A recent visit to communities such as Chiene, Wenchi, and Aboduabo revealed that many roads remain riddled with potholes, while others lack proper drainage systems. Residents lament that the deplorable condition of infrastructure is affecting trading activities, especially for market women and transport operators.
Madam Felicia Nyarko, a trader at the Bibiani Central Market, expressed disappointment over the situation. “Every year, the Assembly collects market tolls and other levies, but we see no improvement. The market becomes muddy whenever it rains and dusty when it’s dry. We are really suffering,” she said.
Some youth groups within the municipality have also accused the local authorities of failing to create sustainable jobs despite the area’s rich natural resources. They claim that the presence of mining companies has not translated into meaningful employment or tangible community development, leaving many young people jobless.
“We have gold, timber, and other resources, yet our communities remain underdeveloped. The Assembly and government must account for how the funds are being used,” said a youth leader in Anhwiaso who preferred anonymity.
Community leaders have also joined the call, urging the Assembly to prioritize transparency and fairness in the distribution of development projects. They argue that while the municipality continues to generate significant revenue, most communities have little to show for it.
Residents further allege that some completed projects are poorly executed, with infrastructure deteriorating shortly after commissioning. They are calling for regular monitoring and public accountability to ensure that funds are properly utilized.
Many believe that an independent assessment by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development would help uncover the challenges affecting project implementation and restore public confidence in the Assembly’s management.
For now, residents of Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai say they are not seeking political rhetoric but real results. They want to see better roads, cleaner environments, and economic opportunities that reflect the municipality’s growing revenue base — not another round of promises.
