The Ahafo Ano South West District Assembly commemorated Ghana’s 69th Independence Day on Friday with a colourful ceremony at the Mankranso Community Park, where District authorities highlighted ongoing development efforts and called for unity in national progress.

Delivering the keynote address, the District Chief Executive (DCE), Abubakar Sedik, said the celebration is a moment for citizens to reflect on the sacrifices of Ghana’s founding fathers, particularly Kwame Nkrumah, who led the country to independence in 1957. He noted that Ghana’s freedom should inspire renewed commitment to national development and collective responsibility.

The event was held under the national theme “Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope,” which the DCE said challenges citizens to work together to improve livelihoods and strengthen confidence in the country’s future. According to him, independence is not only a historical achievement but also a continuing duty to pursue hard work, unity, and discipline in building a stronger nation.

Hon. Sedik highlighted several development initiatives undertaken by the Assembly over the past year in areas such as education, sanitation, healthcare delivery, and local economic development. He explained that these interventions were aimed at improving the living conditions of residents across the District.

In the education sector, the Assembly has initiated several infrastructure projects expected to be completed within eight months. These include the construction of institutional latrines in schools at Afreseni, Kunsu, Barniekrom, and Wioso, as well as classroom blocks at Manhyia, Oseikrom, and Kunsu SDA Basic School. A two-unit kindergarten block is also being constructed at Asuoabena.

Additionally, a 50,000-litre high-level water storage tank with a mechanised borehole is under construction at Mankranso Senior High School to improve water supply for students and staff. The Assembly has also provided WASH facilities for several junior high schools in collaboration with Women’s Health to Wealth, alongside furniture support for schools and the rehabilitation of the District Director of Education’s bungalow.

The DCE further revealed that steps are underway to upgrade Mankranso Senior High School to a Category “B” institution following its impressive performance at the 2025 National Science and Maths Quiz. He also announced that Wioso Senior High School has been successfully absorbed into the government system, with teaching staff already receiving appointment letters.

Hon. Sedik used the occasion to encourage young people in the District to remain disciplined, avoid social vices, and focus on acquiring skills that will contribute to national development. He also expressed concern over recent incidents of violence in schools and urged students to resolve conflicts through dialogue rather than confrontation.

He commended teachers for their dedication and appealed to traditional leaders to continue supporting efforts to maintain peace and development within their communities.

The ceremony brought together traditional authorities, the Member of Parliament, Assembly Members, political party executives, clergy, security personnel, teachers, students, and residents, who witnessed march-pasts by school children and cadet corps as part of the celebrations.

Hon. Sedik concluded by urging residents of the District to remain united and supportive of government policies to build a District that offers hope, opportunity, and prosperity for future generations.