The Deputy Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, has commissioned a new police station and a 12-seater water-closet public toilet facility at Asikuma in Eastern Region.
He has also paid a two-year rent advance for police personnel posted to the new station, and donated two motorbikes to ensure immediate operationalisation of the police station.
Since the establishment of Asikuma community, residents have struggled to access swift police assistance, relying on Anum Police Station, located several kilometers away.
Construction of the Asikuma Police Station, which began in 2015 when the MP was serving as District Chief Executive, stalled after NDC government left power in 2016, leaving the community without adequate security.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Hon. Thomas Nyarko Ampem, explained that Asikuma has been earmarked as a strategic economic enclave along the Eastern Corridor Road, making it a priority for infrastructure and economic development.
He noted that the presence of a functional police station is essential to provide the secure environment needed to attract investors.
“If there is any town, if there is any community that is very promising, that has the potential to become a very big community, it is Asikuma. The location of Asikuma on Eastern corridor road is very strategic. The prospects, the potential for this town is very huge. That is why we all need to begin to plan for Asikuma.” He stated.
He added, “So, we need to begin to put infrastructure and logistics that are able to support the fast-growing community in Asikuma, and one of such is the provision of security police station. That is why we have gathered here”.
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The District Chief Executive for Asuogyaman, Godwin Bobobee, highlighted planned government initiatives for Asikuma community to boost the local economy.
He mentioned a model 24-hour market complex integrated with a Women’s Development Bank, lorry terminal, daycare school, police and fire service posts, set to be constructed in Asikuma.
“We’re going to have a five-acre land right here in Asikuma to put up the much-talked-about 24-hour model market. This market is not just a market. It is a market envisioned by the visionary John Dramamine Mahama. So the market comes with a women’s Development Bank that he promised. The market comes with a creche. The market comes with restaurants. It comes with warehouses. It comes with lockable shops. It comes with market stalls. It comes with fire station. It comes with police station. It comes with warehouses. It comes with lorry stations. It comes with guest houses”. The DCE explained.
He also highlighted that Asikuma is also going to get other road projects including an interchange.
“This road we see here (Asikuma to Ho and Atimpoku road) is another big push project. The Eastern Corridor Road we can all see is ongoing steadily. For the first time we’re going to have an interchange here in Asikuma. We’re going to very soon, cut sod for the construction of a three-unit kindergarten block right here in Asikuma. Procurement processes have started, thanks to the kind generosity of the President”. He assured.
The newly appointed Eastern Regional Police Commander, DCOP Joseph Owusu-Bempah, used the occasion to caution against rising attacks on police stations and personnel.
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He stressed that the Police Service remains committed to protecting lives and properties, and any attack on police facilities will not be tolerated, hence urged the residents of Asikuma to live peacefully with the police and coorporate with them.
On her part, the Assembly Member for Asikuma, Faustina Tillah, said the inauguration of 12-seater water closets public toilet facility, the first of its kind in the community, jointly funded by the MP and Sanitopia Community Interest Company, will end open defecation in the community to reduce spread of diseases.
Present at the ceremony were traditional rulers led by Okusiaku-Brempong Kumi Sasraku VII , paramount Chief of Anum, religious leaders and community members.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
