A/R: Community Development Is a Shared Responsibility, Not Government Alone – Philanthropist Urges Ghanaians

A philanthropist and resident of Manao Koninase in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region, Mr. Yaw Ankomah, popularly known as Papa Owusu Ankomah, has emphasized the need for Ghanaians to acknowledge that community development is a collective responsibility that should not be left solely to the government.

In an interview with DL News at the site of the ongoing construction project, Mr. Ankomah stressed that sustainable development can only be achieved when individuals, community members, and private citizens actively complement government efforts at the grassroots level.

According to him, one major challenge confronting community development initiatives is the tendency for people to discourage and criticize individuals who take personal steps to support development projects.

He therefore called on Ghanaians to refrain from using discouraging words against people who invest their own resources into community growth.

Mr. Ankomah made these remarks while personally undertaking the construction of an AstroTurf recreational park for residents of Koninase in the Amansie South District. The project, which is being funded privately, aims to promote sports development, youth engagement, and social interaction within the community.

He explained that the initiative was inspired by his desire to give back to society and create a positive environment for young people, noting that access to modern recreational facilities helps steer the youth away from social vices while nurturing talent and unity.

The AstroTurf project is historic, as it marks the first time both the Amansie South and Amansie West districts are witnessing the construction of such a modern sporting facility, an achievement residents say will have a lasting impact on the area.

Mr. Ankomah expressed the hope that his action would inspire other well-meaning individuals, corporate bodies, and stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to development efforts in their respective communities.

On his part, Mr. Kojo Fordjour, popularly known as Kojo Pawpaw, also spoke to the media and used the opportunity to appeal to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government to prioritize the tarring of the deplorable road network in the Amansie South District.

He noted that poor road conditions continue to affect businesses, transportation, and the free movement of people and goods in the district. According to him, improving the road infrastructure would significantly boost economic activities and enhance the overall standard of living of residents.

Mr. Fordjour therefore called on the government to respond urgently to the infrastructure needs of the district, stressing that development at the local level requires both government commitment and active citizen participation.

The event underscored the growing importance of community-led initiatives in national development and reinforced calls for stronger collaboration between citizens and government to drive progress across Ghana.

SOURCE: DLNEWSROOM

BY: SAMUEL OFORI BOATENG