By Hebrews Pouyeli Kumako
The Aflao Traditional Council, under the leadership of Torgbuigah Adzonugagah Amenya Fiti V, has inaugurated the Aflao Stakeholders Forum, a major consultative platform aimed at addressing growing concerns over what many residents describe as the continuous neglect of Aflao in government development projects within the Ketu South Municipality.
The two-day forum, held on May 26 and 27, brought together 15 Assembly Members from the Aflao Traditional Area, security agencies, youth representatives, traditional leaders, opinion leaders, and community stakeholders to deliberate on the challenges confronting the municipality and chart a united path toward accelerated development.
According to the Traditional Council, the initiative became necessary amid increasing public dissatisfaction over perceived unequal distribution of government projects and infrastructure within the municipality.
Addressing participants at the inauguration, Torgbuigah Amenya Fiti V emphasized the urgent need for Aflao stakeholders to unite and adopt a more coordinated development approach capable of complementing government efforts and protecting the interests of the people.
The Paramount Chief noted that Aflao, despite being Ghana’s major eastern border town and one of the most economically strategic communities in the Volta Region, continues to face serious infrastructural and developmental challenges.
According to him, the Stakeholders Forum was inspired by the need to create a collective platform where concerns affecting the municipality can be openly discussed and solutions pursued through dialogue, advocacy, and collaboration.
One of the major issues raised during the forum was the reported diversion of the remaining kilometers of the Big Push Road Project, originally expected to continue toward the Aflao Border, but allegedly redirected toward the Some’ Klikor stretch. Assembly Member reportedly expressed concern that such decisions continue to deepen public perceptions that Aflao is being sidelined in the allocation of major government infrastructure projects.
Several speakers questioned why Aflao, which serves as a critical commercial and international gateway to Ghana, still struggles with deteriorating roads and incomplete infrastructure despite its economic importance.
Stakeholders also highlighted the persistent water challenges affecting communities within Aflao and surrounding areas. Residents complained about irregular water supply, pressure shortages, and inadequate expansion of water infrastructure despite rapid population growth and increasing urbanization.
Educational infrastructure also featured prominently during discussions, with concerns raised about inadequate classroom blocks, overcrowded schools, and the need for modern educational facilities in several communities. Participants urged government and development partners to prioritize investment in education to improve learning conditions for children in the municipality.
The delayed Avoeme AstroTurf Project was another major topic at the forum, with youth representatives expressing frustration over the prolonged setbacks surrounding the project. Some participants argued that the project, which is expected to support sports development and youth empowerment, has become entangled in political and administrative disagreements, delaying its completion.
Calls were made for all stakeholders to put aside personal and political differences and prioritize the development interests of the municipality.
Security agencies at the forum reportedly raised concerns about increasing urban pressure, border-related activities, and the growing need for improved security infrastructure and community cooperation. Other concerns discussed included:
- Poor drainage systems and flooding risks
- Inadequate sanitation infrastructure
- Growing pressure on social services due to rapid population growth
- Need for improved healthcare facilities
- Market and economic infrastructure expansion
- Youth unemployment and skills development
- Encroachment and land-use planning challenges
- Need for industrial and investment opportunities within Aflao
Participants repeatedly stressed the need for fairness, transparency, and balanced allocation of government projects across communities within the municipality. Many stakeholders argued that Aflao’s strategic role as Ghana’s major border town should naturally attract stronger investment in roads, security, education, water, healthcare, and economic infrastructure.
Torgbuigah Amenya Fiti V concluded by urging all political leaders, Assembly Members, traditional authorities, and residents to work together in unity to advance the development agenda of Aflao and the wider municipality. He emphasized that the Stakeholders Forum is not intended to create division, but rather to promote constructive dialogue, accountability, and collective action toward the progress of the people.
The Aflao Stakeholders Forum is expected to become a continuous engagement platform through which pressing developmental concerns affecting the municipality will be identified, monitored, and addressed.
Source News Volta
