The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) has held its Second Ordinary Meeting of the Ninth Session in line with section 6(1) of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), which mandates Assemblies to meet at least three times annually to deliberate on developmental and administrative matters.

In his address to the House, the Honourable Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), Lawyer Fredrick Faustinus Faidoo, highlighted key developments within the Metropolis. He indicated that the Metropolitan Security Council (METSEC) had conducted a site visit to an unauthorised settlement located behind the Sawmill area in the Airport Ridge Electoral Area, which he explained forms part of efforts to clamp down on illegal settlements that have become hotspots for various social vices.

He emphasized the importance of street lighting and called on Honourable Assembly Members to assist in compiling accurate data to facilitate the repair and replacement of non-functional streetlights, noting that adequate lighting plays a significant role in crime prevention.

He informed the House of the 10 per cent increment in IGF staff remuneration, which he believes will provide staff with much-needed relief and motivate them to give their very best to enhance the Assembly’s performance.

Touching on waste management, the MCE stated that a team from the C40 Cities Climate will visit the Metropolis on a familiarization mission from Monday, August 11, 2025, to Friday, August 15, 2025, following the Assembly’s application for funding under the C40 Cities Finance Facility. He added that the team will meet management and visit the engineered landfill site at Sofokrom. He further indicated that the success of the application would culminate in the provision of funding for the installation of a Bio-Digester and a recycling Plant in the Metropolis.

He expressed the hope that the addition to the waste management setting would significantly reduce green gas emissions, beyond enhancing the Assembly’s overall efficiency in the day-to-day management of waste.
Hon. Faidoo also expressed concern over the rising number of HIV infections in the Western Region, despite a marginal national decline from 1.53% in 2023 to 1.49% in 2024. He appealed to Assembly Members to lead by example and educate their electorates to avoid behaviours that could contribute to the spread of such infections.

For his part, the Presiding Member, Hon. Patrick Brempoh, called on Members to reflect on their roles and responsibilities. He referenced the song “Ankwanoma” by Ghanaian music legend Charles Kojo Fosu (Daddy Lumba), which he played to the House as a reminder of life’s fragility and the unpredictable nature of death. He urged Members to remain committed and give their utmost in serving the people.