The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipal Assembly (EKMA), Honourable Kojo Acquah, received special recognition from Chiefs and Imams of Effiekuma Zongo during his farewell tour of the municipality, marking the approaching end of his six-year tenure.
In a ceremony led by EKMA Imam Abdul Rahman Ahmed (Big), community leaders presented honorable Acquah with a citation acknowledging his contributions to municipal development and decorated him with a traditional black and white Fugu garment, a gesture that reportedly caught the MCE by surprise.
The recognition comes as part of Acquah's municipal-wide thank you tour, which he initiated to express gratitude for the support received since taking office in 2018. His term is set to conclude in January 2025.
"This is to show appreciation and also to symbolise the community's satisfaction for your dedication to development during your tenure," Imam Abdul Rahman said.
"It is to show the strong bonds between the municipal leadership and the Zongo community and further served as a memorable gift from us for the wonderful time we'v shared."
The colorful event, held at the Effiekuma Zongo Central Mosque on Thursday November 14th, was the climax of his tour, and it drew over 50 attendees, including Chiefs and Imams representing various ethnic groups, with strong representation from women and youth groups.
Addressing the gathering, MCE Acquah pledged to utilize his remaining time in office to advance development projects specifically benefiting the Effiekuma community. He expressed optimism about Effiekuma's future, predicting its emergence as a major community in the region.
"Looking at the developmental pace and the commitment of our people, I foresee Effiekuma becoming a major community in the near future," Acquah stated. "The foundation we have laid together over these years will propel this community to greater heights."
The MCE, who was accompanied by executives and staff of EKMA, also took the opportunity to advocate for peaceful conduct during the upcoming December 2024 elections while soliciting support for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). Touched by the ceremony, Acquah was visibly moved by the gesture of the traditional attire.
"This Fugu represents the love and acceptance from the Zongo community," he said, beaming with joy.
"I promise to wear it proudly on special occasions and my happiest days as a constant reminder of the bond we share and the trust you have placed in me."
The ceremony highlighted the strong relationship between the municipal leadership and the Zongo community, with religious and traditional leaders commending Acquah's dedication to the municipality's development over his years of service.
"This honor was unexpected, and I am deeply moved," said Acquah, who extended an open invitation to community elders to seek his assistance whenever needed.
Prior to the main ceremony, health professionals from EKMA took the opportunity to sensitize participants about the emerging threat of cholera in the Effiekuma Municipality.
Honorable Kojo Acquah is almost at the end of his successful two terms as MCE, having served since the establishment of EKMA in 2018. His appointment came following the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government's decision to create the Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipal Assembly as a new administrative district, carved out from the larger Sekondi Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) in 2017, as part of efforts to enhance local governance and development.
Under his leadership, EKMA has transformed from a newly created municipality to a vibrant administrative district, marking significant progress in local governance and community development. Throughout his tenure, Acquah has overseen various infrastructural projects and community initiatives, establishing EKMA as a distinct and progressive municipality within the Western Region.
His impending departure in January 2025 will mark the end of an era that saw the successful establishment and growth of one of Ghana's newer municipal assemblies.
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