By Martin Osei Tutu
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Tarkwa-Nsuaem, Hon. Ebenezer Cobbinah, says his administration is pursuing a transformation agenda to spread development to all communities in the municipality.
According to him, the agenda focuses on water, sanitation, roads, health, education and local economic development, so residents in Tarkwa town and the surrounding communities feel the impact.
Water For All Communities
On water scarcity and contamination, Mr. Cobbinah said the Assembly is working with Ghana Water Company Limited and the Community Water and Sanitation Agency to upgrade water infrastructure.
“Our goal is sustainable access to clean water for all communities,” he said.
As part of that effort, the Assembly has constructed a mini small-town water treatment plant at Kadadjem and mechanised boreholes at Enyinase, Tamso Estate, Isamankakraba, Sioja, Bonsare, Ningo, Insomae Five and Yayahon.
Sanitation And Health
The MCE reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to intensifying waste evacuation and supporting the National Sanitation Day observed at the end of each month.
He disclosed that the Assembly has constructed a toilet facility at the Tarkwa Slaughterhouse and a 12-seater WC toilet at Tetrim Presbyterian School.
“We spend huge sums of money on waste management in Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality,” Mr. Cobbinah said, adding that a clean environment is key to healthy communities.
On September 7, 2026, the Assembly handed over development projects funded by Internally Generated Funds (IGF). They included two Toyota Hilux pickups, hospital beds, suction machines, compressor nebulizers, privacy screens, waste bins, office furniture and 300 wooden dual desks for schools.
He said other ongoing IGF-funded works include a science laboratory, a classroom block, a police station, boreholes and the completed rehabilitation of the Tarkwa Circuit Court, which is awaiting commissioning.
Roads And Railway Station
On roads, the Assembly has deployed DRIP machines to reshape inner roads in the municipality.
The MCE has also directed developers near the Tarkwa Railway Station to cease operations, saying the area had become a haven for miscreants.
He said the Assembly plans to transform the railway area into a thriving economic hub for the benefit of the entire community.
Job Creation Through Responsible Mining
Job creation for the youth remains a top priority, especially through responsible mining.
Tarkwa-Nsuaem is a mining municipality, but for years many young people have been pushed into illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, because of unemployment.
To change that, the government, through the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP), has inaugurated community mining cooperatives in the municipality to give the youth legal, safe and organised mining jobs.
On Monday, November 9, 2026, the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, inaugurated four cooperatives in the Western Region, including Tanoyaa and A’koon societies in Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality, and TAX ES, Bogum and Alignment in Prestea-Huni Valley Municipality.
Under the programme, local youth and artisanal miners are organised into registered cooperatives, given certificates and permits to operate within approved concessions, and trained to comply with mining, environmental, safety and land reclamation regulations.
Mr. Cobbinah said the programme will help take young people off the streets, reduce galamsey, protect water bodies, forests and farmlands, and create sustainable livelihoods for families.
“This is not just about mining. It is about giving our youth a lawful path to prosperity, while protecting our rivers, forests and farmlands for future generations,” he noted.
Residents and the MP for Tarkwa-Nsuaem, Hon. Issah Taylor, have welcomed the initiative, describing it as an opportunity to provide jobs for unemployed youth in the mining communities.
Responsible Mining And Land Reclamation
Mr. Cobbinah said his administration will pursue stronger partnerships between local communities and mining companies.
“Mining has significantly contributed to Tarkwa-Nsuaem’s economic growth and community development, with companies like Gold Fields Ghana Ltd., AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine, and Ghana Manganese Company Ltd. creating jobs and boosting infrastructure,” he said.
“Moving forward, my administration aims to strengthen partnerships between communities and mining companies, promoting responsible practices and land reclamation for agriculture or afforestation.”
Culture And Unity
The MCE also joined traditional authorities and corporate institutions at the maiden Tarkwa-Nsuaem Expo 2026 on March 28, 2026, held under the theme “Uniting the People Through Culture and Creativity for Development.”
Residents Demand More – But Some Praise MCE
Despite the Assembly’s claims, some residents say they want to see more, especially on inner roads and the Nsuaem SHS project. Others have called for Nsuaem to be carved out as its own district.
However, Kwabena Arthur, a resident of Tarkwa, praised the MCE for his good work and humility, saying his open-door approach has made it easier for residents to engage the Assembly on their concerns.
The MCE appealed for patience, saying he is just a year and a half in office and engagements are ongoing to address the concerns.
For now, the Assembly insists the transformation agenda is on course, and that Tarkwa-Nsuaem will see more development in the months ahead.
