Lawra Municipal Assembly outlines 2027 development priorities, commits to education and security

The Lawra Municipal Assembly has held its third ordinary meeting, bringing together key stakeholders to assess the municipality’s progress and outline its development priorities for 2027. Led by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Cecilia Soyele Nuratu, and the Member of Parliament (MP) for Lawra, Bede Anwataazumo Ziedeng, the meeting highlighted a shared commitment to increased investment in education, improved security and agricultural interventions.

Education remains a core priority Education featured prominently as the two municipal leaders outlined extensive support for students in the area. Mr Ziedeng said his office had disbursed more than GH¢785,000 in partial scholarships to support over 660 tertiary students since he began his first term. He added that the individual tertiary scholarship grants had been increased from GH¢1,000 to GH¢2,000 between January 2025 and October 2026, benefiting more than 165 students.

At the basic and secondary levels, the MP said he funded mock examinations for Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates at a cost of GH¢84,000 in 2026. He also spent GH¢11,172 on feeding students of Brifoh Senior High School during their examinations. Complementing these efforts, the MCE announced that the Assembly had procured and was distributing essential school furniture.

The items include 260 mono desks, 250 dual desks and 100 tables with chairs, aimed at improving the teaching and learning environment across the municipality. Financial commitments and infrastructure updates On the financial well-being of the Assembly’s workforce, Madam Nuratu confirmed receipt of GH¢294,840, which has been earmarked to clear outstanding arrears and cover two quarters’ allowances for Assembly members.

The Assembly also presented its 2027 composite budget, fee-fixing resolution and annual action plan for consideration to guide development in the municipality. On infrastructure, the MCE provided an update on the 24-hour economy market project. While acknowledging delays by the contractor, she said the Ministry of Local Government was reviewing the contract to ensure the project’s successful completion.

Agricultural interventions and social protection Agriculture, a major contributor to Lawra’s local economy, recorded encouraging results despite some weather-related setbacks. Farmers reported positive harvests, although late rains affected some crops, particularly groundnuts. To support local livelihoods, the government introduced interventions, including the distribution of free fertiliser, drip irrigation equipment and 10,000 chicks to farmers.

However, the MCE expressed concern about the high mortality rate among the poultry distributed to beneficiaries. In the area of social protection, the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme continues to extend support to vulnerable residents. The Assembly is processing payments and onboarding approximately 4,700 beneficiaries in the municipality.

Health and security surveillance Although Lawra remains generally peaceful, the MCE raised concerns about recent security incidents, particularly two robbery cases reported along the Nandom road. She said the police had arrested two suspects and recovered a weapon, while efforts were ongoing to track down the main suspect, who remains at large. Security agencies are expected to intensify day and night patrols to maintain law and order during the upcoming festive season and the funeral rites of the late Paramount Chief of Lawra.

Health officials have also stepped up surveillance following reports of yellow fever outbreaks in neighbouring districts. The management of the municipal hospital has urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report symptoms of acute fever or jaundice to the nearest health facility to help prevent an outbreak in the municipality. As Assembly members deliberated on the 2027 budget, the meeting highlighted the need for continued collaboration among local government officials and stakeholders to address infrastructure challenges, improve education and healthcare, support livelihoods and strengthen security across the municipality.