New Development push in Berekum East: MCE targets cleaner, brighter, and more vibrant city

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Berekum East in the Bono Region, Hon. Hajia Fati Abubakar, has pledged to restore Berekum to its former glory as one of Ghana’s cleanest and most developed municipalities.

Speaking before the Parliamentary Committee on Local Government on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, the MCE outlined a series of ongoing and planned development initiatives aimed at giving the municipality a facelift and reviving its reputation as the “Golden City.”

“When we took over, I can say I inherited very poor sanitation in Berekum. So, since May 2025, we began monthly clean-up and sanitation exercises,” Hon. Abubakar told members of the Parliamentary Press Corps.

“This month marked our fifth clean-up exercise, and I must commend the people of Berekum for their massive support. Anytime we call for a clean-up, the turnout is overwhelming,” she added.

She recalled that Berekum was once adjudged the cleanest city in Ghana between 1997 and 1998 under the leadership of the late Madam Mary Boakye, a former District  Chief Executive.

“She was a woman, and I am the second woman to lead Berekum as MCE. It is my prayer to follow in her footsteps and restore Berekum’s image as the Golden City,” she said.

Ongoing Development Projects

Hon. Abubakar highlighted a number of infrastructure projects currently underway, including the completion of a three-unit classroom block, a GES administration block, and a 40-room CHPS compound to improve education and healthcare delivery.

She added that the municipality has also tackled the problem of poor lighting.

“When I assumed office, Berekum was in darkness, none of the streetlights were functioning. But today, thanks to the efforts of the Municipal Assembly, the traditional council, and our Queen Mother, the streets of Berekum now shine bright at night. Even Onua TV aired a feature recently, describing Berekum at night as bright as daylight,” she noted.

Financial and Economic Progress

On the municipality’s finances, the MCE disclosed that under the Common Fund allocation, Berekum East received GH₵2.4 million in the first quarter and GH₵4.9 million in the second quarter of 2025, bringing the total to GH₵7.3 million.

“We are using these funds to execute various development projects across the municipality,” she said.

She further revealed that the assembly had achieved GH₵1.5 million in Internally Generated Funds (IGF) as of August 2025, close to its annual target of GH₵2 million.

Major Challenges

Despite the progress, Hon. Abubakar identified poor road networks as the municipality’s biggest challenge.

“We are doing our best with available resources and machinery to maintain our roads, but we need central government support. We appeal to be included in the Big Push Road Project to improve road infrastructure in Berekum,” she appealed.

Economic and Demographic Context

Berekum East Municipality, with a population of approximately 66,000 people, forms part of Ghana’s agriculturally vibrant Bono Region.

The local economy is driven largely by agriculture, with residents cultivating cocoa, cashew, maize, plantain, yam, cassava, and vegetables.

Some residents also engages in trading and small-scale processing of agricultural produce, providing employment for thousands of residents.

As Hon. Hajia Fati Abubakar continues to roll out her development agenda, residents of Berekum East remain optimistic that the municipality will once again shine as Ghana’s “Golden and Cleanest City.”