The Minister expressed frustration over the prolonged delay, questioning why successive administrations had failed to complete a project originally intended to provide the municipality with a befitting administrative facility.

Published 7 Nov 2026, 19:00 GMT

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Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson has challenged the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Nzema East, Herbert Kuah Dickson, to prioritise the completion of the abandoned Municipal Assembly complex, which has remained unfinished for more than 23 years.

Mr Nelson made the remarks during a working visit to Nzema East, where he inspected the Assembly complex and urged the current administration to make its completion a priority.

He described the state of the facility as disappointing, particularly given the years that had elapsed since construction began and the continued use of the incomplete structure for Assembly meetings.

“There’s no excuse why after 20-something years, getting to 30 years, this structure is still what it is. I think that you must do something,” he said.

The Regional Minister urged the MCE to consider the project as a legacy investment under the District Assemblies Common Fund, arguing that completing the facility would ensure that it serves its intended purpose.

He said successive administrations had a responsibility to complete projects initiated by their predecessors rather than allow them to deteriorate or remain abandoned.

“Those who envisaged it, those who conceptualised it and started it did a good job, but all of us who have come after owe it a duty to ensure that it gets done,” Mr Nelson stated.

Responding to the Minister’s concerns, Nzema East MCE Herbert Kuah Dickson disclosed that the Assembly had taken steps to revive the project after reviewing the performance of the original contractor.

He explained that the contract for the Assembly complex was awarded in 2003 but was abrogated earlier in 2026 following consultations involving the Assembly, the project consultant, AESR, and the contractor.

According to him, the Assembly initially considered re-awarding the entire project but was discouraged by the high cost estimates submitted by prospective contractors, which ranged from GH¢9 million to GH¢12 million.

Mr Dickson said the Assembly had consequently decided to pursue a phased completion strategy, using part of its allocation for legacy projects under the Common Fund while seeking additional financial support from companies operating within the municipality.

“We have decided to do it in phases using part of the legacy. I intend to do it in three phases. The first phase, which is the Assembly hall and the finishing, is going to cost around GH¢5 million, and we hope by next year we will start with that one,” he explained.

The MCE indicated that the first phase, expected to commence in 2027, would focus on completing the Assembly hall and adjoining offices, where municipal assembly meetings are currently held.

The subsequent phase will involve work on the ground floor, with the Assembly hoping to complete the remaining sections as funding becomes available.

Mr Dickson said the project had been captured in the Assembly’s budget, although procurement and the advertisement of the contract for prospective contractors would have to be completed before construction begins.

The Regional Minister’s intervention has renewed attention on the prolonged delay surrounding the Assembly complex, which has remained incomplete despite changes in political and administrative leadership.

While the MCE has outlined a three-phase completion plan, the proposed GH¢5 million first phase and the 2027 commencement target will be crucial in determining whether the Assembly can finally move the project towards completion.

For residents and stakeholders in Nzema East, the completion of the facility would provide a more suitable administrative centre and bring an end to more than two decades of delays surrounding a major public infrastructure investment.

Western Regional Minister tasks Nzema East MCE to complete 23-year-old abandoned Assembly Complex

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