In a firm rejoinder issued to the press, the Assembly members refuted claims that the MCE falsely took credit for repairing streetlights along the Pokuase highway, stating the allegations expose a fundamental misunderstanding of how public infrastructure management works in Ghana.

Who Is Really Responsible for Highway Lights?

Contrary to the narrative circulating online, the Assembly clarified that maintaining streetlights on major national highways is the responsibility of central government agencies, not the Municipal Assembly.

However, they noted that when the Pokuase highway stretch recently went dark, the MCE took personal initiative.

"The MCE facilitated the engagement with ECG after discovering the fault was a defective transformer. The transformer was subsequently replaced in the first weeks of January, leading to the restoration of lights," the statement explained.

Regarding the current blackout on the Pokuase–Nsawam road, the Assembly revealed a more sinister cause: criminal activity. "The recent malfunction is due to the theft of underground electricity cables. This is an act of sabotage against public property," they emphasised.

A Track Record of Development

Beyond the streetlight debate, Assembly members pushed back against claims of stagnation, highlighting what they describe as significant development interventions across all 14 electoral areas under the current administration.

Key projects completed or ongoing include:

· Infrastructure: Completion of the long-abandoned District Assembly Administration Block.

· Flood Control: Major drainage and ground-filling works at St. Peters Basic School in Ofankor, resolving nearly a decade of flooding.

· Roads: Asphalting works, road reshaping, and drainage dredging across the municipality.

· Utilities: Installation of streetlights and drilling of boreholes in deprived communities.

· Social Amenities: Construction of classroom blocks, fencing of schools and health centres, and renovation of the Omanjor Public Toilet.

Urgent Safety Appeal to Residents

Amid the political defence, the Assembly struck a serious tone regarding recent pedestrian knockdowns on the highway. They issued a passionate appeal to the public to prioritise safety.

"We urge all pedestrians to use the Agya Herbal underpass and the Pokuase footbridge to prevent further avoidable loss of lives," the statement cautioned.

The Assembly also called on residents to partner with the assembly to combat vandalism, noting that stolen public infrastructure diverts scarce resources away from community development.

"We reaffirm our oversight role under Ghana’s local governance framework and pledge continued commitment to accountability and transparency," the Assembly members concluded, adding that the MCE’s collaborative leadership has been key to fostering development in the area.