BENAKUMA COUNCIL

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  • Benakuma Council Earns Recognition for Sound Financial Management.

     

    Benakuma Council has received public recognition following the adoption of its 2025 Administrative and Management Accounts by councilors. The milestone, featured in The Website newspaper, highlights the council’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and prudent financial management.

    The report credits the Mayor of Benakuma Council, Ihimbru Solomon, for his leadership in ensuring responsible management of council resources and promoting good governance. The successful adoption of the accounts reflects the confidence of councilors in the administration’s financial stewardship and its dedication to delivering quality services to the people of Benakuma.

    This achievement reinforces Benakuma Council’s commitment to sustainable development, transparency, and effective local governance as it continues to implement projects aimed at improving the well-being of its communities.

  • THE MAYOR OF BENAKUMA COUNCIL HONOURED FOR TRANSPERANT LOCAL GOVERNANCE

    The Mayor of Benakuma Council, Ihimbru Solomon Kudi, has been recognised by The Voice newspaper as the Most Resilient Municipal Administrator during its Decennial Trendsetters Awards. The prestigious honour celebrates his commitment to transparent governance, financial accountability, and resilient leadership despite the challenges faced by the municipality.

    The award highlights the Mayor’s efforts in promoting performance-based budgeting, prioritising development projects, strengthening public financial management, and ensuring that council resources are used for the benefit of the people of Benakuma. His administration has also been praised for maintaining administrative continuity and advancing local development in difficult circumstances.

    This national recognition reflects Benakuma Council’s growing reputation for good governance and serves as an encouragement to continue delivering quality services and sustainable development for the community. The award stands as a testament to the Council’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and people-centred leadership.

  • Mayor of Benakuma Council Receives Medical Equipment

    Benakuma Council in a significant step toward improving healthcare delivery within the municipality, the Mayor of Benakuma Council officially received a consignment of medical equipment intended for selected health facilities across the Council area.

    The medical equipment, which includes essential hospital supplies and healthcare materials, is expected to enhance the quality of medical services, improve patient care, and strengthen the capacity of health personnel to meet the healthcare needs of the population.

    Speaking during the reception of the equipment, the Mayor reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to supporting the health sector and ensuring that communities have access to quality healthcare services. He emphasized that investing in healthcare remains a priority for the Council, as healthy communities are fundamental to sustainable development.

    The equipment was distributed to beneficiary health facilities within Benakuma Council based on identified needs, with the aim of improving service delivery and ensuring that residents receive better medical care closer to their communities.

    The Mayor also expressed appreciation to all partners and stakeholders whose support made the acquisition of the equipment possible. He called on healthcare workers to make good use of the materials and ensure their proper maintenance for the benefit of present and future generations.

    Benakuma Council remains committed to working with government institutions, development partners, and the local population to improve healthcare infrastructure and promote the well-being of all residents.

    Together, we are building a healthier and stronger Benakuma.

  • Benakuma Council Budgets 1.5 Billion for 2025 with focus on Bridges, Education

    Benakuma Council Budgets 1.5 Billion for 2025 with focus on Bridges, Education

    Councillors of Benakuma Council have voted a budget balance in income and Expenditure at 1.5 billion Francs.

    The councillors after a lengthy deliberation, raised the budget from 842.9 million to 1.5 billion Francs, authorizing the Mayor to contract a 660 million Francs loan destined towards the construction of four Major bridges in the Municipality and some low cost houses.

    The bridges include Menku bridge on River Menku at Okomanjang; Osungo-weyhi bridge on River Osungo-weyhi; Manyeh bridge at River Manyeh in Ebiatie.

    To Mayor Ihimbru Solomon, “this will enable the population to move easily with their produce to very lucrative markets.” Mayor Ihimbru said.

    In addition to the four projects, the council will also implement 11 projects financed by the Public Investment Budget and one by the Road fund.

    Mayor Ihimbru Solomon says key aspects of the budget are in the areas of Education, Health and road infrastructure.

    In Education, the council will be constructing three blocks of two classrooms each and a scholarship scheme has been launched to reward outstanding pupils.

    Of the 1.5 billion, the council is expected to raise 3.8% percent locally. Mayor Ihimbru Solomon called on the Councillors to work actively with the council administration to raise local revenue, and actively follow-up the execution and realization of projects in their constituencies.

    “Projects implemented in Benakuma is for our population. We must do a follow-up to ensure that what is delivered is what was prescribed. So I encouraged the councillors to work tirelessly to ensure that this is done. Also, we need to improve on local collections. Strategies have been put in place to achieve this. The Mayor said.

    The councillors also voted to approve a deliberation to accept a gift from the Mary Alieh Foundation to donate One hundred Doctor/Nurse Uniforms to the tune of 1.250.000 Francs.

    The budget was appreciated by the councillors as they termed it, transformative.

  • Hon Wallang Richard donates consignment of medical equipment, drugs to the Benakuma district hospital

    Hon Wallang Richard donates consignment of medical equipment, drugs to the Benakuma district hospital

     
    This donation coincided with the home coming of senator Kobenge Sekedi of Menchum to meet the people of Menchum valley at the Benakuma grandstand.
    Hon wallang told the people of Menchum valley that for any meaningful development to be achieved, peace remains primordial adding that the people of Menchum valley should be ambassadors of peace.
     
    He emphasized that there is nothing more than peace while insisting that war has never been a solution to any problem and regretted the fact that Benakuma which was a fast growing town is now a shadow of itself.
     
    To the elite, this and more are reasons why there is need for all sons and daughters of Menchum valley to work towards a return of peace and normalcy in their area. Hon wallang said all the problems raised from roads, electricity, water and others can only be achieved in a peaceful environment.
     
    What to note is that every village in the municipality has an educational infrastructure. Hon wallang condemned those who spend time on social media insulting their leaders instead of contributing their own quota to the growth and development of their communities.
     
    From the grandstand, the member of parliament visited the Benakuma district hospital to officially hand the consignment to the hospital authorities. He also visited the different wards with a message of comfort while wishing them speedy recovery.
     
    Patients recieved financial assistance. The head of the unit Dr Fogoum Jodel expressed gratitude to the member of parliament adding that the items donated will help to handle the pressing needs of the health facility.
     
    Hon wallang Richard promised to do more in the days ahead not only in the health sector but in all other aspects that will help ameliorate the living conditions of the people of Menchum valley.
    Accompanied by a senior State functionary, Mr Akwa Patrick, board chair of CAMWATER, both are elite of Menchum encouraging the local population to remain a peaceful community amidst the challenges faced in the given political context.
  • The Mayor of the Benakuma Council in Menchum Division of the North West Region

    The Mayor of the Benakuma Council in Menchum Division of the North West Region

    The Mayor of the Benakuma Council in Menchum Division of the North West Region, Ihimbru Solomon, has challenged councillors and other stakeholders in the council development chain to step up performance as they negotiate the last bend of their mandate.

    Mayor Ihimbru made the appeal on December 13 during a session dedicated to the adoption of the 2025 budget of the Benakuma Council. The session took place at the Council chambers in the presence of several invitees among them administrative authorities.
  • Benakuma Council adopts ambitious budget for 2025 with strong focus on Inclusion, accessibility

    Benakuma Council adopts ambitious budget for 2025 with strong focus on Inclusion, accessibility

    On Friday 13 December 2024, the Benakuma Council convened its annual budgetary session, adopting an ambitious 842 million FCFA with an addition of 660MFCFA in projects from the Council Support Fund for Mutual Assistance (FEICOM) making a total of 1.5bn FCFA budget for 2025. With priorities spanning education, health, road infrastructure, and accessibility, the council reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusive development and addressing the needs of persons with disabilities (PWDs).

    Presiding over the session, Mayor Ihimbru Solomon KUDI highlighted key initiatives aimed at ensuring that PWDs are not left behind in the council’s development agenda.

    “We don’t have to treat them separately from the society. If we are preaching inclusion, we have to make them feel normal despite the various challenges they face because others who are physically fit have different mental challenges.” he stressed.

    Recognising the challenges PWDs face in accessing public infrastructure, the council plans to rehabilitate older projects to ensure they are disability-friendly. Collaborating with technicians, the council aims to retrofit public buildings and spaces for improved accessibility.

    “Our technicians are moving around to propose measures that ensure public buildings are accessible to persons with disabilities,” Mayor Kudi explained.

    In addition to infrastructure improvements, the council has integrated PWDs into community programmes such as scholarships and sporting activities. This inclusive approach emphasises the council’s broader goal of promoting equality and unity among its population.

    The budget also focuses on education, with provisions for constructing classrooms, awarding scholarships to high-performing students, and equipping teachers and learners. These initiatives aim to create a conducive learning environment, especially for children displaced by the ongoing conflict in the Anglophone regions.

    However, funding remains a critical challenge. The council will rely heavily on state allocations to implement these projects, given the difficulties in generating local revenue amidst the region’s instability.

  • Despite these challenges, the council remains committed to its vision of inclusive growth

    Despite these challenges, the council remains committed to its vision of inclusive growth

    Road rehabilitation in Benakuma 
     
    The Benakuma municipality, home to over 21,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), faces immense pressure to address urgent humanitarian needs such as shelter, food, and healthcare. Despite these challenges, the council remains committed to its vision of inclusive growth, guided by strategic objectives that include improving social amenities, reducing gender inequality, and increasing job opportunities.
     
    Established in 1993, the Benakuma Council serves a vast municipality spanning 1,050 square kilometres. It continues to play a pivotal role in addressing the needs of its diverse population, even in adversity.
     
    With its strong emphasis on inclusion, accessibility, and sustainable development, the Benakuma Council is taking tangible steps to ensure that every resident regardless of ability has the opportunity to thrive.