Dr Othniel Ekow Kwainoe, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ekumfi, has cut the sod for the construction of the first-ever Ekumfi District Police Headquarters at Ekumfi Essakyir, the district capital.

The facility is expected to serve as the central hub of law enforcement, bringing policing closer to residents, enhancing rapid response to crime, and reassuring farmers, traders, fisherfolk and students of their safety.

The project will be executed with free labour from the community, as well as support from donors and other development partners.

For years, Ekumfi has relied on police support from Mankessim, Jedu, Saltpond, and other neighbouring commands, often leading to delayed responses during emergencies, overwhelming the personnel and leaving communities vulnerable.

The sod-cutting ceremony was graced by traditional leaders, the clergy, youth groups, women associations, and security officials, who hailed the project as a timely intervention that would transform security in the area.

In a symbolic gesture, the MP and the chiefs jointly lifted shovels to turn the soil, marking the official start of construction.

Dr Kwainoe said the construction of the police headquarters, marked a critical turning point in strengthening security and restoring confidence across the district, stressing that no community could thrive without peace and security.

“Security is not a privilege; it is a right. As your Member of Parliament, it is my duty to help guarantee that right,” he said.

He said, “From the farmer in Akwansa Kokodo to the trader in Essaakyir, from the fisherfolk in Immuna to the student in Otuam; every citizen deserves to feel safe.”

Dr Kwainoe stated that the sod cutting sod was just symbolic, as the real seed of safety, dignity, and prosperity was being planted to ensure that together they would build not just a police headquarters, but a stronger future for Ekumfi.