The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Nkwanta South, Hon. Joseph Antwi, has been honoured with the prestigious Black Star Acclamation Honorary Award, receiving the distinguished title of “24-Hour Economy Catalyst” in recognition of his exemplary leadership in advancing local economic transformation.
The award was conferred during the Black Star Acclamation Honorary Awards Conference 2025/26, an event organized by the World Diplomatic Federation in collaboration with Rectitude International Mission.
Delivering the citation, His Holistic Emeritus Eminent Convener, Prof Joseph Tyler Cuddeford, explained that the honour acknowledges Hon. Antwi’s instrumental role in implementing Ghana’s national 24-hour economy policy at the grassroots level.
He noted that the MCE has demonstrated a strong commitment to transforming Nkwanta South into a hub of continuous productivity, industrialisation, and job creation.
According to Prof. Cuddeford, the “Catalyst” designation reflects Hon. Antwi’s proactive leadership in driving what he described as an economic reset within the municipality. This includes efforts to decentralise the 24-hour economy agenda by translating national policy into practical local initiatives, such as the provision of land, strengthening of security systems, and development of essential infrastructure to support round-the-clock business operations.
He further revealed that the Nkwanta South Municipal Assembly has undergone strategic restructuring to align its internal systems with the demands of a 24-hour economy. This includes accommodating businesses operating in three 8-hour shifts to ensure efficiency and sustainability.
Touching on the broader significance of the award, Prof. Cuddeford emphasised that Hon. Antwi’s leadership is grounded in servant leadership and peace-building—key pillars for sustainable economic growth. He highlighted ongoing efforts by the MCE to foster peace among the Adele, Akyode, and Challa communities, noting that restoring stability is essential to reversing the estimated 30 percent decline in municipal revenue caused by recent disturbances.
He also commended ongoing infrastructure initiatives, including market modernisation, improvements in healthcare delivery, and road development projects such as the Nkwanta–Oti Damanko road, which are expected to boost economic activity across the municipality.
In addition, the Convener underscored Hon. Antwi’s focus on youth empowerment, particularly through initiatives in agriculture and agro-processing aimed at creating employment opportunities for young people.
In a related development, His Holistic Imperious Eminence, Rockson Isaac, Superintendent General, praised government officials nationwide for their performance under the Resetting Ghana Agenda. He stated that ongoing reforms and policy directions are positioning the country toward sustainable economic growth and long-term prosperity.
Responding to the honour, Hon. Joseph Antwi expressed deep gratitude, describing the recognition as both humbling and motivating. He pledged to remain committed to delivering impactful development and improving the living standards of residents in Nkwanta South.
He further reaffirmed his dedication to supporting the vision of John Dramani Mahama, noting that he would intensify efforts to enhance productivity and strengthen local economic systems.
“Despite the challenges we are going through, I remain committed to enhancing our working capacity and delivering impactful development that will transform lives,” he stated.
The recognition of Hon. Antwi is widely seen as a testament to the vital role of local leadership in driving Ghana’s economic transformation agenda and promoting inclusive growth at the grassroots level.
