As the halfway mark of the 2025 financial year passes, concern is growing in Mezam Division over the sluggish pace of public investment projects. Against this backdrop, the Divisional Follow-Up Committee convened in Bamenda to review progress and chart a more effective way forward.
Mezam Divisional Follow-Up Committee in session
Chaired by Hon. Agho Oliver Bamenju, Member of Parliament for Bafut-Tubah, the meeting was not only a stocktaking exercise but also a search for solutions. The Committee, which is mandated to track the execution of government-funded development projects in the Division, brought together mayors, traditional rulers, engineers, and for the first time in an official capacity a representative from civil society as Vice Chairperson.
"Our discussion today has improved understanding across the board. We have come up with recommendations that will improve the process moving into the third and fourth quarters of the year." Hon. Agho told Hilltopvoices Newsroom.
Despite the wide-ranging dialogue, figures presented during the session revealed a sobering picture. Out of the 91 projects allocated to Mezam in 2025, only 28.9% had been executed as of July. Bafut emerged as the clear leader with 60% realisation, while Santa and Bali followed with 34.3% and 34.1% respectively. The three subdivisions of Bamenda being Bamenda I (25.6%), Bamenda II (25.4%), and Bamenda III (8.9%) lagged behind significantly. Tubah recorded 17%, and the Bamenda City Council reported zero execution.
Stakeholders at the meeting expressed concern that unless there is urgent intervention, the division risks underperformance in 2025.
One of the most pressing issues identified was the delay caused by a digital platform designed to digitise the contracting process.
“The system, though necessary, is still poorly understood by many stakeholders. Our first recommendation is for the Ministry of Public Contracts to conduct urgent capacity-building workshops. Secondly, project owners and control engineers must rise to their responsibilities.” Hon. Agho explained.
Despite the hurdles, Hon. Agho Oliver remains optimistic that once stakeholders grow more familiar with the platform, the benefits including reduced corruption will outweigh the current challenges.
Hon Agho Oliver presents Fon Nsoh
Perhaps the most symbolic development of the day was the presentation of Fon Nsoh, a respected civil society advocate, as Vice Chairperson of the committee. His appointment is a major step toward inclusivity and accountability.
“It’s a call to duty. Our role is to ensure communities are informed and involved. We have done this before at the grassroots, and now we are bringing that same energy to the Divisional level.” Fon Nsoh said in his remarks. “
Hon. Agho echoed the importance of this move:
“Civil society are the eyes of the people. They are the watchdogs. Their inclusion aligns with the Prime Minister’s decree and enhances transparency and accountability.”
Bafut Mayor and population receiving grader
From the chambers to the field, Bafut is setting the tone for what’s possible when public investment is executed effectively. Mayor Ngwakongho Lawrence of Bafut proudly showcased a newly acquired grader purchased with funds from the 2024 Public Investment Budget.
“Even the Fon of Bafut came to witness the arrival of the grader. The community's excitement shows that development is tangible. And the civil society has played a key role. They are involved at every step.” the Mayor said.
He pointed to community-led efforts like the ongoing bridge construction in Tinguh, where villagers carried iron rods by hand and boat to reach construction sites. For Mayor Lawrence, such engagement signals that the people see these projects as their own.
Toh Sylvester, a long-time civil society actor in the region, welcomed the move toward participatory governance:
“This is laudable. Civil society represents the population. With our inclusion, communities will not only be informed but will follow up projects to completion.” he said
The Follow-Up Committee meets quarterly, and with two more sessions expected before the end of 2025, there is cautious optimism that improvements will be made. For now, all eyes are on whether the committee’s resolutions will lead to faster, more efficient project execution in the coming months.
With strengthened collaboration between government, engineers, mayors, traditional authorities, and now civil society, Mezam Division may yet turn the tide and deliver on the promises of its public investment portfolio.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Newsroom, Bamenda
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