The Lordina Foundation has commissioned a newly constructed Maternity and Children’s Health Facility at Asukawkaw in the Krachi East District of the Oti Region.
The facility was inaugurated by the First Lady of the Republic of Ghana and President of the Foundation, Lordina Dramani Mahama, fulfilling a commitment she made following a request from the Paramount Chief of the Akroso-Asukawkaw Traditional Area, Nana Odamu Gyamfi III. The project was fully financed by the Foundation with support from donors and partners.
The new facility brings to four the number of maternity and children’s wards constructed and handed over to communities and the Ghana Health Service by the Foundation. Similar facilities have previously been commissioned at Bole District Hospital, Nkoranza Health Centre and Abodom. The Foundation has also renovated and expanded the Hohoe Adabraka Health Centre.
Designed to deliver comprehensive maternal and child healthcare, the Asukawkaw facility includes maternity and children’s wards, a fully equipped operating theatre, delivery and sterilisation rooms, a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), consulting rooms and administrative spaces. It is fitted with modern medical equipment including electric beds, infant incubators, ultrasound machines, operating tables, C-section and delivery kits, ECG machines, phototherapy units and patient monitors. A hybrid power system combining the national grid and solar energy has also been installed to ensure reliable service delivery.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mrs. Mahama reiterated her commitment to reducing maternal, infant and child mortality, stressing that no woman should lose her life while giving birth and no child should be denied quality healthcare because of location. She urged health authorities and the community to maintain the facility to ensure it serves generations to come.
The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, commended the initiative as a practical step towards safe and dignified care for mothers, newborns and children.
In recognition of her contribution to the development of the area, the Chief and elders of the Akroso-Asukawkaw Traditional Area enstooled Mrs. Mahama as Development Queen Mother with the title Nana Oseadeayo Odamwaa II.
Today, the Oti Regional Minister, Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong, successfully commissioned the new office of the DVLA Buem Ultra Centre at Jasikan.
The Minister stated that with the centre now operational, riders had no excuse for non-compliance on the road, advising them to get documents to avoid confrontation with the Police.
Nana Obeng Offori Appew VI, Benkumhene of Buem Traditional Area and Chief of Guaman, thanked Mr Yaw Osei, a local son, for bringing a long-held dream to life, adding that the facility was seen as a sign that development had reached Guaman, bringing hope and prosperity.
Nana Appew VI praised the vision and efforts behind the project, assuring full support for the center’s operation and a peaceful environment.
He said the initiative symbolised hope, self-reliance, and community pride aimed at transforming lives and boosting the local economy.
The Chief Executive Officer of the DVLA, Mr Julius Neequaye Kotey, emphasised that the new facility was a reflection of the authority’s dedication to the “Reset Agenda” being championed by the President Mr John Dramani Mahama.
He noted that the facility was equipped with modern technology integrated into the DVLA’s digital system to ensure faster, efficient, and more convenient service delivery.
According to him, the Oti office would provide a full range of DVLA services, including upgrading, new driver’s licensing, renewal of driver’s licence, replacement of expired driver’s licence, replacement of missing driver’s licence, driver’s licence and vehicle registration.
He emphasized that ensuring road safety remains a key priority of the Authority, noting that every driver must be properly trained, tested, and certified, while all vehicles must be duly registered and approved before being allowed on the road.
The project was established through a collaboration between the DVLA and Mr Yaw Osei, Director of Tacos JP Limited under a Public Private Partnership arrangement.
The commissioning is not just an infrastructural achievement, it is a clear demonstration of our deliberate and inclusive effort to spread development across every district in the Oti Region. It reflects our guiding principle that no district must be left behind in the journey toward modernization and equitable service delivery.
With this new facility, Jasikan and its surrounding communities are empowered to participate more fully in the region’s economic and social transformation. It is a reminder that Oti is rising steadily, purposefully, and one district at a time.
Dambai, Oti Region – Earlier today, The Oti Regional minister, Hon. John Gyapong Kwadwo conducted an official inspection at the Dambai Bridge construction site to assess the progress of works and reaffirm commitment to the successful delivery of the project.
Upon arrival, the contractor received the inspection team and provided a comprehensive briefing, followed by a guided tour of the site to review the equipment currently available for the project. During the engagement, inquiries were made regarding the commencement of full-scale construction works on both the bridge and the adjoining road infrastructure.
The contractor explained that additional equipment is currently being mobilized to the site and that preliminary works have already begun, including the construction of accommodation facilities for workers. He further indicated that although the contractual duration for the bridge project is five years, the contractor anticipates completing the works within four years.
The inspection team subsequently visited the Dambai–Nkwanta Road project site at Tutukpene. Discussions with the contractor focused on the progress of the road works, which form part of a major infrastructure push in the area. The contractor confirmed that construction activities have commenced and assured that noticeable progress would soon be visible on the site.
The Minister Addressing both contractors, He emphasized that the Dambai Bridge and the Dambai–Nkwanta Road projects are legacy initiatives of strategic importance to the region and the nation at large. The contractors were therefore urged to execute the works with the highest standards of professionalism, efficiency, and accountability. Hon. Gyapong reiterated that regular site visits will be undertaken to closely monitor progress and ensure timely delivery because these projects, once completed, are expected to significantly enhance connectivity, boost economic activity, and improve the livelihoods of communities within the Oti Region and beyond.
The Minister for the Oti Region, John Kwadwo Gyapong, has called on Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCES) to deepen collaboration with their Coordinating Directors in order to accelerate development and enhance service delivery across the region.
Speaking in Dambai, Krachi East Municipality, at a performance contract signing ceremony for MDCES, Mr. Gyapong emphasized that effective decentralized governance depends on a strong partnership between political leadership and the administrative structures of the assemblies.
“Coordinating Directors provide continuity, professionalism, and procedural guidance, making their role essential in translating policy decisions into tangible results,” he noted.
He described the performance contract exercise as a vital tool for strengthening accountability, tracking progress, and aligning local priorities with national and regional development objectives. “The performance contract is not merely a formality; it is a commitment to deliver,” Mr. Gyapong stressed, adding that achieving targets requires teamwork, consistent communication, and shared responsibility between Chief Executives and their technical heads.
The minister encouraged MDCES to involve Coordinating Directors and departmental leaders early in the planning and implementation process to minimize delays, improve coordination, and ensure efficient use of resources. He further underscored that the performance contract should serve as a problem-solving mechanism rather than a punitive measure, highlighting the importance of regular reviews, honest reporting, and timely corrective action.
Mr. Gyapong also urged Chief Executives to prioritize community-based needs while adhering strictly to procurement rules, transparency standards, and sound financial management practices.
Oti Regional Human Resource Director, Mr. Seth Adomako Sarkodie, in his presentation urged the executives to:
Hold regular stakeholder meetings
Log and track complaints
Update official websites
Resource IT offices for online monitoring
He further encouraged them to develop strategic plans, coordinate activities effectively, and adopt innovative logistics solutions to enhance reporting and ensure successful implementation of the contract.
Some Municipal Chief Executives welcomed the initiative, describing the signing ceremony as a renewed commitment to achieving set targets within specified timelines. Joseph Antwi Awal, the Nkwanta South MCE, expressed confidence that improved coordination and focused implementation would ensure the successful delivery
Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Health Minister, on Monday revealed that the Oti Region’s healthcare system is facing significant challenges, including inadequate healthcare infrastructure, poor sanitation, and limited access to safe drinking water.
During his working visit to the region, he emphasized the need for improved healthcare and reaffirmed his commitment to addressing these challenges.
The Minister inspected over 100 acres of land acquired for the construction of the Oti Regional Hospital, aiming to bring healthcare delivery closer to the people.
Mr. Akandoh urged the regional minister to collaborate with traditional leaders to complete the necessary documentation and avoid land litigation, assuring that construction would start this year.
Mr. John Kwadwo Gyapong expressed gratitude for the Health Minister’s intervention and pledged to coordinate council support for the concerns raised. He also gave assurance to secure all the necessary land documentation for the construction of the Oti Regional Hospital.
Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong, the Oti Regional Minister, has announced the allocation of GHS40 million for the rehabilitation of the Damanko community water system in the Nkwanta North District.
The affected communities include Damanko township, Papaye, Damanko Badule, Gyato Akura, Kabre Akura, Gyato-Kprakpra, Sibi Central, Sibi-Badule, Sibi Hill Top, Chorkorsi Akura, Kantinka Akura, Tindani Akura, and Kpassa township.
The project aims to provide reliable access to safe and clean drinking water for over 65,000 residents across thirteen communities. It involves replacing damaged pumps, reconstructing intake and treatment units, and upgrading leaking PVC pipes to durable HDPE pipes.
The Minister stated in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the initiative is part of the government’s “water for all” initiative, which seeks to ensure equitable access to clean water for all Ghanaians. The rehabilitation of the Damanko community water system is expected to significantly improve health outcomes in the region.
As part of the LGS PMS implementation process for the year 2026 at the Regional Coordinating Council level, the Office of the Head of the Local Government Service (OHLGS) has organized a one day workshop for ALL Regional Ministers and Regional Coordinating Directors to validate the proposed Key Performance Indicators and sign the 2026 performance Contract for the 16 RCCs including Oti RCC.
The 2026 performance was signed Tuesday, 27th January, 2026 on behalf of the Region by the Regional Minister, Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong and the Chief Director, Rev. Harry Nii Kwatei Owoo
The Local Government Service (LGS) has the mandate to ensure effective administration and management of the Decentralized Local Government System in the Country.
In line with this objective, the LGS develops and implements comprehensive Performance Management System (PMS) based on Service Delivery Standards (SDS).
Today, the Oti Regional Minister Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong engaged the leadership and members of the Local Council of Churches in the Oti Region at the Oti Regional Coordinating Council in Dambai.
This meeting reaffirmed the strong and enduring partnership between the Church and the State in promoting peace, moral leadership, social cohesion, and inclusive development. He used the opportunity to highlight the commitment of H.E. John Dramani Mahama’s administration to strengthening State Church relations and recognizing the vital role of faith-based institutions in national development, including the confidence reposed in clergy to serve in key national leadership roles.
They discussed the importance of decentralization and the critical role faith-based institutions play in deepening citizen participation, promoting accountability, peacebuilding, and supporting development at the grassroots. Government alone cannot achieve meaningful development; the Church remains a trusted partner not only in moral formation but also in physical and social development.
The Hon. Minister congratulated Father Dogli Senior High School for emerging as the Best SHS Agric School at the recent National Farmers Day celebrations, a clear demonstration of the positive impact of Church-led institutions in national development.
Today, the Oti Regional Minister, Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong chaired the Second Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) meeting for the year, bringing together our revered Nananom, Municipal and District Chief Executives, Presiding Members, Coordinating Directors, Heads of Departments and Agencies, Development Partners, and our friends from the media.
The meeting provided an important opportunity to review our collective performance, strengthen coordination, and take stock of the significant progress made across the Oti Region over the year.
He was pleased to share a number of key milestones that signal a strong development trajectory for our region. Land has been secured for the construction of a Regional Hospital in Dambai, a major step towards improving access to quality healthcare. In the area of security, a team of contractors and military officials has already visited the proposed site for a military barracks, with construction scheduled to commence by 10th January.
In line with government’s commitment to expanding access to tertiary education, the 2026 Budget Statement makes provision for a public university in Oti and a technical university, opening new opportunities for our youth. To further boost local economic activity, a modern fish market is to be constructed in Dambai, while preparations are underway for the sod-cutting of the Dambai Bridge, following the arrival of key equipment for the project.
We also noted significant progress in agriculture and infrastructure. Major irrigation projects covering 2,050 hectares are underway at Bumbula No. 1, Bumbula No. 2, and Katanga, Land has been allocated for the proposed fish market in Dambai alongside five Big Push road projects that has been mentioned in the 2026 budget aimed at improving connectivity across the region. I was equally proud to highlight that the Oti Region emerged with two national awards at this year’s National Farmers Day celebrations, a testament to the hard work and resilience of our farmers and agricultural sector.
Hon. John Gyapong took the opportunity to commend our Municipal and District Chief Executives for their dedication and the excellent work done in their respective assemblies throughout the year. Their commitment has been instrumental in translating policy into tangible results for our people.
As we draw the year to a close, I remain grateful to all stakeholders for their cooperation and support. Together, we will continue to work tirelessly to deliver development, improve livelihoods, and position the Oti Region for a brighter and more prosperous future.
Sunday, 14th December: The Oti Regional Minister, Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong received a high-level delegation from the Military Command, together with the contractor, for the proposed Military Barracks project in Dambai, the Regional Capital of the Oti Region. The team inspected the designated land for the construction of the barracks, which will include a hospital, a school, and other essential facilities.
During the visit to the Chief Palace, The Minister formally informed Nana Dasebre Atamafuwiese Bonja II, the Overlord of Dambai about the documentations of the land and the project design details to the constructor before 10th January 2026.
As part of the visit they toured the project site with the contractor to assess the land ahead of the start of works.
This project forms part of His Excellency the President’s vision to establish two military bases next year in the country aimed at strengthening national security and promoting balanced regional development.
The people of the Oti Region joined the nation at Banka School Park to commemorate the 41st National Farmers Day, an annual occasion dedicated to recognizing the vital role of farmers and fisherfolk in Ghana’s development.
The celebration highlighted the enduring truth that when farmers stand strong, Ghana stands strong. Agriculture remains the backbone of the Oti Region’s economy, and the dedication, resilience, and hard work of farmers and fisherfolk continue to sustain food security and livelihoods across the country.[/read more]
Through the Government’s Feed Ghana Programme, farmers in the Oti Region are benefiting from improved support systems, including modern agricultural training, access to improved seed varieties, and irrigation interventions aimed at ensuring year-round food production. These initiatives are strengthening productivity and positioning the region as a key contributor to national agricultural growth.
In his address, the Regional Minister highlighted notable national achievements involving the region. He mentioned that Father Dogli Memorial Institute in Jasikan had been honoured at the national level as the Best Senior High School in Practical Agriculture. He also referenced the national recognition of Mr. Gyato Charles from Krachi Nchumuru as a national award winner for his contribution to agriculture. These honours, received at the national level, reflect the growing impact of Oti Region in Ghana’s agricultural advancement.
The occasion was also an opportunity to express appreciation to all farmers and fisherfolk in the region whose daily sacrifices, perseverance in all weather conditions, and unwavering commitment continue to drive national progress.
As the celebration concluded, the Oti Region reaffirmed its commitment to feeding Ghana, promoting the consumption of locally produced food, and securing a sustainable agricultural future for generations to come.
The Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC) on Monday, December 8, 2025, paid a courtesy call on the Oti Regional Minister, Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong, to formally announce the commencement of a four-day Business Registration and Sensitization Clinic in the region from 8th -11th December, 2025. The visit, led by the Deputy Registrar of Companies, Mr. Benjamin Zigorsh-Nyakpenu, served as an official introduction of the ORC team to the regional leadership and a platform to outline the objectives of the outreach programme.
The Business Registration and Sensitization Clinic formed part of the ORC’s nationwide initiative to bring its services closer to the public, promote the formalization of businesses, and raise awareness on the importance of compliance with company regulations. During the meeting, Mr. Zigorsh-Nyakpenu highlighted the ORC’s mandate under the Companies Act and noted that the Oti Region is a key focus area for expanding access to registration services. He explained that although the ORC currently operates from five regional offices, the institution is committed to reaching regions without office through periodic clinics and mobile services.
The Oti Regional Minister took the opportunity to formally request that the ORC establish a permanent office building in the Oti Region to facilitate the registration process and ensure sustained access to services for businesses in the area.
The Regional Economic Planning Officer at the Oti Regional Coordinating Council (ORCC), Rev. Isaac Asante Wiafe, has been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Ghana Institute of Planning (GIP) for his longstanding service, loyalty and active contribution to the planning profession.
The event also saw the launch of the Planning Ghana Magazine and a new policy brief series, initiatives designed to expand national discourse on planning and strengthen the country’s development strategy. The conference was held under the theme: “Shaping Ghana’s Tomorrow: The Role of Planning in Driving Economic Growth, Job Creation and Sustainable Urban Development.”
Speaking at the conference, the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the “No Plan, No Cash” principle, describing it as essential to ensuring accountability and value for money in local development.
He noted that public funds were repeatedly spent on decongestion exercises and other corrective interventions costs that could be avoided with rigorous spatial planning and effective development control. Mr Ibrahim said that as part of reforms, the government would redirect expenditure towards proactive planning to prevent congestion, safeguard public spaces and promote orderly urban growth.
The Minister also announced that planning would feature as a stand-alone requirement in the next District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) Utilisation Guidelines. This is expected to compel Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to prioritise plan preparation and ensure stronger alignment between approved plans and funded projects.
Taking his turn at the event, the Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, stressed the importance of long-term planning in achieving national transformation.
In his remarks, GIP President Pln. Percy Anaab Bukari (FGIP) expressed appreciation to the Minister, guest speakers and partner institutions for their support. He reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to advancing evidence-based planning and deepening Ghana’s decentralised planning framework.
There were renewed calls for planners to champion policies and strategies that could accelerate economic growth, create jobs and guide sustainable urban development nationwide.
The Oti Regional Minister, Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong, has officially opened a regional training programme on the Current 2025 Public Procurement Law Amendments and the Ghana Electronic Procurement System (GHANEPS). The event took place on Tuesday, 18th November 2025, at the Oti Regional Coordinating Council (ORCC) Conference Hall in Dambai.
The training brought together Municipal and District Coordinating Directors, Heads of Departments, procurement officers, and other key stakeholders from across the region. The objective of the programme was to build the capacity of public officials in understanding recent reforms in Ghana’s procurement laws and to enhance their ability to use the Ghana Electronic Procurement System effectively.
In his opening remarks, the Hon. Regional Minister highlighted the importance of procurement in national development, emphasizing that every public expenditure must deliver value to the citizens. He noted that the 2025 amendments to the Public Procurement Law introduce critical reforms designed to simplify procurement procedures, reduce delays, and improve competitiveness within the procurement landscape.
Hon. Gyapong also underscored the relevance of GHANEPS in modern public financial management, describing it as a transformative tool that promotes transparency, efficiency, and full traceability in procurement activities. He indicated that the shift towards digital procurement aligns with government’s broader commitment to modernizing public service delivery.
The Minister further expressed satisfaction that officers from all Municipal and District Assemblies were participating in the training, noting that procurement responsibilities cut across multiple administrative levels. He emphasized that effective implementation of the amended laws and the electronic system requires well-trained personnel who understand both the legal framework and the digital tools involved.
He thanked the organisers and facilitators of the programme for their dedication to strengthening institutional performance and improving service delivery across the region.
The training is expected to enhance procurement practices within the Oti Region, ensuring that public institutions operate with greater transparency, accountability, and value-for-money principles.
The Oti Regional Minister, Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong, on Tuesday, 18th November 2025, joined Directors and key officers from various departments and agencies at the Bosatsu Conference Hall in Dambai for the regional training and setup on the Electronic Salary Payment Voucher (ESPV) Administration System.
The training brought together Regional and District Directors, Internal Auditors, and payroll management officers as part of ongoing national efforts to strengthen efficiency and transparency in public sector salary administration.
In his remarks, the Hon. Regional Minister underscored the importance of adopting modern digital tools to enhance accuracy in payroll processing and promote accountability within the public service. He noted that as a developing region, the Oti Region continues to prioritize systems that support effective governance and financial discipline.
Hon. Gyapong was accompanied by the Regional Coordinating Director of the Oti Regional Coordinating Council (ORCC), the Regional Liaison Officer for National Security, and the Assistant Director I at the ORCC.
The ESPV training provided participants with hands-on guidance on the use of the system, which is expected to improve payroll monitoring and reduce irregularities across public institutions in the region.
The Oti Regional Coordinating Council remains committed to supporting initiatives that enhance administrative efficiency and strengthen public financial management across the region.
