Author: orccgov

He commended the MCE, assembly staff, and community members for their active participation. He urged residents to make cleanliness and health a collective responsibility, stressing the importance of keeping the environment clean to prevent typhoid and other sanitation-related diseases in the regional capital.

The Minister further advised the health authorities to prioritize public health education and adopt preventive measures to safeguard the wellbeing of citizens.

He was accompanied by the Oti Regional Political Coordinator, Hon. Sulemana Mumuni, who also encouraged residents to support the government’s ongoing efforts to maintain a clean and healthy environment.

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Speaking at the event, the minister said the water pumps will enable farmers to irrigate their farms more effectively, reducing dependence on rainfall and increasing crop productivity. Mr. Gyapong has called on farmers in the region to form cooperative associations to facilitate access to government support and resources.

The Dean of Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCE’s) in Oti region, Mr. Prosper Addo, has commended the government and Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOF) for releasing seized water pumps to nine regions which Oti was not left out.

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Krachi West noted that the water pumps will help address irrigation challenges faced by farmers in the region.

The MCE expressed gratitude to the government for repurposing the seized water pumps to support farmers, rather than letting them go to waste.

The chairman of the Vegetable Cooperative Farmers Association in Nkwanta South, Mr. William Kwame, has expressed optimism about improving vegetable farming in the Municipality this year. With the support from  the ministry of Food and Agriculture, they are poised to increase their productivity.

During the handover ceremony, Hon. Gyapong addressed the beneficiaries, emphasizing the importance of responsible management of the newly provided equipment. In an interview with XYZ News reporter Ibrahim Nsor, the Minister urged the constituencies and their cooperative groups to utilize the water pumping machines effectively. He stressed the need to maximize agricultural output, ensuring that the region benefits fully from this investment. Hon. Gyapong also assured the farmers of ongoing support from the government, signaling a commitment to further agricultural development. He highlighted his personal connection to farming, expressing his desire to see the farmers thrive.

The event also featured remarks from Hon. Prosper Kwaku Addo, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Krachi West and the Dean of Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) in the Oti Region. Hon. Addo commended the Minister of Agriculture and the Oti Regional Minister for their impactful efforts in promoting agriculture within the region. He pledged that the MDCEs, representing their respective constituencies, would actively oversee the proper utilization of the water pumping machines by the cooperative groups. He noted that the presence of the Oti River provided a significant advantage, offering a valuable resource to further boost agricultural output and contribute to the nation’s food supply. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to supporting farmers and fostering sustainable agricultural practices in the Oti Region.

Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Dr. Amo-Kodieh said:

“So far, we have no record of anyone dying from this outbreak. Our health education campaigns have helped people seek care on time, which is crucial in managing typhoid.”

Asked about reports suggesting that lives have been lost, he clarified.

“As a medical professional, when someone dies, I rely on the official medical cause of death. I have not received any information confirming that anyone has died from this outbreak.”

His comments come after the Oti Regional Minister, John Kwadwo Gyapong, indicated that the surge in typhoid cases has claimed the lives of some prominent figures, including a traditional leader and a former Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Dambai.

Mr. Gyapong described the situation in the regional capital as “bad” and “scary,” warning that the disease is spreading rapidly.

Responding to these concerns, Dr. Amo-Kodieh urged caution in attributing deaths to typhoid without proper medical confirmation.

He stated, “People may assume a death is caused by typhoid, but the only way to know the exact cause is through a medical certificate of cause of death. Until that is confirmed, we cannot say for certain.”

This initiative aligns with President Mahama’s agenda, “Resetting the Country,” which emphasizes renewed focus on development, inclusivity, and sustainability.

In his address, the minister underscored the importance of sanitation in promoting public health and community well-being. He urged stakeholders, including Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives as well as Coordinating Directors, to support and collaborate with the taskforce.

The key objectives of the taskforce are to:

1. Strengthen sanitation law enforcement and compliance
2. Improve waste management and disposal practices
3. Enhance public education and awareness of sanitation and hygiene
4. Promote community-led initiatives and participation

“Sanitation should be a communal priority,” the minister said, encouraging residents to take ownership of their surroundings by actively participating in cleanliness initiatives.

Comprising environmental health officers and community leaders, the taskforce will tackle issues such as waste management, open defecation, and water quality. It will also launch educational campaigns to raise awareness about hygiene and encourage active citizen participation.

“An educated community is a clean community,” the minister reiterated, stressing the need for outreach programs to inform citizens about the benefits of proper sanitation.

Regional Environmental Health Officer Cynthia Sekyere also urged residents to support the initiative to make Oti one of Ghana’s cleanest regions. She warned that poor sanitation leads to challenges such as choked drains, indiscriminate dumping of refuse, open defecation, and public health crises.

Confident about the initiative’s impact, she expressed optimism that the taskforce would help address these issues significantly.

The inauguration of the sanitation taskforce underscores the region’s commitment to enforcing sanitation laws, protecting public health, and promoting a culture of cleanliness and accountability.

 A major highlight was a presentation from the Department of Children’s Head Office on the Framework for Action to strengthen child protection systems in Ghana. Stakeholders also engaged in a session on the Government of Ghana’s commitment to ending violence against children, alongside the introduction of the Child Protection Maturity Scale.

The meeting also created space for questions, answers, and interactive dialogue between participants and facilitators. According to organizers, this platform was vital for enhancing collaboration among agencies and ensuring that child abuse cases are reported promptly and handled appropriately.

 The Acting Regional Director for Department of Children in Oti Region, Ella Faith Ashong emphasized that strengthening child protection systems requires a multi-sectoral approach, and called on all stakeholders to commit to Concrete actions.

Mr. Franklin Asante, National Representation of LOGPPAG, highlighted the critical role of procurement professionals in ensuring efficient and effective use of public funds, stressing the need for high standards of integrity, ethics and competence.

He challenged procurement professionals to remain committed to the principles of professionalism, integrity and excellence in their work and encouraged them to work together to promote the interest of their association and contribute to the development of the region and nation.

He expressed gratitude to the Oti Regional Coordinating Council (ORCC) for their support and efforts in making the inauguration a reality.

Mr. Prince Latif Oyekunle, an Assistant Director, emphasized the importance of active participation and commitment within the association, encouraging members to recognize their roles and responsibilities and work together as a team.

He stressed the need for members to recognize their roles and responsibilities, contribute to the association’s growth, success and work together as a team.

Rev. Harry Nii Kwartei Owoo, Chief Director of ORCC urged procurement officers to be strategic and forward-thinking, adding value at every stage of the procurement process to ensure efficient and effective delivery of public services.

Under the leadership of Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Parkie-Davis Magyigbe, the Assembly has made significant progress in IGF collection, which will enable it to fund essential services and projects in the Municipality. The Assembly’s revenue mobilization efforts have been robust, and its financial management practices have been prudent.

The Chief Executive’s support and commitment to maximizing revenue mobilization have been instrumental in the Assembly’s success. The Assembly’s achievement is a demonstration of its dedication to improving service delivery and promoting socio-economic development in the Municipality.

As the Assembly continues to work towards achieving its development goals, this milestone is expected to serve as a motivation to maintain its momentum and strive for even greater heights The Jasikan Municipal Assembly’s achievement is a shining example of effective governance and financial management, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of residents in the Municipality.

Lack of peace, the President said derails development and economic growth hence the need for the factions to resort to appropriate procedures through dialogue in resolving their differences.

He called on the feuding factions in Nkwanta South to lay down their weapons and resort to dialogue in addressing their differences for the sake of peace and development in the Municipality.

“Our common enemy is poverty and not against each other let’s strive with unity of purpose for our generation unborn by embrace peace as the only tool for development,” he said.

President John Dramani Mahama said his presence in the region was to thank the people of the Oti Region for overwhelmingly voting for him in the 2024 election.

He said is outfit was committed to sharing the National Cake for the Oti region to benefit in terms of development.

Addressing the gathering, the President the economy is back on track and has shown positive signs of recovery whilst inflation is expected to hit a single digit by end of the 2025, and the Ghanaian Cedi has appreciated significantly against the major currencies across the globe.

According to him, Oti region will grab a public university in Oti Region as part of his campaign promise of establishing a public university in every newly created region.

Other development projects he mentioned include; the construction of Kpassa – Oti Damanko – Nkwanta road through government Big Push programmed, whilst the Dambai bridge is expected to commence by end of 2025.

President Mahama explained that as part of his government’s commitment to improve road infrastructure, government is constructing about ten-kilometre road in some 166 districts across the country of which all the Municipal and District Assemblies in the region will benefit

Engaging with the stakeholders to construct a regional hospital in Dambai and will provide a fully fledge health care service to the people.

He said his office has directed the Ghana water company to extend their visibility in Dambai to address the water treatment challenge in the region.

President also announced the revamping of the Damanko-Kpassa water system to ensure effective follow of water to benefit about 70,000 people in Nkwanta north. Project, he said will cost over Ghs40 million and is expected to be complete in 18 months.

For sports, the President said modern multipurpose sports stadium will be constructed in all new regions and Oti Region is included.

To the President of the Oti Regional House of Chiefs, Nana Soglo Alloh IV, Mr Mahama’s administration started on the good note, adding that the Oti Region gave the president a total nine Members of parliament.

He said Article 242 deals with the MDCEs and the clause D talks about the appointment of MDCEs in collaboration with the traditional leadership and called for the amendment of article 242 clause ‘D’ to allow the chiefs involve in local assemblies’ activities.

He added that chiefs engage in settlement of disputes and a link between the local areas and the government and they have paid their dues and must be given a dividends of infrastructure development.

He lamented that although the economy had picked up but the citizens are still hoping to fill the impact of the economic growth and urged the President to scale the measures aimed at improving the living standard of the citizenry with Oti region as a focus.

The chief continued that the previous government had built a High Court to serve the people in the region but there is no judge to adjudicate of issues, no hospital for the region to provide quality health services to the people.

He requested the government to provide effective or temporal means of transport for the residents pending the construction of bridge over the Oti river in Dambai.

He pleaded with set up a military base in either Nkwanta South or Dambai to enable the timely intervention in addressing pockets of violence in the region.

Sealed Tenders were received and opened on Thursday, 24th July 2024 at the Conference Hall of the Oti Regional Coordinating Council, Dambai at 10:00am.

The Tender Opening Committee, chaired by the Honourable Minister, John Kwadwo Gyapong facilitated the Bid Opening Process. Key among them were representatives of various Contractors and Construction firms and staff of the Ghana Highway Authority, Members of Oti Regional Entity Tender Committee and Heads of Departments and Units of the ORCC who sat in to witness the programme.

Tender Opening members took keen records of details of the various individual bids received. The Head of Quantities, Mr. Albert Kwesi Koomson, read out the submitted bid prices, bid security and amounts and confirmed whether the tenderers submitted the valid statutory documents required for preliminary evaluation of the Tenders.

The Evaluation Team of the Oti Regional Ghana Highway Authority was assigned to conduct detailed evaluation of the bids and report accordingly. The Chairman, Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong admonished for a fair and transparent evaluation process.

He said the council is to ensure the approval of by-laws for the MDAs across the region in according to the local government act.

He charged the members of the expanded RCC to live up to their task to discharge their mandate adequately without compromise to inure to the benefit of the Oti Region.

He said he inherited an uncompleted three-stairs ORCC office started in 2020 including six other projects completed but not in use.

He explained that his outfit is poised to complete the ORCC office and have written to the Presidency where assessment had been conducted and the contractor is expected to return to site. Adding that the construction of bridge over the Oti river in Dambai is a priority.

Upgrading selected town roads of 4.5 km in Jasikan, rehabilitation of 6.3km roads contract terminated and awaiting contract rewarding.

He continued that about 15km roads in Krachi will be constructed whilst contractors on Dambai town roads have abandoned site, adding some 28 Feeder roads projects are ongoing across the region

Hon Gyapong averred that about 22% of lands in Oti is occupied by water and the ministry of Agric is undertaking a 7.2 hectares irrigation for work programme in both Nkonya in Biakoye District and Pie Katanga in the Krachi East Municipality.

Hon. Gyapong charged against teacher absenteeism and explained that a regional task force is expected to be formed to monitor and evaluate the performance of teachers and teacher absenteeism aimed at promoting quality learning outcomes.

He added that health is a priority hence the need to contract a regional hospital in Dambai to promote growth and development.

Hon. Gyapong urged the tribes and three factions in Nkwanta South to lay down their weapons and resort to peace building rightful processes and charged the committee to work to bring peace in Nkwanta South.

The Minister revealed that the recent insurgencies in Nkwanta South have claimed about 17 lives whilst 14 others had been injured adding that so far 17 people have been arrested and transferred to Accra for prosecution.

He announced the intention of the ORCC to launch a monthly sanitation and clean up exercise to clean the major cities and local communities in the region and tasked all the MDCEs to take keen interest in environmental sustainability by fully participating in the clean up exercise.

The Membership of the expanded RCC, chaired by the Minister with members including all Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs), all Presiding Members in … two representatives from the Regional House of Chiefs, heads of departments, and heads decentralised government institutions in the region.

For the Regional Coordinating Director of ORCC, Rev. Harry Nii Kwatei Owoo, the gesture marks not only the inauguration of the newly created or formed regional Coordinating Council but also seek to champion regional development

RCC he said is mandated to supervise and coordinate the implementation of government initiatives and policies to include other stakeholders

The expanded RCC seek to reduce the duplication and promote development within the region and become the ambassadors of change and innovation.

Regional Education, Agric Directorates  were awarded for timely submission of reports to the regional coordinating council.

Long time service in Oti Region, K O Agyarkum, former  Regional commander of NIB, Dr Osei Kufour Alfred, former Regional Health Director; former Regional Environmental Health Analyst reorganized of her outstanding service; Joseph Gyau Appiah (retired), former Community Development Director  of the region.

Security Briefing and Situation on the Ground

Security personnel at the meeting provided a stark update on the situation. According to the briefing:

Eleven (11) deaths have been recorded since the outbreak of the conflict.

Several residents have deserted their homes due to fear and insecurity, leading to the partial abandonment of communities.

Properties have been destroyed in multiple locations.

Two (2) firearms were retrieved by security officers in Pawa.

Eight (8) individuals suspected to be involved in the unrest have been arrested and transferred to Accra for further investigations and prosecution.

Minister’s Call for Calm and Order

In his address, Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong strongly condemned the acts of violence and the recent resurgence of conflict believed to have been triggered by the pouring of libation in Nkwanta. The Minister, therefore, issued a directive to the security forces to arrest all individuals who were involved in the said act, which he described as provocative and unacceptable.

He also took the opportunity to issue a stern warning to persons using social media platforms to spread false information and incite violence. According to the Minister, such individuals would be tracked and arrested to face the full rigours of the law.

“Let me caution all social media war mongers: your actions are being monitored. If you do not stop spreading fear and misinformation, you will be arrested. We cannot allow a few individuals to destroy the peace we are building,” the Minister stated firmly.

Appeal for Peace and Development

Hon. Gyapong appealed to residents of Pawa, Keri, Bonakye, and the entire Nkwanta South Municipality to cease fire, desist from acts of destruction, and choose the path of peace and development. He stressed that no community can progress in the midst of violence and disorder, and called for collective responsibility in rebuilding the affected areas.

Commendation and Gratitude

The Regional Minister expressed his deep appreciation to the Chief of Kpassa, Ubor Konja Tassan VI, for his instrumental role in the peace efforts. He also commended the security agencies, traditional rulers, and opinion leaders who have contributed meaningfully to the ongoing dialogue and reconciliation process.

“We are grateful for the leadership and wisdom shown by our traditional authorities and the relentless efforts of the security services. This collaboration is vital if we are to sustain peace and bring healing to the people of Nkwanta South,” he added.

Conclusion

The engagement at Pawa marks a significant step in the regional government’s commitment to restoring peace and stability in Nkwanta South Municipality. The Oti Regional Coordinating Council is expected to continue its conflict resolution efforts and provide strategic direction towards sustainable development and social cohesion in the region.

He ended his remarks that if not God’s blessing on Ghana, the multiplicity of Ghanaian religious practice, different believes and faith would have truncated the peace in Ghana. Hence his excellency the president of the republic of Ghana John Dramani Mahama’s declaration of Tuesday July 1, 2025 as “Prayer and Thanksgiving Day”.

The highlight of the event was a keynote address delivered by the Honorable Oti Regional Minister, John Kwadwo Gyapong, who used the platform to inspire unity, peace, and spiritual reawakening in the region, particularly in light of recent ethnic tensions and developmental challenges.

Theme and Significance

Themed “Reflect, Reset and Renew for National Prosperity,” the event provided an avenue for both spiritual introspection and national commitment. The Minister emphasized the sacred purpose of the day, encouraging attendees to transcend political, ethnic, and religious divisions to collectively thank God for His mercies and reflect on the path toward sustainable regional and national development.

A one-minute silence was observed to honor the lives lost in the Nkwanta ethnic conflict, underscoring the solemn tone of the event and the need for lasting peace.

Highlights of the Keynote Address

1. Recognition of Progress and Challenges

Hon. Gyapong acknowledged the dual reality of progress and persistent challenges within the region. He commended ongoing efforts in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and education while reminding the gathering of the socio-economic hardships still confronting communities in Oti.

2. Agricultural Development

The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to agricultural transformation, highlighting key initiatives such as:

Feed Ghana Initiative

A seven thousand two hundred (7,200) hectors irrigation projects in Biakoye and Krachi East which Biakoye takes three thousand two hundred (3,200) and Krachi East takes four thousand (4,000)

These interventions are aimed at boosting productivity, ensuring food security, and creating employment for the youth.

3. Healthcare and Education

Significant improvements were reported in health and education access in areas like Krachi East, Nkwanta South, and Kadjebi. The ongoing completion of the agenda 111 hospital projects was noted as a major government priority to enhance healthcare accessibility across the region.

4. Road Infrastructure and Connectivity

Hon. Gyapong stressed the urgent need for road development, citing the bridging of Dambai river, Nkwanta-Kpassa-Damanko and Nkwanta-Dambai corridors as strategic arteries that must be completed during the current presidential tenure to unlock economic potential and improve mobility.

5. Appeal for Peace and Unity

A strong call was made for peace and reconciliation, particularly in conflict-prone areas such as Nkwanta South Municipal. The Minister appealed for forgiveness, community dialogue, and a shared commitment to regional stability.

He challenged all residents to treat personal and communal security as a shared responsibility and to support traditional authorities and security agencies in promoting lasting peace.

Appreciation and Charge to Citizens

Hon. Gyapong expressed gratitude to religious leaders for their continuous spiritual guidance and encouraged them to sustain the moral compass of society. He appealed to all residents to “pray not only with our lips but act with our hearts” — advocating for practical efforts toward peacebuilding, civic responsibility, and economic participation.

Conclusion

The 2025 National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving in Dambai was more than a religious observance — it was a timely intervention aimed at healing wounds, fostering unity, and reigniting hope in the future of the Oti Region and Ghana at large. As the Minister concluded, “May our thanksgiving rise as a sweet fragrance to the heavens, and may the blessings of the Almighty be poured in abundance on Oti Region and the entire nation.”

In his opening remarks, Mr. Prince Latif Oyekunle, Assistant Director I and focal person for UNFPA  at the Oti Regional Coordinating Council, urged the participants to take the training seriously in order to fully benefit from the knowledge and interventions being shared. He emphasized that the initiative forms part of broader efforts by stakeholders to improve the well-being of young women in the region.

Speaking to the media, Madam Veronica Kakah, a public health nurse and facilitator from the Oti Regional Health Directorate, explained that the sensitization was motivated by the increasing number of teenage pregnancies among young girls in the region. “We discovered that many of these girls become sexually active early, and teenage pregnancy has been a major reason why they drop out of school. This training is part of our commitment to ensuring they are not only aware of the risks but are also empowered to make informed choices,” she said.

Madam Veronica Kakah added that the Health Directorate aims to ensure that girls stay in school, complete their education, and become responsible citizens who can contribute meaningfully to their communities and to the development of Ghana. She further noted that the trainees, who are already learning trades to secure their futures, also need support to complete their training and ultimately care for themselves and their families.

The sensitization is part of ongoing efforts by the Oti Regional Health Directorate to expand family planning coverage and reduce the region’s alarmingly high rate of teenage pregnancies.

The initiative was lauded by participants, who expressed gratitude for the knowledge shared and called for more of such engagements to reach girls in remote communities.

In his address to the students, Hon. Gyapong urged them to approach the examination with confidence and integrity. He cautioned them against engaging in any form of examination malpractice, emphasizing that success must be earned through hard work and honesty. “Do not depend on anyone, write what you have learned, and by God’s grace, you will pass,” he advised.

The Minister highlighted the significance of the BECE, describing it as a “carrier examination” that lays the foundation for the future careers of the students. He noted that whether a student aspires to become a lawyer, medical doctor, engineer, or any other professional, the outcome of the BECE plays a pivotal role. He further stressed that the exams being written are not solely for the students’ personal benefit but also for the pride and progress of their schools, families, communities, the Oti Region, and Ghana at large.

Hon. Gyapong underscored the importance the President and himself attach to the BECE, indicating that it determines the type of senior high school a student may gain admission to, the course of study to pursue, and ultimately, contributes to the nation’s future leadership and development.

He also expressed his profound appreciation to the teachers for their dedication in nurturing and preparing the students for the examination. Their hard work, he noted, is crucial to the academic success and personal growth of the candidates.

In concluding his remarks, the Regional Minister issued a strong warning to the invigilators, urging them to remain professional and not to condone or facilitate any examination malpractices. He emphasized that any form of misconduct could tarnish not only their personal image but also that of the Oti Region as a whole.

The visit by Hon. Gyapong was well received and served as a morale booster to both the students and the staff involved in the conduct of the examination. Present there were, the Oti Regional Minister Hon John Kwadwo Gyapong, Oti Regional Coordinating Director Harry Nii Kwatei Owoo, Oti Regional GES Director Mrs. Irene Jacquelinda Attabra, Krachi East Municipal Chief Executive Hon Safo Nketia.