Author: orccgov

During the engagement, the Chiefs and elders reaffirmed commitment to government initiatives and policies as well as projects commenced under previous administration.

The Regional Minister reiterated the commitment of His Excellency the President of the Republic, John Dramani Mahama’s government resetting agenda in the region.

He recounted support of traditional authorities in championing the progress and development of the region and assured the chiefs and elders on government’s resolve to develop the country with support from chiefs and traditional leaders.

Hon. Gyapong announced to the delegation of the President John Dramani Mahama’s readiness to complete the Kpassa – Nkwanta Road, Agenda 111 hospital and E-block projects in Kpassa.

“I understand potable water is a challenge in Kpassa and plans are in the pipelines to revamp the dormant water treatment project in the area,” he said.

The Chiefs and elders pleaded the Minister for the Construction of a Nursing Training College in Kpassa; “given the population and other factors Kpassa is qualified to host the facility and my outfit will liaise with the Ministries of Health and Education to ensure the successful outcomes”.

In attendance were, Ubor Tassan Konja VI, Nana Owusu Nkuya, Nana Tokor II, Ubor Yalanjor sei, Ubor jayon Stephen, Ubor James Nikplikina, Nana Yussif Omari, Ubor Attah Nayina, Odikuro Talla Damanko and Konja Megi, the KOYA chairman for Kpassa among others.

The PMs affirmed their commitment to work collectively with MDCEs to support and promote the resetting agenda of government in developing the Oti region.

The PMs lamented lack of logistics to carry out their duties despite the huge burden of responsibility on the assembly members.

They appealed to the to help see to the completion of projects commenced by the previous government ranging from roads, hospitals among others to boost infrastructural development in the region.

Hon. Gyapong admonished the PMs to work hard, cooperative and stick to their mandate and liaise with their various MDCEs for the development of the region.

He touched on the crucial role the Presiding Members play in the annals of local government and charged them to let their performance show and shine and not to cecum to the pressure, be dictated to or compromise with the MDCEs for a personal interest.

The Regional Minister averred that Presiding Members (PM) are the heads of their respective General Assemblies hence they must not allow themselves to be controlled, manipulated or compromised for individual interest but allegiance to the people they serve, and the Constitution that empowers them.

Presiding Members present were Anthony K. Ahiable, Kadjebi; John Nteleye Mpoebi, Krachi Nchumuru; Edward Yilengne, Nkwanta South; Kennedy Abotsi, Krachi West; Jones Mawuli Peni, Biakoye; Abubakar Alhassan, Nkwanta North and Jacuith Andrews, Jasikan.

He appreciated the CEO decision to officially brief my office on their presence and activities in the region.

In their discussions, He commended MASLOC for the critical role they continue to play in supporting grassroots businesses and empowering livelihoods especially Women and other vulnerable groups in all.

Hon. John Gyapong also took the opportunity to express his confidence in the renewed leadership of H.E. John Dramani Mahama and called on all to support him through prayer and hard work.

Additionally, He appealed to the MASLOC CEO to consider supporting our School Feeding Programme caterers, many of whom lack adequate capital to start the feeding programme; timely reimbursement, and logistical support will go a long way to enhance the programme’s impact in the region.

He also assured the MASLOC team of my full support and collaboration, particularly in working with our Regional School Feeding Coordinator to ensure that qualified individuals are recruited to manage the programme effectively.

The Regional Minister charged the Regional MASLOC Coordinator to intensify efforts in recovering all outstanding loans in the region and I pledge my full support for it.

Together, we remain committed to the RESETTING agenda, progress, and development of the Oti Region.

The executives were present to congratulate and welcome the regional minister into the region and also declare their support for him towards the development of the region where the Minister admonished them to embrace unity as Queen mothers to champion the cause of women in the Oti region.

He reaffirmed outfit’s readiness and commitment to provide necessary support for the traditional authorities including the Queen mothers at large.

“I have a lot of programme for Queen mothers as well as world Bank project for Queen mothers . I encourage you to canvas for peace and unity and play their supporting role of advising the chiefs on traditional governance,” he said.

The Queenmothers tasked the Minister to help address challenges on farming, portable drinking water, subsidised farming inputs, unemployment,  poultry farming, promoting cultural heritage.

They charged the Minister to use his esteemed office to support the Queen mothers by organising workshops to educate and build their capacity on conflict resolution,  peace building among others for the benefit of Oti region.

Hon. Gyapong announced to the Queen mothers that Biakoye and Krachi East districts in the region are been earmarked to roll-out 7200 hectares of land for implementation of the irrigation project.

He reiterated that President John Dramani Mahama’s led government aims15,000 youth are expected to be employed across all the regions in the country, and assured the Queen mothers that employment of youth is underway.

He reaffirmed the commitment of President John Dramani Mahama government to working with women to ensure gender equality and with the aim to rollout the women’s Bank initiatives to employ only women.

The delegation was led by the Paramount Queen Mother and Chairperson of Buem State Queen Mothers,  Nana Apewbea III; others are Nana Okrebea II, Nana Buasumaa I, Nana Adzewaa II, Nana Boatemaa III, Nana Adjeibea Adjeibea, Nana Ochadebea II, Nana Gbadowea, Nana Bukawea II, Nana Okunubea, Okyemewaa Rose Danteh and Mrs Patience Smile Dane.

The board members were drawn from representatives of the nine Municipal and district Assemblies, Institute of Surveyors, Ghana National Association of Fishermen and Farmers, Regional House of Chiefs and Regional Lands Commission.

The board governed with a prescribed mandate to manage both private and public lands in the region.

This inauguration  marks a milestone for the development of the oti region and commended President John Dramani Mahama for hearing the plea of the people of Oti region in giving them a regional lands commission office.

Hon. Gyapong  cautioned the members against the use of their mandate to serve their parochial interest and the ministry will not hesitate to crack the whips on individual who may fall short to the laws.

He urged the board to hold stakeholders to promote sustainable land use and work to ensure lands are used economically.

The Regional Minister admonished the board to work tirelessly for a unity of purpose and ensure fair and equitable distribution of lands and spatial use  in the region.

The Board chaired by Nana Mprah Besemuna III with other members including Yaw Acheampong Amoah, Gazekpo Emmanuel, Felix Kwamla Seloame and Nana Akoto Musakyi III.

Other members of the board are Cyril Gadegbeku, John Mark Bekoe, Anebo Philip Kwaku, Akoporwiah Nathaniel, Ladzi Emmanuel, George Grant Dogli, Nana Sampson Fordjour, Richard Opoku, Fankibi Joseph, Silas Atikpo Brownson and Musah Mumuni Basit.

The Oti Regional Minister appeal to every resident to remain calm, exercise restraint, and channel grievances through the established peace-building mechanisms. Please note that the ban on carrying arms, ammunition, or offensive weapons is still in force anyone found in breach will face arrest and prosecution.

Let’s work together to safeguard the peace and security of our beloved Oti Region.

Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong

Oti Regional Minister

He deeply appreciate Nana Ayeng Anebo II’s unwavering dedication to peace and development. His call for adherence to constitutional principles in chieftaincy matters and transparency in revenue management aligns with our shared vision for a stable and thriving Oti Region. In response, Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong assured the delegation of his commitment to investigating concerns around Internally Generated Funds (IGF) and pledged to work closely with traditional leaders to ensure accountability and fairness in resource allocation. Additionally, they revisited critical infrastructure projects, including the Nkwanta-Kpassa road and the Agenda 111 hospital, which remain key priorities under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.

This engagement was a significant step toward strengthening collaboration between traditional leadership and government. He was grateful for the opportunity to bridge gaps, acknowledge past oversights, and reaffirm my dedication to inclusive governance. Together, we will build a stronger and more prosperous Oti Region!

The rest were Safo Nketia of Krachi East; Prosper Addo of Krachi West; Joseph Antwi of Nkwanta-South, and Isaiah Dordoe for Nkwanta North.

Messrs. Parke-Davis Magyigbe, of Jasikan, and Godfried Koffie of Guan scored 86 and 79 per cent respectively.

Before the confirmation process of the MDCEs at each of the assemblies, the government appointees of the assembly members were sworn into office by a Magistrate or Judge to constitute a full assembly. Assemblies without presiding members subsequently elected their respective Presiding Members (PM) before confirmation.

The Oti Regional Minister, John Kwadwo Gyapong, in his remarks at Jasikan as the first assembly to confirm her MCE in Oti appealed to the assembly members not to hesitate to give the nominee hundred per cent (100%) confirmation to set the tone for the rest of the assemblies in Oti Region to emulate.    

He has been present at each of the assemblies, coordinated and monitored the confirmation process with the message that, the assembly members should vote responsibly to enable him to have the needed support to develop the region. 

At each assembly, he said since the municipals and districts were where development starts from, they should put aside partisan consideration and vote responsibly on competency line.

Mr Gyapong said the Oti Region was a baby, and as such they had to come together and put their shoulders to the wheel to stimulate its total development.“Development does not know any political party so you should unite to make the Oti Region the winner,” he said.

He gave the assurance that his doors were open to everyone to ensure the successful implementation of government programmes and policies.

Hon. Gyapong always ended his remarks by tasking the newly confirmed MDCEs to work hard and closely with the people of their various assemblies to ensure the resetting of Ghana.

The MDCEs in their acceptance remarks thanked the assembly for reposing confidence in them through the confirmation and also pledged to listen, learn and strive to ensure development in their various MDAs and Oti at large.

Conclusively, the confirmation of MDCEs in Oti Region ended on Wednesday April 9, 2025 at Biakoye District,

They lamented the fact that the Oti Region currently has no Category A school, and only a few institutions are in Category B leaving the majority in Category C. This, they explained, severely affects the calibre of students posted to the region, as top-performing students often choose Category A schools and are automatically placed elsewhere. CHASS pleaded for support in securing the needed facilities and improvements to help upgrade at least some of our schools to Category A status.

In response, He assured them of my full commitment to this cause that He will personally tour all SHSs and SHTSs in the region to gain firsthand insight into their needs. He also emphasized the need to groom excellence from the basic level, organize inter-school academic competitions, and intensify school selection awareness so that more students can confidently choose Oti-based schools.

He further encouraged heads to deepen parental involvement and take ownership of promoting their institutions. With the right leadership, upgraded infrastructure, and strong collaboration, we can raise the academic profile of our schools and retain our top-performing students within the region.

He remain committed to forwarding all these concerns to the Minister for Education and H.E. President John Dramani Mahama. Together, we will push for the completion of key projects and the provision of critical resources. Oti deserves Category A schools and with unity and determination, we will get there.

The media team proposed several areas of collaboration, including improved access to information from the Regional Coordinating Council, proactive sharing of the Minister’s itinerary to support accurate reporting, and efforts to combat misinformation and disinformation related to government work. They also called for more frequent engagement with the media to raise the profile of the region and suggested partnering with the RCC to provide training and capacity-building opportunities for journalists, especially in light of the limited presence of the Ghana Journalists Association in Oti.

Hon. Gyapong welcomed the visit and commended the Alliance for taking the initiative to reach out. He agreed that transparency and media visibility were crucial to effective governance and instructed his Public Relations Officer to begin sharing his weekly itinerary with the Alliance to enhance information flow and public accountability. However, he also raised concerns about the high cost of media coverage in the region, noting that limited budgetary allocations often made consistent engagement a challenge. He mentioned that some media personnel had previously expressed frustration over delayed allowances following RCC assignments, and he urged for more strategic media relations that balance transparency with responsible reporting.

The Minister also shared his vision for development in the region, including plans to explore mineral deposits and water bodies for potential economic use, and the establishment of a cassava processing factory as part of efforts to drive local industrialization. He emphasized that these initiatives were part of his broader commitment to supporting the national development agenda and creating sustainable jobs for the people of Oti.

In closing, Hon. Gyapong expressed his willingness to work closely with the media and encouraged the Alliance to continue playing a constructive role in regional development. He reiterated his belief that with collaboration, honesty, and mutual respect, the media can serve as a powerful ally in advancing the goals of the region.

The meeting ended on a positive note, setting the stage for stronger cooperation between the Oti Regional Coordinating Council and the media community, with a shared vision of promoting good governance, development, and accountability.

Rev. Owoo noted that the Client Service Unit is now a recognized professional class within the Local Government Service structure, and individuals within the unit can rise through the ranks up to the position of Chief Director. He encouraged participants to remain proactive, professional, and committed to their roles, emphasizing that they serve as the first point of contact for the public and, therefore, play a vital role in shaping the image of their institutions.

The workshop was structured into 11 modules. Mr. Prince Latif Oyekunle, Assistant Director I and Head of the Central Administrative Unit, facilitated Modules 1 through to 6, which covered the Introduction, Decentralization, Client Service Management, Operational Structure & Job Description, Electronic Complaint Handling, and Compliance Monitoring. Madam Janet Sambo, Head of the Human Resource Management Unit, led participants through Modules 7 to 11. These included Procedures for Handling Visitors, Enquiries, Complaints, and Feedback, and concluded with a Wrap-Up session. Together, the facilitators delivered a comprehensive training session that addressed both policy frameworks and practical procedures to enhance client service delivery across the Local Government Service.

he day concluded with closing remarks from Rev. Harry Nii Kwatei Owoo, who expressed his appreciation for the active participation of attendees and the efforts of the facilitators. He challenged all officers to return to their respective institutions as agents of change, fully equipped to make a meaningful impact. He reminded them that positive transformation begins with individual commitment and excellence at the point of service.

The workshop reaffirmed the Oti RCC’s commitment to strengthening service delivery, with a strong focus on the quality of interactions between public institutions and citizens. It is expected that the trained officers will return better equipped to serve with excellence, professionalism, and efficiency.

The meeting served as a platform to discuss potential areas of collaboration between GIZ and the region, particularly in climate resilience, spatial data mapping, and sustainable development planning. Both parties expressed a shared commitment to deepening their partnership for the benefit of the people of Oti.

This engagement formed part of a broader initiative, including a hands-on training session organised for selected staff of the Regional Coordinating Council(RCCs), Municipal and District Assemblies(MDAs). The training which focused on climate hazards and thematic mapping, aimed at strengthening local capacity in environmental planning and disaster preparedness.

The ORCC extends its appreciation to GIZ for their continued support and looks forward to fruitful collaborations in the months ahead.

The Honorable Minister reminded them that as chief executives, they have a critical role to play in delivering the benefits of good governance to the people. He encouraged them to be innovative, proactive, and responsive to the needs of their constituents, ensuring that the dividends of democracy are equitably distributed.

He also emphasized the importance of creating job opportunities for the youth in their respective districts. As leaders, we have a responsibility to empower the next generation, equipping them with the skills and resources needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive world.

To achieve this, He encouraged the MDCEs to collaborate with stakeholders, including traditional leaders, opinion leaders, and the private sector, to identify and support initiatives that promote youth employment and entrepreneurship.

In conclusion, Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong charged the MDCEs to remain committed to our party’s values of social justice, equality, and prosperity for all. Let us work together to build a better future for Ghana, a future that is bright, prosperous, and just for all citizens.

The ultimate is to RESET OTI together!

               “𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒈𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒎𝒖𝒎 𝒘𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒂 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒂𝒈𝒆. 𝑨 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒂𝒈𝒆 𝒈𝒐𝒆𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒅 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒎𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒄 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒗𝒂𝒍 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒔—𝒊𝒕 𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒅𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒚, 𝒂𝒇𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒅 𝒅𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒍𝒕𝒆𝒓, 𝒇𝒐𝒐𝒅, 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒑𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒇𝒖𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒊𝒏 𝒔𝒐𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒕𝒚.”

Quoting an excerpt from the Minister’s written speech, Rev. Owoo emphasized, “𝑶𝒖𝒓 𝒑𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒄 𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒅𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕. 𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒍-𝒎𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒒𝒖𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒅, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒔.”

Another dignitary who graced the occasion was the newly confirmed District Chief Executive of the Biakoye District Assembly. In his seasonal greetings, he encouraged workers to align with President John Dramani Mahama’s renewed vision to reset the nation, calling for shared commitment and discipline across departments:

“As we embark on this national reset, let us position ourselves not just as employees but as enablers of transformation. The President’s vision requires our full engagement.”

In a passionate speech, Mr. Francis Apawu, Chairman of the Oti Regional Chapter of the Civil and Local Government Staff Association of Ghana (CLOGSAG), emphasized the urgent need to reevaluate pay structures and improve working conditions. He said:

               “Inflation, high cost of living, and poor retention of skilled workers call for a complete reset. We urge government to act swiftly, ensuring fair salaries, safer workplaces, and better career growth opportunities.”

He also called on MDAs to settle outstanding transfer grants and reset regional promotion processes, urging all stakeholders to collaborate in building a motivated and productive workforce.

A major highlight of the day was the Best Staff Awards, which recognized exceptional workers from each of the nine districts of the region. The 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐟𝐟 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 was presented to none other than 𝐑𝐞𝐯. 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐍𝐢𝐢 𝐊𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐢 𝐎𝐰𝐨𝐨, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐎𝐭𝐢 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥, for his outstanding contributions and exemplary leadership throughout the year under review.

The awards, which visibly boosted morale among workers, were made possible through the generous sponsorship of various Assemblies, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs), and Members of Parliament (MPs) in the region.

Closing the celebration, Mr. John Mensin Mframah, District Coordinating Director for Krachi Nchumuru District Assembly and Chairman of the occasion, lauded the enthusiasm of the participants and encouraged all staff to give their utmost to reset the Oti Region.

“Let’s embrace every district posting as an opportunity. Oti is rich in potential, peaceful, and welcoming. Let’s build it together.”

The 2025 May Day Celebration in Chinderi will be remembered not just for its festivities, but for its unifying message: that Oti’s progress is tied to the dignity and empowerment of its workforce.

The engagement brought together representatives from various departments within the region and municipal assembly. It served as a platform to pre-test data collection tools for the terminal evaluation. The meeting was held at the conference room of the Oti Regional Coordinating Council on April 29, 2025.