Author: orccgov

The theme adopted globally for the sensitization is, “A Just Transition to Sustainable Lifestyles,”. This was locally adapted by the National Communication Authority (NCA) under the theme “Masts, Towers, and the Consumer: Myths, Benefits & Challenges. ” The initiative focused on dispelling misconceptions about radiation emissions from telecommunication masts, addressing consumer concerns, and reinforcing the importance of these structures in ensuring reliable connectivity.

The NCA reassured consumers that telecommunication masts and towers pose no health risks, as they comply with International safety standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Commission on Nonionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). Scientific research confirms that electromagnetic radiation levels emitted by these structures remain far below harmful thresholds.

The Authority emphasized that masts and towers are essential for improving network coverage and ensuring reliable communication services. It also reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing strict regulations to protect public health and safety.

Earlier today, Hon Agbodza inspected the project and reiterated government’s commitment to completing strategic road projects. He further assured the contractors that their payment will be prioritized.

According to Hon. Agbodza, when completed, Nkwanta-Oti-Damanko road will facilitate economic growth through improved access to markets, reduce travel time and improve road safety as well as boost agricultural production and trade.

During an engagement in the regional capital, Dambai, key stakeholders discussed inclusive decision-making processes that shape the region’s future.

Addressing participants, the Minister acknowledged the invaluable experience of former MMDCEs, stressing that their collective knowledge could help formulate effective policies and strategies.

He emphasized that leveraging their expertise would contribute to sustainable development and improved living standards for the people of Oti.

The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a bottom-up development approach, urging active participation from local authorities, community members, and civil society organizations.

He called for renewed partnerships, encouraging former MMDCEs to collaborate in enhancing the region’s development.

Discussions focused on critical issues such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and agriculture. Former MMDCEs shared their experiences and lessons from their tenures, offering insights to inform current and future policies.

They also proposed strategies for maximizing local resources and fostering community engagement in development efforts.

Some MMDCEs expressed appreciation for the minister’s initiative and underscored the need for continued support from the central government to tackle challenges such as unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to quality healthcare.

They pledged their support to ensure effective planning and implementation of development projects.

He continued that without tolerance peace cannot reign, adding that the absence of peace stifles development hence necessary for all and sundry to abide by law to promote peace in the area.

The Regional Minister reiterated the commitment of President John Dramani Mahama to complete the ongoing construction of the agenda 111 hospital at Kpassa which started by the erstwhile government aimed at ensure quality health service delivery in the district.

He said his outfit is poised to oversee the construction of the Kpassa – Nkwanta stretch of the Eastern Corridor road within the region for easy and smooth transportation of goods and service as well as open up the area for business.

“I promised you, we are going to construct the Kpassa roads for easy movement of people, no one can do anything to divert my attention from Kpassa,” he said.

He thanked the traditional leaders, opinion leaders and electorates for believing the message of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and voting massively for the party to secure victory in the just ended general election.

Mr Gyapong, however, disclaimed audio circulating in the mainstream and social media alleging his outfit made tribal and demeaning remarks against Konkombas somewhere last year prior to election.

He said the content of the audio is fabricated and should be treated with the necessary contempt it deserve insisting that he worked with Konkombas within the party for over 32 years and could not suddenly dislike Konkombas as suggested in the purported audio.

For his part the Paramount Chief of Kpassa Traditional Area, Ubor Tassan Konja VI, urged the Minister never to forget Kpassa adding that Kpassa faces several challenges ranging from, water, rural electrification, roads network, health service delivery and security as well as youth unemployment among others.

Ubor Konja VI tasked the Minister to as a matter of urgency collaborate with other stakeholders to solve the perennial water challenge to give the people of Kpassa portable drinking water.

He expressed disapproval for lateness and laziness to work which he believe derails development, adding that his work will continue to enhance the chances of the party in the region.

My work relationship will have nothing to do with you but with the outcome or results of the work done, said the Regional Minister.

He continued that his vision is aimed at developing and changing the face of the Oti Region and reiterated his government’s commitment to bridge the Oti River to open up the region for business and fast-track the economic development.

The Minister charged the management of the Oti Region to adhere to the guidelines attached to the budget allocated to the region or face query or disciplinary sanctions from the government.

Commenting on the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), he indicated that government will make a good use of the programme hence will offer the assemblies the opportunity to open up, rehabilitate roads within their jurisdiction to ease the burden on government and also generate revenue for the region during private commandeering of the equipment.

The management meeting with the Minister also discussed several modalities including how to get investors to build factories to process raw products like cassava among others within the region.

“As a businessman, I am ready to assist the ORCC in any business proposal to the suite of investors,” he noted.

For environmental health, the ORCC staff appealed to pay a critical attention to health challenges and ensure effectiveness. The department will constitute the Oti Regional Environmental Taskforce for environmental health unit as well as reinstituting the spot fine initiative as opportunities that can help in revenue generation.

Although the management lamented of posting officers unduly for their alleged political ground, the Minister assured the staff of not repeating menace but rather focus on working to develop the region.

In his closing remarks, the Minister reiterated that his sole agenda was to make the region attractive and different from the form and shape he met the region.

He encouraged the staff to stay focused and look beyond box to leverage opportunities to help generate funds for the development of the region.

In the attendance of the meeting include; Rev. Harry Nii Kwatei OWOO, Regional Coordinating Director; Frank Abonu, Regional Agric Officer; Prince Latif Oyekumle, Assistant Director I; Madam Janet Sambo, Human Resource Manager (HRM); Cynthia Sekyere, Regional Environmental Health Officer; Amidu Mohammed, Statistics Department, Banyibor Ezekiel Yaw, Public Relations Officer, Samuel Edem Kpeli, MIS Officer as well as other heads of departments in the regional coordinating council.

The key issues raised were:

1. The negative aspect of the young girls traveling to the Gulf countries leading to deaths, deportation and evacuation.
2. The financial lost that Ghana incur during evacuations
3. The proposed solutions to the indiscriminate travels to the Gulf countries.

The Oti Regional Coordinating Director (Chief Director), Harry Nii Kwatei Owoo in his welcome address thanked the regional and national Passport Office for the initiative and urged the participants to contribute good and feasible ways of curbing this pressing challenge in Oti.

Rev. Harry Nii Kwatei Owoo in his closing remarks tasked the stakeholders to collaborate and educate the people of Oti on the dangers involve in our young girls travel to the Gulf for greener pasture.

Stakeholders present were Department of Gender, Information Services Department, Department of Social Welfare, National Commission for Civic Education, Local Council of Churches, Ghana Immigration Service, ORCC Public Relations Unit, ORCC Central Administration, Rep of Regional Chief Imam, officers from Passport Office and the Oti Regional Coordinating Director as the chairperson for the meeting.

The Oti regional Minister, honorable Daniel Machator in his speech expressed his gratitude to president Akufo-Addo for the confidence reposed in him to serve the people of Oti.

The honorable minister also extended his heartfelt appreciation to the Oti Regional Coordinating Council (ORCC) members, staff of ORCC and the people of Oti for the unwavering support and cooperation given him during his tenure of office

According to him, he worked to promote development in the region, focusing on education, healthcare and economic growth leading to his comittement to improving the lives of the people in the Oti Region has been evident in the various initiatives and projects accomplished.

Honorable Machator ended his speech by urging the incoming leadership to build on the foundation laid by his government and encouraged the people of Oti to continue working together and collaboratively to drive the region forward.

The Oti Regional Coordinating Director (Chief director) Reverend Harry Nii Kwatei Owoo in his address called on the RCC members to to join hands and work together to end 2024 on high note.

He also enphasised that, unity and teamwork among RCC members, stressing on collective agenda as necessary to the achievement of the council’s goals .

The chief director louded departments that submitted quarterly reports on time, adding that, the achievements were particularly notable if it aligns with the requirements outlined in the Local Government Act, 2016(ACT 936) specifically section 79.

He also said the ORCC is committed to trancparency, accountability and good governance which was driven by the timely submission of reports leading to the principle of effective public administration.

Rev. Harry Nii Kwatei Owoo ended his address by suggesting recognizing the best performing departments will motivate the rest of the departments of ORCC to strive for execelence in their reporting obligations, resulting to improved governance and development in Oti.

 The high table was made of the Oti Regional Minister hon. Daniel Machator, the Oti Regional Coordinating Director Rev. Harry Nii Kwatei Owoo.

The Oti Regional Minister, Daniel Machstor, speaking at the performance contract signing ceremony, described the move as foundational exercise that underscores ORCC’s commitment to excellence in local governance and service delivery.

The event, he said is guided by the mandate of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), which establishes a framework for decentralized governance and the effective management of our Municipal and District Assemblies (MDAs).

“The performance contracts we sign today serve as a benchmark for accountability, a tool for performance evaluation, and a road map for achieving developmental priorities,” he said.

According to him, performance contracts are not mere formalities but represent a mutual agreement between the leadership of the assemblies and the government to deliver measurable results in key areas such as education, health, infrastructure, and economic development.

“It is essential to address some pressing challenges affecting the effective execution of our mandates. Reports from previous years have revealed instances of underperformance, lack of adherence to key deliverables, and inefficiencies in some assemblies. This situation cannot and will not be allowed to continue,” he noted.

He continued that consequent to the issues of non-performance of assemblies, government has outlined measures, ranging from warnings to potential terminations aimed at fostering accountability and ensuring that all staff and management perform their duties effectively.

Mr Machator urged the Municipal and District Chief Executives and Coordinating Directors not to only go about setting targets but also about inspiring your teams to achieve them.

“ I encourage you to adopt a hands-on approach, ensuring that the priorities outlined in these contracts are effectively translated into actionable outcomes,” he stated.

This, he added the Human Resource Managers also play a pivotal role in this process by implementing robust performance management systems and cultivating a culture of continuous learning, to help address underperformance before it becomes a systemic issue.

For his part, the Chief Director of ORCC, Rev. Harry Nii Kwatei Owoo, recounted how the council had received a circular from the local government directing the council to supervise the signing and submission of the performance contract.

According to him, the essence of the performance contract is for service delivery hence the staff of the local government were employed to ensure efficient service delivery to the public.

Professionalism of the staff of local government,  participation of opinion leaders and other stakeholders which is key in service delivery as well as accountability to the public are the cardinal principles and standards of service delivery.

He urged transparency, efficiency,  effectiveness among staff in the use of the public resources in their line of duty.

To him, it’s not only the signing of the performance contract that is important but the implementation and there is the need for all MDAs to ensure a successful implementation of the document hence the ORCC will not hesitate to punish any MDA or staff that fails to performance in their discharge of mandate.

Rev. Owoo continued that client focus is also another standard of the Local Governance and there is the need for all the clients unit of the MDAs are effectively functional.

Financial management and reporting,  human resources management in terms of recruitment, posting among others as well as social service and local economic activities are key in the performance contract.

Rev. Owoo however charged the management of various assemblies to comply with the indicators in the performance contract and incorporate same in their performance contract document.

The directive signed and issued by the Chief Director of ORCC, Harry Nii Kwatei Owoo on behalf of the Regional Minister, said the sanctions are applicable to staff like Municipal and District Coordinating Directors, Heads of Department and Staff in the Local Government Service.

The statement opined that the move was in line with resolutions of council which stipulates that members of the Service listed in the (Section 50 of the Local Governance Act 936) ought to be given a hearing to explain the reasons for their failure in performance.

This, he said due process would be followed in meting out sanctions to officers to ensure fairness to allow members of the Service to strictly apply sanctions at all levels and to exhibit effective leadership in managing performance and notify the Head of Service

He acknowledged that the resolutions of council adopted the measures to compel management to ensure effective supervision of staff; RCC/MMDAs to be oriented on environmental cleanliness.

The statement further directs the Regional Coordinating Directors and Municipal District Coordinating Directors to strictly enforce and apply the disciplinary procedures of the Service

It went on to direct the management of the Office of the Head of Local Government Service (OHLGS) to provide a comprehensive document of the Sanctions identified from the Retreat as part of their discussion on the performance of indicators by council.

He added that the sanctions to be meted out to non-performing staff and officers are reformative towards enhancing performance.

Municipal District Coordinating Directors are charged to report non-performing MMDCEs to their respective Regional Ministers and officers within less endowed communities require adequate support to enhance their performance as well as nonperforming Officers within well-resourced districts should be sanctioned

Rev. Owoo however entreated staff of MDAs and the Local Government Service to scale up their performance and not to fall victim to the sanctions enumerated hence all sanctions would be applied to the letter devoid of fear or favor.

A Total of 150 adolescent participants were engaged and sensitized on the effects of teenage pregnancy and child marriage, as well as the importance of embracing STEM education. Solidarity messages from queen mothers, Regional Directors and representatives from CSOs encouraged and empowered participants to stay focused and pursue careers in skill development for global competitiveness.

Resource persons and dignitaries included representatives from the Municipal Health Directorate, Department of Gender, Regional STEM Department, Ghana Standard Authority, Ghana Education Service, TVET and the Traditional Council.

The three important planning documents under review, he said include the zoning guidelines and planning standards, the manual for the preparation of spatial planning and the new planning model to guide spatial planning practice in the country published under the Town and Country Planning Department in 2011.

These, he mentioned was guided by the town and country planning ordinance Act 1945 (CAP 84) and the Local Government Act, 1993 (Act 462) which have been repealed following the enactment of the land used and spatial planning Act 2016 (Act 925) and Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936); hence the need to review the documents to align with the current Land Use and Spatial Planning legislation to make them more relevant.

Rev. Owoo indicated that the review of the documents will give opportunity to update the spatial planning documents with current standards and development trends by the Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority (LUSPA) and other stakeholders.

The ORCC, he added is mandated to provide for sustainable development of land and human settlements through a decentralized planning system to ensure judicious use of land in order to create an enabling environment for District Assemblies to better perform the spatial planning and human settlements management functions within the Region.

This, he noted the Regional Spatial Planning Committee was inaugurated and set into motion on 20th August 2020, this was followed by the inauguration of all the District Spatial Planning Committees in October 2020.

He lamented the inability of the Regional Spatial Planning Committee to meet regularly due to financial challenges but had chocked significant successes.   “These include; the preparation of a Local Plan on a 250 acres land donated by the chiefs during the inauguration of this region. Major infrastructural developments are ongoing there under guides of this plan,” he noted.

“It is also worth noting that under the direction of the Regional LUSPA, the RSPC had been able to prepare a draft Structure Plan (SP) for Jasikan, Biakoye, Krachi East, and Nkwanta South. Plans are also under way to replicate it in the remaining five Districts. A proposal has also been done to prepare the regional Spatial Development Framework (SDF) by December 2025,” he said.

For his part, GIZ technical advisor for PAIRED programme, Robert Obenyah, believes the technical workshop marks a significant step toward achieving collective goals thus, providing a platform for knowledge exchange, and innovative solutions that will drive the refinement of our spatial planning systems.

“PAIReD cooperates with public institutions at the national level as well as 60 MMDAs across all 16 regions of Ghana to employ good governance principles that contribute to sustainable development as well as create an environment that improves the lives of Ghanaians,” he stated.

PAIReD works in five areas of intervention by improving the domestic revenue system, strengthening expenditure management according to development plans, fostering land-use planning, fighting corruption and illicit financial flows and strengthening capacities of media and civil society for accountability.

“By working together, we can address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, ensuring that our spatial planning frameworks are not only effective but also resilient and adaptable,” he said

GIZ PAIReD,he said stands firmly committed to supporting the revision process that serves the interest of the state actors represented here, who depend on these documents to provide services to the citizenry. “We believe that through open dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaborative effort, we can ensure that Ghana’s spatial planning framework continues to propel the nation towards a sustainable and prosperous future,” he noted.

According to him, the preparation of the budget goes through process and in line the legal framework adding that the process is the foundation for which a budget is planned and also leads to the annual budget planning.

“Whatever we do must be in accordance with the rules and regulations, this document is prepared. Annual action plan is used by the assembly to execute their project implementation,” he said.

This, he said starts from the budget committee to FNA through to the general assembly and then to the ORCC to become a final working document for all assemblies.

 As the finance minister presents the national budget, it’s also incumbent on the local assemblies to also prepare their budgets to be added to the national budget presentation, said the minister.

The Chief Director advised the management of the various assemblies to take note of the comments and recommendations made by the experts to replicate same in their narrative budget documents.

On Wednesday October 16 2024, Nkwanta North, Krachi West and Krachi Nchumuru district assemblies had their turn to present the 2024 composite budget draft to the committee respectively.

The second leg of the budget hearing comprised the Biakoye, Nkwanta South, and Kratchi East Municipal Assemblies on Thursday October 17, 2024 whilst Guan, Jasikan and Kadjebi district assemblies also presented theirs on Friday October 18, 2024.  

During the composite budget hearing, the regional budget committee identified infraction and challenges and recommended for change to be made by the assemblies and the corrections must be made in the narrative budget document for submission to the ORCC by October 30^th and for onwards submission to the Finance Ministry by November 8, 2024.

A rep of the Minister of Finance, Prince Amoako-Yeboah indicated that similar exercise is ongoing at various regions and metropolitan Municipal and District Assemblies across the country.

This, he said forms a huge foundation for building a viable and sustainable and a prospect society.

He said the minister appreciate the efforts of the analysts and urged them to work closely and assiduously to over challenges that may arise in budget implementation.

Government through the Finance Ministry, he said was able to secure a staff level agreement with the international monetary fund through the conceited efforts of all MMDCEs to ensure they take the lead to improve the legal foundation to support IGF mobilisation.

It is imperative for every assembly to elect a Presiding Member and entreated the MDCE and regional ministers to election smooth election of the PMs.

Government, he said is commitment to aid the integration projects and follow due process in implementing the budget through the Government Integrated Financial Management Information Systems (GIFMIS).

Priorities the ongoing projects to avoid judgement debts, and enhance transparency and accountability

Commenting on the 2024 election, he underscored the need for the stakeholders to exercise their constitutional rights and with the responsibility to ensure the election was conducted in a peaceful atmosphere whilst delivering on their core mandates without technical challenges.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensure the creations of a prosperous and viable economic development across the country.

This, according to him is instrumental in helping navigate in physical planning and management in their action plans and take initiatives to improve revenue mobilisation, take steps to pass bylaws to ensure smooth release of funds and proactive revenue generation.

He encouraged the district budget committees to follow due process to implement their approved budget, use of GIFMIS is a legal requirement and it’s incumbent on the DCEs ensure this are executed in line with the principles. The budget hearing chaired by the Regional Coordinating Director, Rev. Harry Nii Kwatei Owoo (Chief Director) also had Oti regional Budget Analyst, Dr. Samuel Darah, Human Resource Officer, Miss Janet Sambo, Regional Social Welfare Officer, Innocent Agbolosu; FDU-MOF, Prince Amoako-Yeboah and …, a rep of National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) Daniel Amofa.

They were taken through topic such as;

1. ASRH and STIs

2. Gender, SGBV and Child Marriage

3. Rights and Responsibilities of Child

4. Career and Guidance

They were also linked up with female professionals as mentors and rope models from various career fields.

He encouraged all security personnel present to reflect on the significance of peace and stability to the development of our dear nation and offer prayers for its sustenance.

The Honorable Minister reminded officers and men of the security services that their duty is to ensure that all Ghanaians—regardless of political affiliation—exercise their democratic rights in an environment that is peaceful, safe, and free from intimidation.

Commanding Officer (CO), 66 Artillery Regiment (66 Arty Regt) – Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Jalali Din Ibrahim, mentioned that the gathering signified the Security Services’ collective commitment to ensuring peace, unity and stability in the country.

He made the statement when addressing the audience during the regional launch of the DRIP initiative in Dambai, the capital of the region.

“The programme is expected to create direct jobs, stimulate local economic development and reduce post-harvest losses since farmers will have improved roads to transport their farm produce to the market and improve general service delivery across the country,” he said.

Distribution

Mr Machator mentioned that under the DRIP initiative, every Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies within the region will receive equipment such as Shackman Dump truck, Backhoe, Concrete Mixer, Roller, Bulldozer and Motor Grader among others.

The equipment, he said were procured by the government in collaboration with J. A Plant Pool to improve the road network across the country.

This, he said J A Plant Pool is expected to play a key role in providing maintenance support to the Assemblies unlike other models in the past.

Accountability

“To ensure there is efficiency and value for money for the MDAs in particular and the state as a whole, every MDA is required to submit a management committee for the equipment to eliminate completely the misuse of the machines. I would like to urge all traditional leaders to take keen interest in what happens to these machines,” he stated.

Mr Machator charged the MDAs to ensure proper usage of the equipment for the intended purpose and demanded for a good maintenance culture by the managers or engineers of the machines across the region.

“Permit me to indicate that the DRIP is the President’s initiative with the aim of enhancing the country’s road network by decentralizing road infrastructure development to the MMDAs,” he said.

He cautioned MDCEs and other stakeholders against the use of the machines for their personal gains, adding that government will not hesitate to deal ruthlessly with the perpetrators if caught in the act.

For his part, the Oti Regional Coordinator for J. A Pool, Abdulai Safian, said the project is expected to create over 5,000 jobs nationwide for the benefit of the citizenry.

He added that the about 32 mobile service vans have been deployed across the country to provide a 24/7 maintenance for the equipment.

According to him, as part of J. A Pool’s mandate, it seek to install tracking devices on the machines to ensure its effective usage and fuel management.

Personalities present were Oti Reginal Minister, all the nine MDCEs, Regional NPP Party Executives, the Chiefs, Regional and Municipal heads of departments.