Author: orccgov

She said management and staff of ECG were committed to ensuring excellent customer service delivery to their clients and would work assiduously to achieve their corporate goals.

Deputy Superintendent of Prison (DSP), Daniel Machator (Rtd), the Oti Regional Minister welcomed the team from ECG and commended them for their warm gesture.

He said citizens had over the years enjoyed a symbiotic relationship with the nation’s power suplyers and expected continuous collaboration.

Mr Machator assured residents that the Regional Coordinating Council (ORCC) was working with the ECG over the current light bills, adding their intervention would remedy the situation.

He added that, ORCC would demonstrate its clearest indication to give up their support in the hope of bringing efficiency in ECG’s operations in the Oti region.

The Regional Manager was accompanied by management members from the Regional Head office, including Mr Godfred Awuku, Regional Engineer, Mr Solomon Adjiku, Regional Commercial manager, Mrs Veronica Larbi Mensah, Regional Materials and Transport Manager and Madam Irene Mary Odame, District Manager at Dambai.

She explained that the situation was particularly prevalent in regions such as Northeast, Northern, Savannah, Upper West, Upper East and Oti Region, where factors such as adolescent pregnancy contributed significantly to the high incidence of child marriage.

Ms Newman indicated that the Nkwanta North District, 1,014 children aged 12 to 17 years had ever been in union, with 43.0 per cent being males and 57.0 per cent being females.

She said such early unions often led to poor health outcomes, increased risks of maternal and child mortality, disrupted education, further entrenching poverty and gender inequality.

Ms Newman said as part of Ghana’s pledge and commitment to eliminate child marriage, MOGCSP had developed a National Strategic Framework for ending child marriage and that was being implemented by the Child Marriage Unit of the Ministry.

She called on stakeholders to promote the prevention of early child marriages among other harmful cultural practices against women and girls in the area.

Mr Innocent Komla Agbolosu, the Oti Regional Director of Social Welfare mentioned that children must be conscious of their responsibilities which go with their rights.

He admonished the participants to ensure that other community members who were not beneficiaries of the forum be educated about children’s rights and responsibilities as discussed at the workshop.

Mr Agbolosu urged parents to provide necessities of life for their children as expected by law so that they grow and make them proud.

Resource persons were from the Department of Gender, Department of Social Welfare, Ghana Police Service (Kpassa) and Ghana Health Service (Kpassa)

#Endchildmarriage

Speaking at the launch of the club on Monday 20th May 2024 in Dambai, the Oti Regional Minister, Daniel Machator, said President Akuffo-Addo introduced Green Ghana Day initiative in 2021 and the fight against illegal mining in 2017, as part of an aggressive national afforestation and reforestation programme to restore the lost forest cover of Ghana and to contribute to the global effort to mitigate climate change.

The Green Climate Club, the Minister explained is not merely an initiative but a beacon of hope, a promise of renewal, and a commitment to the health of the planet.

According to him, the club represents government’s collective resolve to confront the challenges of climate change head-on, with unwavering determination and innovative spirit.

“We stand on the fertile soil of Oti Region, a land that grows every crop in Ghana, graced by nature’s bounty and the industriousness of its people. It is here, in the embrace of the Oti Region, that we pledge to nurture a legacy of sustainability, to cultivate practices that respect the delicate balance of our ecosystem, and to foster a culture of conservation that will resonate for generations,” he stressed.

Mr Machator indicated that the Green Climate Club will serve as a platform for dialogue, a hub for action, and a catalyst for transformation and foster an engagement with the global environmental trends while staying true to align local values and customs.

Similarly, the Minister charged fishermen navigating the rhythms of the rivers and lakes, to be guardians of aquatic life, ensuring the sustainability of their practices to create a balance ecosystem.

Mr Machator tasked the Forest Commission, Wild life, Police and Ghana National Fire Service to arrest and prosecute anyone caught in the act of indiscriminate bush burning leading to wild fires during the harmattan season.

To him, the youth and students are the architects of the future and their ideas, energy, and vision will shape the world of tomorrow.

He entreated the members of the club to lead with courage to question with curiosity, and to act with integrity in the climate restoration initiative of the government spearheaded by the Ghana Meteorological Agency and Green Climate Club.

“Let’s remember that the environment we save today is the legacy we leave for the children of tomorrow. So, let’s unite under the banner of the Green Climate Club, forging a path of resilience and prosperity for a better green Oti Region,” he said.

For his part, Nana Kugbeadzor-Bakateyi II, said the Green Climate Club initiative is an intervention by the Ghana Meteorological Agency to heighten weather and climate education and advocacy in the face of the changing weather dynamics of the country.

This, he said will also serve as a platform in raising environmentally conscious leaders for the future that will focus on addressing the impacts of climate change and help devise ways to mitigate it.

“A total of ten schools in the region have been selected to participate in the regional launch on the theme: “At the Frontline of Climate Action” following which the climate clubs will be established in the selected schools,” he said.

He explained further that the directorate had carried out some programmes and activities in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders and would continue to leverage the experiences gathered and level of cooperation enjoyed from earlier stakeholders.

He reiterated the commitment of the directorate to provide its best possible technical and professional support to all stakeholders as is required.

The regional director was optimistic that the Green School climate clubs in the schools will discharge their duties to positively drive achievement of desired ends for our schools.

These clubs are expected to nurture a climate smart generation that is sensitive to climate change, and whose decisions are influenced by their impact on the climate and who are empowered to act on issues related to climate change, support SDG 13 and the nation’s socioeconomic development, the stakeholders mentioned.

The purpose for the establishment the clubs in high schools, according other stakeholders is to support every Ghanian child with the knowledge and understanding on climate sustainability and environmental development.

“This is one of the strategies Ghana Metrological Agency (GMet) is employing with the goal of spreading knowledge about climate change, adaptation and mitigation to the youth in fulfilment of urgent actions to combat climate change and its impacts,” they indicated.

“We recognize that effective governance is the foundation upon which successful organizations are built. Robust governance structures guide our institutions, enabling them to fulfill their mandates and serve the public interest, especially in the areas of accountability and service delivery,” he stated.

The establishment of Audit Committees, he said, aligns with Section 86 of the Public Financial Management Act 2016 (Act 921), which requires ORCC to demonstrate commitment to upholding the highest standards of financial management, transparency, and accountability.

The committees, he indicated, would serve as the guardians of integrity, overseeing financial reporting, internal controls, risk management, and compliance within our organizations.

Mr Machator pointed out that the committees were expected to working collaboration with management, boards of directors, external auditors, and other key stakeholders.

“The Audit Committees will ensure that our efforts are aligned and synergies, driving us towards our organizational objectives,” he noted.

The work of the committees, he acknowledged, will not be without its challenges but entreated the members to explore dedication, professionalism, and a steadfast commitment to their mandate to overcome any obstacles that may arise.

“Envisioning a future where sound financial management practices underpin sustainable development, economic growth, and improved quality of life for all citizens, we aspire to be beacons of integrity, transparency, and accountability, inspiring confidence and trust in our institutions and leadership,” he said.

He further charged the ORCC Audit Committee and the Health Directorate zonal committees to work diligently with unwavering commitment to execute their mandate.

“Your success will be our success, and your contributions will help shape a better future for our region and our country,” he indicated.

Mr Machator revealed that the 2021 audit committee of the ORCC audit was adjudged the best audit committee in the RCC category for the year and commended the members for their steadfastness.

He ended his speech by calling on the staff and other stakeholders as well as committee members to work together to build a culture of accountability, transparency, and good governance.

The committees include ORCC Audit Committee chaired by Mr Richard Amoah, Worawora Govrnment Hospital zone chaired by Emmanuel Mawuli Kofi Buatsi, Jasikan Municipal Hospital zone chaired by Johnson Dzigbede, Nkwanta South Municipal Hospital zone chaired by Delanyo Datsomor and Krachi West Municipal Hospital zone chaired by Brain Senyo Kugbadzor.

Conclusively, the representative of director general for Internal Audit Agency (IAA) Mr. Haford Dowuna Hammond sworn the members of the committees in.

In his opening remarks at the training workshop, the President’s Representative, Daniel Machator, underscored the need to come together as key Regional and District stakeholders to share and deliberate on the guidelines of the handing over notes as structured by Office of the Administrator General (OAG).

The workshop, he said marks a crucial milestone in regional development journey as government seek to capture accurate data of the past four years and the strides made towards achieving the region’s social and economic objectives.

“Our Annual Progress Reports (APRs) for the past four years would serve as a vital instrument that evaluates our accomplishments and provides us with valuable information and data for the preparation of the handing over notes,” he said.

Mr Machator expressed gratitude to the Office the Administrator General (OAG) and the Office of the Head of Local Government Service (OHLGS) for its commitment to promoting well-structured handing over notes across the Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs) and the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and fostering, transparency in the governance process.

According to him, through efforts civil servants, government can reflect on the challenges and opportunities that have shaped progress during the past four years.

“As you may be aware, the handing over notes is one of the critical documents, if not the most important document in any democratic dispensation. This would serve as a navigation tool for the next government that takes over governance of the state. Their tireless efforts and commitment to implementing the handing over guidelines are the bedrock of our fledgling democracy and national development,” he noted.

He explained that the Presidential Transition Act, 2012 (Act 845) is established arrangements for the political transfer of administration from one democratically elected President to another democratically elected President to provide for the regulation of the political transfer of power and for related matters.

He continued that Section 6 (3) of the Presidential Transition Act 2012 (Act 845) states that “the handing over notes shall reflect the accurate developments which have taken place during the tenure of office and the projections of developments to take place before the full tenure”.

Mr Machator pointed out that though the journey towards sustainable development is not without its challenges, government can overcome them through well-prepared handing over notes which would serve as the medium of exchange between the old and the new.

“This workshop provides an excellent platform for us to engage in open discussions, share best practices, and explore innovative solutions that can pave the way for even greater progress in the years to come,” he stated.

He however encouraged the participants to contribute to the discussions actively, leveraging their expertise, experiences, and perspectives to enrich the deliberations.

“Let us seize this opportunity to identify areas of success and opportunities for improvement and chart a collective course that aligns with our regional development vision,” he indicated.

The Assembly members of the Krachi East Municipal Assembly (KEMA) yesterday elected the presiding member, Oklu Rockson through a conscientious vote and confirmed the nomination of the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Charles Gyemfi Boateng.

After closed of polls for the confirmation, the new MCE secured about 29 votes representing 96.6 percent as compared to a single ballot against representing 3.4 percent while the total valid votes were 30 members from various electoral areas across the Municipality.

The appointment of Mr Boateng comes after the untimely demise of the former MCE, Bernard Mensah Aborkugya last month after succeeding the late Francis Okesu who also died somewhere 2023.

An official of the Electoral Commission in the Municipality first opened nomination for the election of a Presiding member of the assembly after the Assembly members failed on several occasions to meet the threshold of electing a presiding member since the local assembly election held last year.

But yesterday, the election was conducted by a secret ballot while the Nominee who went unopposed secured a two-third majority of the assembly members from various electoral areas in the Municipality.

At the end of polls, the Presiding member acquired 28 votes representing 93.3 percent as against two no votes representing 6.7 percent of the total eligible and valid votes of 30.

Immediately after the election, the new presiding member was duly sworn an oath of alligance and the oath of office to assume his new role.

The PM elected thanked the members for reposing confidence in him and charged the members to eschew partisanship and focus on the development as well as projection of the Krachi East Municipality. 

In his acceptance remarks, the new MCE bemoaned the negative effects on governance and administrative activities in the Municipality following the demise of his predecessor.

Adding that such setbacks will now be a history hence the need to hasten slowly, as the assembly cannot at the same time afford to leg behind.

“It is our duty to improve the quality of life of the people in the municipality through the provision of essential services and creation of an enabling environment to ensure the total and sustainable development of Krachi East,” he said.

The address he noted was not intended to really introduce any programs that are different from his predecessors had pursued in the past, but there was need for the Assembly’s core business may be changed

He continued that his outfit is poised to bring team spirit and passion to drive the new Development agenda for the Krachi East Assembly.

Mr Boateng explained that the essence of decentralization is to make the downstream structures of local governance stronger in order to bring democracy and development closer to the people.

“We shall therefore ensure that, sub- committees, town councils and unit committees are adequately resourced to enable them discharge their functions efficiently and effectively,” he assured.

He underscored the need for a comprehensive needs assessment to be carried out to determine the specific areas the assembly members, the sub-committees, town-councils

Conclusively, the program ended successfully.

These beneficiaries of the Productive Inclusion Project, who come from the five communities of Dormabin, Tokurano, Kpelema, Katanga and Kunda would venture into piggery, soap making, groundnut processing, cassava processing, vegetable farming as well as poultry.

He encouraged beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity the Government of Ghana and World Bank have presented so as to be self-sufficient all the time. He announced that, their performance in this phase would serve as a yardstick to measure their preparedness for the second tranche of support to be extended.

Above are the images of the programme.

Speaking through the acting Oti Regional Coordinating Director, Rev. Harry Nii Kwatei Owoo to commemorate this year’s firefighter’s day at Dambai in the Oti region, he said government is doing everything possible to ensure that fire stations at the sub-regional level are fit for purpose and well resourced.

He urged the Municipals and Districts Fire Officers to collaborate well with their various Municipal and District Assemblies in order to achieve their main goal in line with their duty.

“As Officers of the Ghana National Fire Service, you are wearing the badge of a very noble profession and for that matter your conduct at your various stations should be beyond reproach. You should live like models and mentors to bring respect to your profession,” he urged.

The firefighters, he said though continue to serve with valour but there is the need for others to carry on the legacy of those who have fallen and face the same dangers.

To Rev. Owoo, firefighting is not just a job but a calling and demands courage, selflessness, as well as an unwavering commitment to serve public interest.

Condoling with the family of the victims, Rev Owoo extended government’s sympathies to the bereaved families. “Your loss is immeasurable, and no words can truly ease the pain of your bereavement. But please know that your loved ones’ legacy will forever be etched in the heart of Dambai, Oti and the entire nation.”

He expressed over the statistics that suggest that more than 1,000 firefighters lose their lives every year nationwide in line of duty as a result of the inhalation of toxic and poisonous gases during firefighting. “We are therefore gathered here to pay tribute to the brave firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, protecting our communities and our lives in Oti,” he noted.

The Minister-designate underscored the need for all stakeholders to pledge to support firefighters in the region and the entire country at large in order to remember the sacrifices made, and to work together to ensure the safety of our community.

For his part, the Oti Regional Fire Officer, ACFOI Prince B. Anaglate, noted that Fire Service is the only agency with the expertise and technical know-how to ensure total risk management and property conservation for national development.

This, he continued that firefighter has additional responsibility to protect the public in all forms of emergency situations that involves hazardous materials.

“This is an increasing complex area of responsibility and it has been expanded even further to place firefighters on the front line of home land defence, facing whole new real and potential threats,” he said.

According to him, the role of firefighters can never be overestimated hence their responsibility as the nation’s first responders to a wider range of emergencies that extend far beyond the traditional role of firefighting.

To him, there is a possibility that terrorist could use chemicals, biological or nuclear materials as weapons to cause mayhem in the country and it is the firefighters that has the capacity and the skills to reduce the impact or avert entirely the fire.

His delegation was in the region to commence preparatory works for the All Regional Games, a nationwide sports festival, scheduled to have its first trials in the Oti Region.

DSP Daniel Machator (Rtd) commended Asamoah Gyan and his team for the initiative.

He pledged the Oti Regional Council’s willingness to support the team every step of the way as sports serves as not only a tool for employment creation, but as a tool that promotes national cohesion.

He also stressed the need for more investment in sports infrastructure and programs to help unearth and nurture talents in the region. As the beginning point for the games was a unanimous one, signalling the love his team had for the region and its people.

He was positive that, though a young region, could put together a solid team, strong enough to win laurels.

Mr Daniel Machator also expressed his happiness towards the establishing of DVLA regional office in Oti which will ease the automobile and motor bikes registration that has been a challenge to the people of Oti.

Mr Daniel Machator ended his remarks by urging the DVLA to speed up the construction of the office to end the stress the people of Oti go through during automobile and motor bike registration at Ho.

The DVLA board chairperson Mr Frank Davis Esq in his remarks lamented that, Oti Regional DVLA office would have been completed in 2023 but the conflict of siting at ORCC hindered it.

The DVLA board chairperson also requested for the president representative Mr. Daniel Machator to get him a satellite office for his officers to begin with operations.

He ended his remarks by assuring the people of Oti that, DVLA was going to put up a state of art of which construction will start by July 2024 and completed before December 2024.

Mr Sylvester Ayitei the director of administration at ORCC who represented the Oti Regional Coordinating Director in his speech recounted that, PFJ1 was his baby when he was a coordinating director at Ho West District Assembly and wished Ghana prioritize agriculture like Israel to ensure food security.

He added that, PFJ is one of the best policies of the government but the problem of funds has hindered its progress to the fullest.

Mr Sylvester Ayitei also mentioned agriculture directors at the Metropolitan, Municipals and District Assemblies MMDAs as a hindrance to the success of PFJ1. The reason been that, the agriculture directors does not usually channel PFJ funds into farming.

He again lamented that, there was so much potentials in Oti such as water bodies and lands but the youth does not use it judiciously. He therefore tasked the participants and youth to take the PFJ phase two serious for Oti to take care of food security of Ghana.

Mr sylvester Ayitei ended his speech by urging the participants and agriculture directors not to politicize the PFJ phase two to ensure a complete success.

The Oti Regional Agriculture Director, Mr Obrien Nyarko in his speech said, the aim of PFJ2.0 was to move from input subsidy to input credit system and also promote import substitution in Ghana.

He ended his speech by clarifying that, PFJ2.0 is to ensure Ghana’s ability to export and also create jobs for the actors in the value chain.

The new Acting Regional Coordinating Director, Reverend Harry Nii Owoo in his remarks took the staff through the vision and mission of the ORCC, oriented the staff on working systems and took the staff through his vision for Oti Region.

Firstly, the Acting Regional Coordinating Director Reverend Harry Nii Owoo explained the Vision of ORCC to be “Seeking to be the most peaceful region and a one-stop investment destination in Ghana” and Mission to be “Existing to provide good governance that ensures sustainable development and equitable distribution of resources to meet the aspiration of the people”.  

Secondly, he took the staff through the Twelve (12) Core Values of ORCC as follows 1. Accountability   2. Clients Orientation (Service to the people) 3. Creativity 4. Diligent      5. Discipline 6. Equity 7. Integrity 8. Innovative    9. Royalty 10. Impartiality   11. Transparency   12. Timeliness.

Thirdly, the new acting RCD oriented the staff on the recommended work cultural values that makes a working environment favorable for every officer to be 1. Mutual understanding 2. Love 3. Unity 4. Care 5. Empathy and the working principles that every government worker must execute to be 1. Punctuality 2. Productivity 3. Performance 4. Professionalism 5. Purpose.

In his fourth submission, his vision for Oti Region was to Formulate Development Strategic plans, Support Regional Planning Coordination Unit (RPCU) in developing ORCC Objectives, Promote Public and Private Sector Institutional Collaboration, Gazette and supervise the enforcement of the MDAs by-laws, Coordinate, Monitor and Evaluate Policies and Projects of MDAs. 

The Acting Regional Coordinating Director Reverend Harry Nii Owoo ended his speech with an appeal to implement “The God Factor” proposal. This means Acknowledging and seeking the support of God through Morning Devotion on every Wednesday of every week from 7:00 am-8:00am at the ORCC conference hall for God to help achieve the Vision and Mission of ORCC.

Conclusively, the meeting ended with an open forum where Mr. Jehu Appiah asked of the status of the ORCC Welfare and the committee answered with copies of a drafted constitution which was submitted to some HODs editing and adoption.

Above are images of the staff durbar.

After inspecting a Guard of Honour mounted by the cadet corps, the Hon. Minister took the opportunity to advise the young para-military drill enthusiasts on the need to take their training regime seriously as such training builds trainees into strong-willed individuals who grow into change-makers.

Among important lessons, He told them the training would equip them with included humility, time management and performance under pressure, fighting fatigue and stress, building confidence in oneself and supporting colleagues as they charge together towards the end goal.

The Oti Regional Minister commended Mr. Leopold K.A. Ansah, a retired Director of Prisons, for devoting his time to building a battalion of regimented youth who have the tendency of affecting society positively.

The Municipal Education Director Miss Georgina Mensah in her welcome address acknowledged and commended the efforts of every Ghanaian dead and alive in the promotion and consolidation of Ghana’s democracy.

She added that, Ghana’s democracy can only flourish when the people of Krachi East Municipal and Ghana at large unites and pool resources together as one people through collaborations, cooperation and dialogues to transform the municipal into a model community.

She ended her welcome address by commending and expressing her gratitude to all the organizations, institutions and individuals who have contributed to the development of the Krachi East Municipality.  

The Regional Education Director Nana Kugbeadzor Bakateyi II who read the president’s speech said, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo was committed to transparency, accountability and the consolidation of Ghana’s democracy in his governance in order to put Ghana at a high level among other democratic nations.

She again highlighted on oneof the hallmark achievements Nana Akufo Addo’s government to be the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy which has given opportunity to thousands of poor Ghanaians to also access quality education with the rich, thereby reducing the financial burden of the poor and equal access to education in Ghana.

In addition, president was committed to closing the gap of gender disparity and by so doing, his administration introduced the National Gender Policy and Affirmative Action Bill to address the gender inequality issues to ensure an inclusive governance in Ghana.

In her address read on behalf of the president, leaders and citizens were tasked to safeguard, nurture democratic ideals and uphold the values of respect, tolerance and unity that defines Ghana’s democracy.

The Oti Regional Education Director Nana Kugbeadzor Bakateyi II ended her address read on behalf of the president by urging the people of Oti to reaffirm their commitment to democracy, justice, liberty and work together to build a brighter Oti for the younger generation of Oti Region and Ghana at large.

With the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion SOCO, the Municipal Chief Executive MCE for Krachi East Municipal honorable Bernard Mensah Aboakugyah in his remarks task the SOCO focal persons, chiefs, assembly members unit committee members and citizens of Krachi Esat to monitor and report to assembly on the status of developmental projects of SOCO that are currently ongoing across the municipality for transparency and accountability.

He ended his remarks by handing some working and startup tools procured by the Municipal Assembly with SOCO fund. Below is the breakdown:

1. Twety (20) sets of hand and twelve (12) foot sewing machines to Tailors and Dress Makers Association in Dambai.
2.  Twenty-three (23) set of barbering machines, twenty-three (23) sets of sterilizers, twenty-three (23) sets of combs and four sinks to Dambai Babers Association.
3. Two hundred (200) bundles of fishing nets and twine (ropes) to Dambai Fishermen Association.
4. Two graters and two pressers to the Dambai Cassava Processers Association.

According to him, this initiative was to promote Technical and Vocational training in the municipal to reduce immoral activities among the youth.

The high table consisted of the Regional Director of Education Nana Kubeadzor Bakateyi II, Krachi East Municipal Chief Executive honorable Bernard Mensah Aboakugyah and the Regional Decentralized Heads of Departments.

Conclusively, the Oti Regional Independence Day Anniversary Celebration at Dambai ended successfully at 10:40am.   

Below are the images of programme.