Category: Events

During the engagement, the management of the ORCC indicated that the issues of inadequate staff in the region is a challenge adding that some of the staff were been posted as punishment which is hindering service delivery.

They explained that healthcare is a serious concern hence the region has not enough health facilities, Poor transport and bad transportation network hence staff within the region are compelled to move from one place to another to get access to transportation to their destination, according to the management.

For sanitation and waste management, the heads of departments recommended that the contract between the MMDAs and the Zoomlion, a subsidiary of the Jospong Group of companies be reviewed to allow the assemblies to manage its waste.

According to them, prior to the contract with ZoomLion, MMDAS were employing laborer’s to ensure sanitation in their catchment areas. They bemoaned the prevalence of typhoid in the region due to the consumption of contaminated water and environmental pollution in the region.

He explained that although the targets and development goals are set up by the central government to the local assemblies with different characteristics, the Jasikan Municipality has been a to implement a smart governance system for a sustainable development in the area.

The management bemoaned political interference for underpinning development for their lack of tolerance to work with some civil servants but rather prefer to gag or transfer them to where their services are not needed.

He continued that untimely release of district assembly common fund to champion development is also another challenge that affect Municipality from achieving its goals. Team leader of the group, Commodore Ben Abdul mentioned that the team was conducting a research study as part of academic work and the motive was not to interrogate or audit the activities of the assembly.

The team is made up of the Commandant of the college, supporting staff and the participants referred to as students, he said.

According to him, the college was established somewhere 2024 with the aim to train or provide strategic leadership training for the participants. He continued that first batch of the college had graduated and the participants are not only for the military but also sister security agencies across the country and Africa and the World at large.

He indicated that the idea of the research was to engage the stakeholders contributing to sustainable development and the role they play in ensuring smooth growth in SMART governance. He admonished the staff of the Jasikan Municipal Assembly not to hesitate to share with the team their experience and expertise to the participants in their cause of eliciting information on how smart governance is been implemented in the municipality.

The group leader alluded that the programme is deared to the heart of government hence will provide a policy framework to government with the recommendations on how to implement smart governance to ensure sustainable development.

The college, according to the team is seated at the strategic place and does not liaise with the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) directly but the ministry it falls under, adding that their recommendations will be presented to the supervisory ministry to tackle the issues of power outages in the region.

The research team commended the management of the ORCC for their steadfast and the resource persons designated to provide data for their  research project.

Present at the engagement were various heads of departments of the Oti Regional Coordinating Council,  staff and participants of the National College of Defence Studies.

The sub-theme of the ERST-GHANA is “Linkages between SMART Governance and Sustainable Development in the Greater Accra, Western and Oti Regions.”

In his welcome address, the Chief Director of ORCC, Rev Harry Nii Kwatei Owoo explained that soldiers are responsible to protect and defend the country from external aggression as well as maintain peace and security. He mentioned that the main vision is to gather information to help build strong Intel to improve the implementation of smart systems to ensure peace and security in the region.

He reiterated the commitment of the ORCC to facilitate the data collection of the participants aimed at helping government to implement sufficient policies in the right direction to aimed smart governance.

During a presentation, the team was informed the region is partly covered with water and there are some specific areas in the region that can not be accessed without crossing water bodies. He continued that the region’s topography is made of high and low lands with numerous water bodies and hard to reach communities in the region.

He added that Agriculture plays a vital role in the socio-economic development of the region comprising 80% of the economic activities in the region with food crops as major crops cultivated in the region.

The first leg was to pick three regions in Ghana and go round to gather information, pick out Africa to explore same and go out of Africa to acquire similar information to bring them together to conclude the research work. He said the regions are been picked with different characteristics to see how they use the smart governance to help address the issues.

During a courtesy call on the the Tradional Leadership in Dambai, the Commandant of the National College of Defence Studies, Major General Irvine Nii-Ayitey Aryeetey, expressed appreciation for the overwhelming welcome to the team adding that the team was on a research mission.

According to him, the military has a lot of schools and training programmes for students and the National College of Defence Studies is the highest in Ghana. This, he said most people in the school are of age and are been trained to take leadership mantle in the near future.

He continued that the group is made of one-third of the students population and other groups are at some other regions conducting similar research works.

This group, he said focuses on how government can improve governance through smart systems to enhance development and accountability in the country.

After this research, he explained participants will in three months embark on a trip to three African countries understudy their governance compared to Ghana and will also be visiting some other countries outside African continent before concluding the research activities to make recommendations for government to implement good governance principles.

For their part, the traditional leaders urged the research team to feel free to conduct their research without fear and reiterated commitment to support in the course of the data collection.

They called on the research team to prioritise their personal security and underscored the need for a military camp in the area to ensure peace and security in the area.

The chiefs bemoaned the lack of military presence in the region, stating that some lands were given to government for the siting of military depot and some 100 soldiers were posted in the region.

According to the Chief, although the region was colonised by the Germans who knows the rightful owner, but land ownerships have become a problem causing tribal conflict or land disputes in the area.

They therefore admonished the team to expand their scope of study to do detailed research on land ownership to recommend to government measures to put in place to end the menace of land ownership.

The chiefs stated that they play a crucial role in the implementation and enforcement of by-laws to bring peace and security in the region.

To promote governance and cooperation, the chiefs said clan chiefs had been enskinned to ensure delegation of powers in the local and traditional governance.

In his welcome address, Mr. Gustav Kudzo Brempong, Principal of Yabram Community Senior High School, urged the students to fully engage in all activities of the program. He emphasized that as youth leaders, they would face various challenges, including climate change, social inequality and injustice, economic uncertainty and unemployment, technological disruption and cybersecurity threats, and global health pandemics and crises. He encouraged them to develop the skills, knowledge, and character required to lead and make a positive impact.

The program was enriched by the contributions of various collaborators, including:
Mr Adams Braimah and Mad. Mercy Yaa of The Ghana Health Service through the Krachi East Directorate, engaged the students in both mental health education and reproductive health. They were encouraged to prioritise their health and social well-being, enabling them to make sound decisions as leaders and seek help when necessary.
Mr Gagakumah Kwame Setrakor, Regional Deputy Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) enlightened the youth on the kind of leaders they aspire to be and the type of citizens they should aim to become as part of the developmental process.
The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection led by Mrs Esther Hammond Doe, Ag Regional Director accompanied by Mr Samuel Edem Kpeli of the Regional MIS Unit stressed the importance of seeking guidance and utilizing available resources and their contributions as essential to national development, she noted. She further on educated the youth on their roles as youth leaders and encouraged them to seek assistance from local and governmental institution when needed.

Edward Marfo of The Youth Empowerment Consortium and Mr Henry Dodzi Gakpe, Office of Public Labour and Employment, inspired the participants to take active roles in protecting the environment and to become ambassadors of climate change advocacy.
Officer Destiny Selormey of The Ghana Police Service through the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), educated participants on harassment, abuse, and defilement. The youth were encouraged to know their bodies and rights, say no to sexual harassment, speak up against defilement, and report abuse. They were also charged to protect their future by making informed choices and seeking help when necessary.
The Ghana Education Service through the regional directorate: Representatives of the Regional Director were present to observe the program and affirm their continuing support for the program and the advancement of education and the holistic development of the students.

A major highlight of the program centred on tolerance and peace-building, career guidance, and leadership development. Mrs. Cecilia Fiaka, Principal of the Nneka Youth Foundation, addressed the gathering when representatives of the Regional Director of Education were present. She noted that the Foundation’s largest collaborator is the Ghana Education Service, but in recent times, challenges have arisen in getting teachers and heads of schools to fully understand the Foundation’s role in advancing education. She called on educational authorities to advocate for the Foundation and emphasized that the Oti Region, being one of the youngest regions among the sixteen regions in Ghana, would greatly benefit from educating and guiding its youth toward accelerated progress and development.

Although the program aimed to host a bigger number of participants, 63 participants were recorded due to limited preparation time on the part of the students and the organizer. However, the summit was considered highly successful, having made a significant impact on those who were present. The event organizers agreed to make it an annual event moving forward.
Certificates of participation were awarded to the youth leaders, who pledged to become change-makers, beginning with their schools and communities. The best youth leaders were rewarded with books and other items following their presentations on behalf of their groups. Additionally, the career workshop clinics provided valuable guidance, enlightening the participants about their aspirations and encouraging them to set attainable goals.

The organizers and collaborators expressed their satisfaction with the program’s outcome. The Nneka Youth Foundation also extended its gratitude to all supporters, the host school, volunteers, and benevolent donors for their dedication and commitment throughout the event.

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.

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 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.

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.

Mr. Dowuona-Hammond in his address informed members that the committee was a statutory committee and members were nominated to support management of the various Assemblies to deliver on their mandate. He enumerated the three (3) main roles of the committee as Mandatory, Advisory and Supporting.

He noted that, the mandatory role of the committee is to pursue management’s implementation of recommendations from internal and external Audit Reports , and implement directives from Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament. He advised management to fall on their committees to advise on such directives and invitations to PAC.

He informed the committees of their mandate to submit an Annual Report on its activities.

Mr. Dowuona-Hammond noted the advisory role of the committees in terms of Risk Management, Financial Controls and Internal Controls. He encouraged all the members to bring their expertise to bare on issues of good governance.

The Audit Committee chairpersons assured the representative of the Director-General, Mr. Hayford Dowuona-Hammond of their support to their respective Assemblies.

The District Chief Executive for Biakoye District Assembly, Hon. Millicent Kabuki Carboo briefed the meeting on the impact that her previous Audit Committee had made on her operations.

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.

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.

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.