Category: News

The Business Registration and Sensitization Clinic formed part of the ORC’s nationwide initiative to bring its services closer to the public, promote the formalization of businesses, and raise awareness on the importance of compliance with company regulations.
During the meeting, Mr. Zigorsh-Nyakpenu highlighted the ORC’s mandate under the Companies Act and noted that the Oti Region is a key focus area for expanding access to registration services.
He explained that although the ORC currently operates from five regional offices, the institution is committed to reaching regions without office through periodic clinics and mobile services.

The Oti Regional Minister took the opportunity to formally request that the ORC establish a permanent office building in the Oti Region to facilitate the registration process and ensure sustained access to services for businesses in the area.

In his opening remarks, the Hon. Regional Minister highlighted the importance of procurement in national development, emphasizing that every public expenditure must deliver value to the citizens. He noted that the 2025 amendments to the Public Procurement Law introduce critical reforms designed to simplify procurement procedures, reduce delays, and improve competitiveness within the procurement landscape.

Hon. Gyapong also underscored the relevance of GHANEPS in modern public financial management, describing it as a transformative tool that promotes transparency, efficiency, and full traceability in procurement activities. He indicated that the shift towards digital procurement aligns with government’s broader commitment to modernizing public service delivery.

The Minister further expressed satisfaction that officers from all Municipal and District Assemblies were participating in the training, noting that procurement responsibilities cut across multiple administrative levels. He emphasized that effective implementation of the amended laws and the electronic system requires well-trained personnel who understand both the legal framework and the digital tools involved.

He thanked the organisers and facilitators of the programme for their dedication to strengthening institutional performance and improving service delivery across the region.

The training is expected to enhance procurement practices within the Oti Region, ensuring that public institutions operate with greater transparency, accountability, and value-for-money principles.

In his remarks, the Hon. Regional Minister underscored the importance of adopting modern digital tools to enhance accuracy in payroll processing and promote accountability within the public service. He noted that as a developing region, the Oti Region continues to prioritize systems that support effective governance and financial discipline.

Hon. Gyapong was accompanied by the Regional Coordinating Director of the Oti Regional Coordinating Council (ORCC), the Regional Liaison Officer for National Security, and the Assistant Director I at the ORCC.

The ESPV training provided participants with hands-on guidance on the use of the system, which is expected to improve payroll monitoring and reduce irregularities across public institutions in the region.

The Oti Regional Coordinating Council remains committed to supporting initiatives that enhance administrative efficiency and strengthen public financial management across the region.

The team later met with the Oti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and had an interactive session with cocoa farmers and stakeholders at the Jasikan Municipal Assembly Hall.

It was a great platform for open dialogue and sharing ideas to protect and grow Ghana’s cocoa industry.

Key Highlights & Interventions

During the engagement, the COCOBOD team shared updates on several important interventions such as:

1. Cocoa Rehabilitation Programme-replacing diseased and old trees to boost productivity and improve farmers’ income.

2. Mass Pruning & Hand Pollination Initiatives-supporting farmers to increase yield and ensure healthy farms.

3. Cocoa Roads Project- improving feeder roads in cocoa-growing areas to make transport of produce easier.

4. Cocoa Farmers’ Pension Scheme-securing the future of our hardworking farmers after retirement.

5. Free Fertilizer & Seedling Support-providing the right inputs for quality and sustainable cocoa production.

6. Anti-Smuggling Efforts-strengthening task forces and community collaboration to stop cocoa smuggling across our borders, especially along the Ghana-Togo corridor.

The Board Chairman commended the Chiefs, Elders, Security Services, and the Anti-Cocoa Smuggling Task Force for their tireless work and dedication-even in the rains and at midnight to protect Ghana’s cocoa.

This visit was more than just a tour; it was a show of commitment to our farmers, our communities, and the future of Ghana’s cocoa industry.

This morning, The Regional Minister, Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong visited the center to interact with the officers in charge and the young men and women going through the recruitment process. He was impressed with how smoothly the exercise is being conducted and commend the Ghana Armed Forces for the level of organization and professionalism displayed.

Hon. Gyapong wished all applicants the very best and assure the Ghana Armed Forces of his continuous support throughout this important national exercise.

In his opening remarks, Rev. Pln. Wiafe expressed his delight at the successful establishment of the Chapter, noting that the process had been years in the making. He emphasized that the GIP is a professional institution with a unique mandate, urging members to uphold their professional integrity and make their presence felt in their respective communities. He further encouraged the newly elected executives to take their roles seriously and work towards advancing the objectives of the Institute and the nation.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Oti Regional Coordinating Council, the Chief Director, Rev. Harry Nii Kwatei Owoo who is also a planner, welcomed participants and commended the efforts leading to the inauguration. He underscored the need to make the planning profession more attractive, especially to women, in order to achieve gender balance within the sector.

The National President of the Ghana Institute of Planning (GIP), Pln. Percy Anaab Bukari, in his statement, lauded the efforts of planners in the region and shared updates from his participation in the recent Volta Economic Forum. The forum, he said, focused on the government’s 24-Hour Economic Initiative, an idea he encouraged planners to integrate into their development plans. He further disclosed that the Dambai Zone is the second among the six newly created regions to be inaugurated, urging members to demonstrate professionalism and excellence in their work.

The highlight of the event was an address by the Oti Regional Minister, Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong, who commended the leadership of GIP for the initiative and reaffirmed government’s commitment to decentralization and balanced regional development. He emphasized the critical role planners play in ensuring sustainable growth, describing them as “the vision bearers and architects of development.”

Hon. Gyapong noted that the government continues to strengthen the financial base of the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies through increased District Assemblies Common Fund allocations, in line with the President’s vision of deepening decentralization. He encouraged planners to adopt innovative and evidence-based approaches to planning and ensure that the development landscape of the Oti Region reflects proper coordination and foresight.

The Minister further revealed that despite having another official assignment to commission a World Vision project in Chinderi, he made it a point to attend the inauguration because of the importance he attaches to planning and development. He shared insights from his recent meeting with the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, and other Regional Ministers, where discussions focused on the 24-Hour Market Initiative, a flagship government program with funding already secured. He highlighted that planners will play a pivotal role in ensuring the full implementation of this initiative within the next 18 months.

Hon. Gyapong also proposed that the new Chapter be renamed the Oti Zonal Chapter to better reflect inclusivity across all districts within the region. The National President of GIP assured him that the suggestion would be considered during the Institute’s upcoming National Conference scheduled for 27th–28th November 2025 in Tamale.

The ceremony concluded with the swearing-in of the first executives of the Dambai Zonal Chapter:

               •             Chairman: Pln. Abass Ibrahim

               •             Vice Chairman: Pln. Simon Bijiba

               •             Secretary: Rev. Pln. Benjamin Nii Ayi Commey

               •             Organizer: Pln. Solomon Sackitey

The inauguration was hailed as a major step towards strengthening the professional capacity of planners in the Oti Region, fostering collaboration, and enhancing the role of planning in achieving sustainable development outcomes.

The Regional Minister, Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong was deeply encouraged by the level of interest and commitment shown toward unlocking Oti’s potential. Together, we will continue driving local investment and building a prosperous future for our people.

Oti is ready. Oti is open. Oti is rising.

He further said while we continue to mourn with the affected families, He wish to once again appeal to all residents along the riverbanks to prioritize safety, especially by wearing life jackets whenever traveling on the lake. Together, we can prevent such heartbreaking incidents from happening again.

May God continue to comfort the bereaved families and grant the survivors strength and healing.

He further encourage the family that our thoughts and prayers are with them in this difficult time and will continue to stand with all victims and affected communities as we work together to restore lasting peace and calm in the area.

Hon. John Gyapong assured the good people of the Oti Region that government and the security agencies are fully committed to protecting lives and ensuring stability.

Let’s remain united, hopeful, and prayerful.

She noted that the workshop aimed to empower traditional authorities to handle land and chieftaincy-related conflicts in accordance with the law.

Nana Soglo Alloh IV, President of the Oti Regional House of Chiefs, commended the JTI for organizing the program, stating that it had enhanced their capacity to manage disputes that frequently arise in the region.

He added that the House of Chiefs plans to hold similar sessions in the future to further deepen the knowledge and skills of traditional leaders in addressing complex issues within their jurisdictions.

Nana Soglo Alloh IV expressed appreciation to the JTI for its continued support, describing the training as timely and highly beneficial to the traditional leadership in Oti.

This move reflects the minister’s confidence in the school’s potential and commitment to academic excellence in the region. However, the member of parliament (MP) of Buem constituency and the Minister for sports, Mr. Kofi Adams, revealed that Bueman Senior High School stands to benefit from government initiative to upgrade infrastructure in schools. Mr Adams said a petition has been submitted to the Ministry of Education, and the Minister for Finance has expressed interest in upgrading some Grade A schools and reclassifying some Grade Band C schools in the country. “With funding already available, the Minister for Education has been tasked with submitting a proposal with costs and recommendations”. The Minister for sports revealed. He assured traditional leaders, stakeholders, school management and students that BUSEC Will be among those considered for upgrades, bringing hope for improved infrastructure and facilities.

Mr. Frank Boamah, the headmaster of Bueman Senior High School, has reaffirmed the school’s commitment to shaping the next generation of leaders, innovators and change – makers. He emphasized the school’s focus on nurturing a culture of academic excellence, ethics and innovation, empowering students to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond. Mr Boamah urged the Bueman Old Students Association (BOSA) to join hands in building on the school’s legacy and shaping the future of Ghana.

The Oti Regional Minister, Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong, emphasized the importance of prudent financial planning and alignment with national priorities in his speech.

The Hon. Regional Minister stated that the budget hearing exercise is grounded in Regulation 17(3) of the Public Financial Management Regulations, 2019 (L.I. 2378), mandating reviews for effective fiscal discipline and accountability. He outlined the government’s vision, anchored on four pillars:

1. Economic restoration and stability

2. Improving the business and investment environment

3. Governance and constitutional reforms

4. Accountability and the fight against corruption

The Minister highlighted priority areas, including the 24-hour economy policy, youth empowerment, agriculture, and agribusiness. He stressed that Assemblies must align their 2026 budgets with national aspirations and Medium-Term Development Plans.

Mr. Theophilus Maclor, representing the Ministry of Finance, reminded Assemblies that financial transactions must be processed through GIFMIS.

Rev. Harry Nii Kwatei Owoo, Oti Regional Coordinating Director, cautioned Assemblies to adhere to Ministry of Finance guidelines and incorporate changes from the budget hearing.

The event concluded with a call for collaboration to ensure the 2026-2029 fiscal framework reflects national priorities and addresses the Oti Region’s socio-economic realities.

Present at the event were the Oti Regional Minister, Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong, the Regional Coordinating Director, Rev. Harry Nii Kwatei Owoo, the representative of the Ministry of Finance, Mr. Theophilus Maclor, the representative of the Office of the Head of Local Government Service, Mr. Brian Tsikpor, the Regional Budget Analyst, Dr. Samuel Darrah, the representative of the Regional Economic Planning Officer, Mr. James Awapoaye, Regional Social Welfare Director, Traditional Authorities, Presiding Members, Chairpersons of the statutory Sub-Committees, Non-Governmental Organizations, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs), and staff of the various Assemblies.

During her address to the community, she expressed her deepest condolences to the bereaved families, describing the loss of 16 lives as a national tragedy.

She urged canoe and boat operators in the area to adhere to safety protocols while traveling on the Volta Lake to prevent future disasters.

In her effort to support the affected families, the Vice President presented 200 life jackets, mosquito nets, cooking oil, 100 bags of rice, second-hand clothing, and a monetary donation of GH¢200,000 to help cover funeral expenses.

Minister of Transport Joseph Nikpe outlined the ministry’s plans to prevent future incidents, including the training and deployment of a rapid response team to various island communities to promote adherence to safety protocols and encourage the use of life jackets while using the Volta Lake for transportation.

He also announced the establishment of an operation center in Kpando-Torkor, which will focus on education and enforcement of safety measures.

The Member of Parliament for Krachi West, Helen Adwodwa Ntoso, extended her condolences to the bereaved families and urged them to remain calm, assuring them that the government is implementing measures to safeguard lives on the lake.

She acknowledged that despite the tragedy, the community would continue to travel on the river and emphasized the importance of adhering to safety guidelines.

Additionally, the Oti Regional Minister, John Kwadwo Gyapong, expressed gratitude for the Vice President’s visit following the disaster, stating that her presence would bring comfort to the affected families.

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

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

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

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