Category: News

The project aims to provide reliable access to safe and clean drinking water for over 65,000 residents across thirteen communities. It involves replacing damaged pumps, reconstructing intake and treatment units, and upgrading leaking PVC pipes to durable HDPE pipes.

The Minister stated in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the initiative is part of the government’s “water for all” initiative, which seeks to ensure equitable access to clean water for all Ghanaians. The rehabilitation of the Damanko community water system is expected to significantly improve health outcomes in the region.

The 2026 performance was signed Tuesday, 27th January, 2026 on behalf of the Region by the Regional Minister, Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong and the Chief Director, Rev. Harry Nii Kwatei Owoo

The Local Government Service (LGS) has the mandate to ensure effective administration and management of the Decentralized Local Government System in the Country.

In line with this objective, the LGS develops and implements comprehensive Performance Management System (PMS) based on Service Delivery Standards (SDS).

They discussed the importance of decentralization and the critical role faith-based institutions play in deepening citizen participation, promoting accountability, peacebuilding, and supporting development at the grassroots. Government alone cannot achieve meaningful development; the Church remains a trusted partner not only in moral formation but also in physical and social development.

The Hon. Minister congratulated Father Dogli Senior High School for emerging as the Best SHS Agric School at the recent National Farmers Day celebrations, a clear demonstration of the positive impact of Church-led institutions in national development.

He was pleased to share a number of key milestones that signal a strong development trajectory for our region. Land has been secured for the construction of a Regional Hospital in Dambai, a major step towards improving access to quality healthcare. In the area of security, a team of contractors and military officials has already visited the proposed site for a military barracks, with construction scheduled to commence by 10th January.

In line with government’s commitment to expanding access to tertiary education, the 2026 Budget Statement makes provision for a public university in Oti and a technical university, opening new opportunities for our youth. To further boost local economic activity, a modern fish market is to be constructed in Dambai, while preparations are underway for the sod-cutting of the Dambai Bridge, following the arrival of key equipment for the project.

We also noted significant progress in agriculture and infrastructure. Major irrigation projects covering 2,050 hectares are underway at Bumbula No. 1, Bumbula No. 2, and Katanga, Land has been allocated for the proposed fish market in Dambai alongside five Big Push road projects that has been mentioned in the 2026 budget aimed at improving connectivity across the region. I was equally proud to highlight that the Oti Region emerged with two national awards at this year’s National Farmers Day celebrations, a testament to the hard work and resilience of our farmers and agricultural sector.

Hon. John Gyapong took the opportunity to commend our Municipal and District Chief Executives for their dedication and the excellent work done in their respective assemblies throughout the year. Their commitment has been instrumental in translating policy into tangible results for our people.

As we draw the year to a close, I remain grateful to all stakeholders for their cooperation and support. Together, we will continue to work tirelessly to deliver development, improve livelihoods, and position the Oti Region for a brighter and more prosperous future.

During the visit to the Chief Palace, The Minister formally informed Nana Dasebre Atamafuwiese Bonja II, the Overlord of Dambai about the documentations of the land and the project design details to the constructor before 10th January 2026.

As part of the visit they toured the project site with the contractor to assess the land ahead of the start of works.

This project forms part of His Excellency the President’s vision to establish two military bases next year in the country aimed at strengthening national security and promoting balanced regional development.

A major step forward for the Oti Region.

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.