Category: News

The occasion was also attended by the Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) of Kadjebi, Krachi East, Nkwanta South and Biakoye, who joined the event to lend their support to the strengthening of accountability and financial governance within the Region. Representatives of the Internal Audit Agency (IAA), who participated virtually, also joined the ceremony on behalf of the Director-General of the Agency.

The representatives of the Internal Audit Agency formally administered the oath of office to members of the newly constituted Audit Committees, charging them to uphold the principles of integrity, independence, professionalism and accountability in the discharge of their responsibilities.

They also took participants through the mandate and functions of Audit Committees, highlighting their important role in strengthening internal controls, reviewing audit findings, monitoring the implementation of audit recommendations, identifying institutional risks and promoting sound financial management.

The representatives further emphasized the need for the committees to work closely with management, Internal Audit Units and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that identified weaknesses are addressed promptly and that audit recommendations are effectively implemented.

Delivering the address of the Hon. Regional Minister, Mr. Eric Yankson, Regional Director of the Internal Audit Unit of the Oti Regional Coordinating Council, congratulated the newly inaugurated members and underscored the importance of the committees to effective public sector governance.

The Minister noted that the inauguration represented an important step in the collective effort to strengthen accountability, transparency, prudent financial management and good governance within the Region. He stressed that public resources belong to the people and must therefore be managed efficiently, transparently and in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations.

The Minister encouraged members of the Audit Committees to discharge their responsibilities with independence, objectivity, professionalism, courage and integrity. He noted that the role of the committees should not be seen simply as an exercise in finding faults, but rather as a mechanism for strengthening institutional systems, managing risks and protecting public resources.

He further urged the committees to pay particular attention to the effective follow-up and implementation of audit recommendations, stressing that audit reports would have limited impact if the issues identified were not addressed.The Minister also called on management of the various Assemblies to provide the Audit Committees with the necessary cooperation and support to enable them to effectively perform their functions.

He commended Audit Committees that have demonstrated commitment to their mandate over the years, particularly through the consistent holding of quarterly meetings and, where necessary, emergency meetings to address urgent matters, despite occasional delays in funding for their activities.

According to him, such commitment demonstrates that effective accountability is driven not only by the availability of resources but also by professionalism, dedication and a strong sense of responsibility.He therefore urged the newly inaugurated committees to see their appointment as a responsibility entrusted to them by the people of Ghana and to ensure that their work contributes to stronger internal controls, improved management of public resources and enhanced institutional performance.

The inauguration concluded with a renewed call for all stakeholders within the local government system to work together to strengthen accountability and safeguard the integrity of public institutions across the Oti Region.The newly inaugurated Audit Committees are expected to work collaboratively with management, Internal Audit, the Internal Audit Agency and other relevant accountability institutions to promote sound financial management and good governance within their respective institutions.

In his welcome remarks, Hon. Gyapong expressed his appreciation to the leadership of the Ghana Armed Forces for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property, particularly their immense contribution to maintaining peace and security in Nkwanta and other parts of the Oti Region.

The Regional Minister commended the Armed Forces for their continuous collaboration with the Government in promoting stability and creating a secure environment for socio-economic development. He also expressed optimism that the first phase of the military barracks project would be completed within the next twelve months to accommodate the first batch of military personnel to be deployed to the region.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant General William Agyapong, stated that the Oti Region was privileged to be one of only two regions selected for the construction of new military barracks this year. He explained that the facility would serve as a permanent base for the Army, Navy and Air Force and would also include an airstrip to enhance operational efficiency and rapid response to security emergencies.

According to the CDS, the purpose of the visit was to inspect the progress of work on the project, engage the contractors and stakeholders, and identify practical measures to ensure its timely completion. He further expressed gratitude to the Oti Regional Coordinating Council and the Krachi East Municipal Assembly for their collaboration in securing the land for the project, describing their support as instrumental to its successful commencement.

Lieutenant General Agyapong noted that upon completion, the military barracks would significantly strengthen the security architecture of the Oti Region, improve rapid deployment capabilities, and contribute to creating a safer and more secure environment for residents and investors alike.

As part of the day’s activities, the delegation paid a courtesy call on Dasibre Atamafowiese Bonjah II, Paramount Chief of the Chonke Traditional Area, where they discussed the importance of continued collaboration between the traditional authorities and the security services in promoting peace and development in the region.

The delegation later visited the military barracks project site to inspect the progress of construction and interact with the project team.The visit underscores the Government’s commitment to strengthening national security infrastructure while reinforcing the strategic importance of the Oti Region in Ghana’s security and development agenda.

The Regional Minister noted that sustainable peace can only be achieved when those directly affected take ownership of the peace process while working collaboratively with government and other stakeholders. He praised the calibre of professionals, academics, opinion leaders, and retired public officers serving on the Committee, describing their willingness to serve as a testament to their dedication to the development of Nkwanta and the Oti Region.

Hon. Gyapong further disclosed that His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama remains deeply concerned about the recurring conflict in Nkwanta, emphasizing that the insecurity has negatively affected socio-economic development, education, commerce, and investment within the municipality and the Oti Region as a whole. He therefore assured the Committee of the full support of the Oti Regional Coordinating Council and pledged to work closely with all relevant stakeholders to facilitate the Committee’s work.

Earlier, the Committee, through its spokesperson, Mr. Sylvester Kwame Nkrumah, presented the Committee’s vision and objectives. He explained that the Nkwanta Peace Mediation Committee is an indigenous initiative comprising professionals, academics, intellectuals, opinion leaders, and retired public servants drawn from the Adele, Akyode, and Challa ethnic groups, with neutral mediators from the Ntrubo community facilitating the dialogue process.

According to Mr. Nkrumah, the Committee seeks to promote dialogue and mutual understanding among the three indigenous communities, facilitate trust-building and reconciliation, identify and address the root causes of the conflict through peaceful engagement, complement the efforts of government and other peace-building institutions, and promote peaceful coexistence to create an enabling environment for development and prosperity in Nkwanta.

He further indicated that the Committee has already engaged the Paramount Chiefs, Chiefs, and opinion leaders of the three communities and obtained their endorsement to lead the mediation process. He explained that the Committee has commenced structured engagements through dialogue and consultations and intends to develop a comprehensive peace roadmap that will be submitted to all relevant stakeholders for consideration and implementation.

The Committee appealed to the Regional Minister to officially recognise and endorse the initiative and support collaboration with key institutions, including the Regional Peace Council, the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), traditional authorities, the Nkwanta Municipal Assembly, religious bodies, and civil society organisations. The members reaffirmed their commitment to neutrality, inclusiveness, transparency, and respect for the laws of Ghana in executing their mandate.

During the interaction, representatives from the three ethnic groups serving as whips on the Committee each took turns to express their unwavering support for the initiative and pledged their commitment to promoting dialogue, reconciliation, and unity among their respective communities.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by both the Oti Regional Coordinating Council and the Nkwanta Peace Mediation Committee to work collaboratively towards restoring lasting peace, stability, and sustainable development in Nkwanta.

The Regional Minister expressed optimism that, with the commitment demonstrated by the Committee and the collective support of all stakeholders, Nkwanta can once again become a model of peaceful coexistence and shared prosperity in the Oti Region.

He was delighted to interact with the instructors and commend them for their invaluable contribution to education and community development across the Oti Region. As Muslims constitute a significant proportion of the youth population in the region, Hon. Gyapong encouraged them to continue promoting peace, unity, tolerance, and social harmony in our communities. Oti is one family, and together we must safeguard the peace and stability that we enjoy.

He assured them of my commitment to maintaining a strong relationship with the association and promised that we would meet twice every year to discuss issues of mutual interest and development.

The Minister also humbly requested their prayers for the region, our people, and for me as we continue to work together for progress and prosperity.

As a demonstration of my support, He donated GH¢5,000 and 60 street lights to assist their activities and contribute to the development of their communities.

Together, we will continue to build a peaceful, united, and prosperous Oti Region.

The event was a fitting celebration of faith, sacrifice, and selfless service to God and humanity. The award recipients have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the Church and their communities, and their recognition is truly well deserved.

As Regional Minister, I commend the Catholic Church for its unwavering contributions to education, healthcare, peacebuilding, and the socio-economic development of the Oti Region and Ghana as a whole.

Congratulations to all the awardees. May their exemplary service continue to inspire others to work for the common good.

As part of the exercise, He presented cleaning tools to the security services in Dambai to support their efforts and ensure the successful execution of the clean-up campaign. This gesture underscores the importance of partnership, discipline, and shared responsibility in building cleaner and healthier communities.

A clean environment is not only about beautifying our surroundings; it is a critical foundation for good health and improved living. By keeping our homes, streets, markets, and public spaces clean, we help prevent the spread of diseases, promote proper sanitation, and create a healthier future for our people. Good health begins with clean habits, clean surroundings, and a conscious commitment to protecting the environment.

Hon. Gyapong therefore call on all residents of the Oti Region to support this noble initiative and make cleanliness a daily responsibility, because together we can build a healthier, safer, and more dignified region for all.

‎As part of his mission, the CEO sought to gain firsthand information on the availability and adequacy of food supplies provided to beneficiaries, particularly schools under the Buffer Stock Programme. He also visited warehouses and storage facilities to inspect and evaluate storage conditions, ensuring that supplies are properly managed and sufficient to meet the needs of beneficiaries.

‎During the tour, Mr. Otoo took the initiative to visit Oti Senior High Technical School and Worawora senior High school, where he inspected the school’s food stock and interacted with relevant authorities to understand their experiences and concerns. He subsequently visited the newly assigned regional office to assess its readiness and operational capacity.

‎The visit demonstrated the commitment of the National Buffer Stock Company to ensuring food security and efficient service delivery to beneficiary institutions. It also provided an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the company and its stakeholders while addressing concerns on the ground.

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‎The Minister strongly believe that the establishment and continued growth of the National Buffer Stock Company in the Oti Region will create significant opportunities for the people of the region. Beyond enhancing food security, it has the potential to promote economic growth, create employment opportunities, support local farmers, and contribute to the overall development of the region.

During the tour, the Minister visited sections of the Big Push road projects to assess the progress of work, engage contractors on timelines, and ensure that quality standards are being strictly adhered to. The visit formed part of Government’s broader effort to deliver durable road infrastructure that will ease transportation challenges and enhance access to farming communities, markets, schools, and health facilities across the region.

The Minister also inspected the ongoing construction of the iconic Oti Bridge, a flagship project expected to transform transportation in the region and strengthen trade and movement of people and goods across the Oti enclave. The inspection underscores Government’s resolve to fast-track the completion of critical infrastructure projects that will open up the region for investment, commerce, and development.

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‎During the discussions, some headmasters expressed concerns about the perceived imbalance in the distribution of development projects, noting that while some schools have benefited from infrastructure and other interventions, others have not received similar support. In response, I explained that many of these projects were secured through the lobbying efforts of Members of Parliament, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, traditional leaders, opinion leaders, and other stakeholders within the various communities.

‎He emphasized that development does not occur automatically. Stakeholders must be proactive in seeking support and presenting the needs of their institutions to the appropriate authorities. Schools that remain silent about their challenges may find it difficult to attract the necessary interventions and resources. For this reason, Hon. John encouraged all headmasters not to remain idle but to actively engage with relevant authorities and development partners in pursuit of opportunities for their schools.

‎He further reminded the headmasters that they work directly under my supervision, and therefore I expect them to communicate any pressing issues affecting their schools without delay. They should not wait for inspections or visits before bringing such concerns to my attention. I encouraged them to submit formal requests and reports on urgent developmental needs through my office so that I can support them in sourcing funding and follow up with the appropriate institutions to ensure timely action.

‎In addition, the Minister advised the headmasters to strengthen their relationship with their respective Members of Parliament and other key stakeholders, whose lobbying efforts play a critical role in securing development projects. It is important that all schools actively participate in this process so that every institution can benefit from improved infrastructure, teaching and learning facilities, staff accommodation, and other educational resources necessary for quality education.

‎The meeting also provided an opportunity for every headmaster to freely express their concerns and share the specific challenges confronting their schools. From the discussions, it became evident that many schools urgently require additional classroom blocks, teachers’ accommodation, furniture, teaching and learning materials, sanitation facilities, and other essential infrastructure to enhance both academic work and staff welfare.

‎At the conclusion of the engagement, I assured all headmasters of my unwavering commitment to advocating for the needs of schools across the region. I also stated that contractors responsible for abandoned or uncompleted school projects will be held accountable and encouraged to return to site to complete the outstanding works. Every effort will be made to ensure that such stalled projects are completed so that the intended benefits can be realized by students, teachers, and the wider community.

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‎Together, through collaboration, effective communication, and proactive engagement with all relevant stakeholders, we can accelerate the development of our schools and create a better learning environment for every child in the Oti Region.

‎He was pleased to note that the military has now transitioned from temporary interventions to a more comprehensive and long-term strategy. This includes sustained troop deployment and planned exercises across all areas affected by these security challenges. The initiative is designed to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region.

‎As part of this effort, Oti Region is set to benefit from the establishment of a permanent military presence, in line with the directive of the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces. This will not be limited to an Army installation alone, but will also include complementary facilities for the Navy and Air Force, further strengthening our national security framework in vulnerable areas.

‎During our discussions, I also shared my observations on ongoing conflicts and highlighted emerging concerns that require immediate attention, to guide the officers in their strategic planning. Following their inspection visit here, the delegation will proceed to the Nkwanta Military Base to assess the situation on the ground and evaluate ongoing operations.

‎We remain committed to working closely with the security agencies to ensure enduring peace, safety, and development across the Oti Region and Ghana as a whole.

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‎Beyond its environmental benefits, the initiative also seeks to inspire especially the youth to take responsibility for their surroundings and become active stewards of the environment.
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‎During his interaction with the students of Wankayaw MA Primary and JHS, Hon. Gyapong emphasized the importance of nurturing the trees they plant today. He encouraged them to care for the seedlings, protect them from harm, and ensure they grow strong and healthy. He reminded them that the true success of this exercise lies not just in planting the trees, but in sustaining them for future generations.

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‎I look forward to seeing these trees thrive when we return next year, standing as a testament to our collective commitment to a greener and more sustainable Ghana said by the minister.

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‎During his visit, He issued a firm directive to the contractor, emphasizing my expectation for the highest standards of quality, strict adherence to specifications, and timely completion of the project. Hon. Gyapong stressed that delays or compromises on quality will not be acceptable.
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‎As a key component of the Government’s flagship “Big Push” initiative, this project holds significant importance in improving connectivity, enhancing economic activity, and uplifting the livelihoods of communities along the corridor. It is therefore imperative that the project serves as a model of excellence, not only in construction standards but also in safety, durability, and long-term impact.
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‎All thanks to His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, The President of the Republic of Ghana for the marvelous works he is doing.

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‎He informed the contractor that he will continue to closely monitor the progress of the works and ensure that all stakeholders remain committed to delivering a project that meets the expectations of the Government and the people.

‎Chief Director Owoo served with great dignity and a strong commitment to the structures and principles established by the Office of the Local Government Ministry. His adherence to professionalism, discipline, and respect for institutional frameworks greatly strengthened the operations of the region.

‎Beyond his official responsibilities, he has been a source of inspiration and guidance to many members of staff. His integrity, wisdom, and approachable nature made him not only a respected leader but also a mentor to many. His legacy of service, excellence, and teamwork will continue to influence the region long after his departure.

‎As he embarks on this new chapter in the Greater Accra Region, The entire staff of Oti RCC wish him continued success, greater achievements, and fulfillment in his service to the nation. He will be dearly missed, but his impact will remain indelible in our hearts and in the work we do.

‎We explored practical measures to enhance productivity, including access to improved seedlings, modern irrigation systems, and climate-resilient farming practices. Special attention was given to ginger production, considering its increasing global demand, and the need to strengthen value addition through processing, packaging, and export development.

‎Cassava and rice production were also highlighted as critical for improving food security and feeding agro-processing industries in the region. Investments in storage, warehousing, and efficient distribution systems were identified as essential steps to reduce post-harvest losses and maximize farmer incomes.

‎Furthermore, the provision of modern agricultural equipment such as tractors, harvesters, and irrigation tools was emphasized as a key driver for transforming agriculture from subsistence to commercial-scale production. Mechanization is expected to boost productivity, improve efficiency, and attract youth participation in the agricultural sector.

‎Recognizing that sustainable development depends heavily on human capital, we also discussed the importance of education and scholarship opportunities for the people of the Oti and Volta Regions. In particular, there was strong emphasis on facilitating scholarships in critical fields including: Science,Technical and vocational training, Engineering, Information Technology and Computer Science, Agriculture and agribusiness 

‎Such educational investments will not only empower the youth with practical and technical skills but also create a new generation of innovators capable of driving development within their communities. Strengthening academic and technical capacity will play a vital role in bridging the skills gap and supporting long term regional transformation.

‎Beyond primary production, we explored broader agricultural opportunities such as agribusiness development, agro-processing investments, and market expansion initiatives. The promotion of farmer cooperatives and access to financing were identified as critical steps in enabling farmers to scale their operations and improve their bargaining power.

‎Additionally, knowledge exchange programs between Ghana and Türkiye could provide farmers and stakeholders with exposure to modern agricultural technologies, best practices, and innovative farming systems.

‎Another key area of discussion was the need to attract strategic investors into the Oti Region. The region presents immense opportunities across agriculture, agro processing, and industrial development.This will encourage foreign and local investor’s to create employment opportunities, boost local production and value addition, enhance infrastructure development, Increase revenue generation.

‎Partnerships with Turkish investors, in particular, could support the establishment of processing plants, manufacturing hubs, and agribusiness ventures that will significantly transform the regional economy.Infrastructure development, especially road networks was highlighted as a critical factor in unlocking the full potential of the region. Poor road connectivity continues to limit access to markets, increase transportation costs, and contribute to post harvest losses.

‎Improving roads will,Facilitate efficient movement of goods and services, Support trade within and beyond the region, Attract investors and industrial activity, Enhance access to essential services such as education and healthcare. Strategic investments in road infrastructure will therefore play a central role in driving holistic development across the Oti Region.

‎The meeting marked a significant step toward strengthening bilateral cooperation between Ghana and Türkiye, particularly in advancing development in the Oti Region. By focusing on agriculture, education, investment, and infrastructure, there is a clear and promising pathway toward sustainable growth and economic transformation.

‎The discussions reaffirmed a shared commitment to harnessing the region’s vast potential and translating it into meaningful opportunities that will improve livelihoods, empower communities, and contribute to national development.

It is, however, important to acknowledge a key challenge we continue to face: many doctors and healthcare professionals are reluctant to accept postings to Oti, and even in recent times, some who are posted here do not report. Despite this, He sincerely applaud the remarkable dedication and hard work demonstrated by the nurses across the region.

During His discussion, Beatrice highlighted the pressing issue of understaffing and the need for improved healthcare facilities particularly the urgent need for a well-equipped recovery ward to better serve the people.

The Hon. Minister encouraged her to leverage her award and recognition as a platform to advocate for more resources, and to collaborate with colleagues, partners, and NGOs in securing the necessary support to strengthen healthcare delivery in the region.