Category: News

‎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.

The new facility brings to four the number of maternity and children’s wards constructed and handed over to communities and the Ghana Health Service by the Foundation. Similar facilities have previously been commissioned at Bole District Hospital, Nkoranza Health Centre and Abodom. The Foundation has also renovated and expanded the Hohoe Adabraka Health Centre.

Designed to deliver comprehensive maternal and child healthcare, the Asukawkaw facility includes maternity and children’s wards, a fully equipped operating theatre, delivery and sterilisation rooms, a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), consulting rooms and administrative spaces. It is fitted with modern medical equipment including electric beds, infant incubators, ultrasound machines, operating tables, C-section and delivery kits, ECG machines, phototherapy units and patient monitors. A hybrid power system combining the national grid and solar energy has also been installed to ensure reliable service delivery.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mrs. Mahama reiterated her commitment to reducing maternal, infant and child mortality, stressing that no woman should lose her life while giving birth and no child should be denied quality healthcare because of location. She urged health authorities and the community to maintain the facility to ensure it serves generations to come.

The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, commended the initiative as a practical step towards safe and dignified care for mothers, newborns and children.

In recognition of her contribution to the development of the area, the Chief and elders of the Akroso-Asukawkaw Traditional Area enstooled Mrs. Mahama as Development Queen Mother with the title Nana Oseadeayo Odamwaa II.

Nana Obeng Offori Appew VI, Benkumhene of Buem Traditional Area and Chief of Guaman, thanked Mr Yaw Osei, a local son, for bringing a long-held dream to life, adding that the facility was seen as a sign that development had reached Guaman, bringing hope and prosperity.

Nana Appew VI praised the vision and efforts behind the project, assuring full support for the center’s operation and a peaceful environment.

He said the initiative symbolised hope, self-reliance, and community pride aimed at transforming lives and boosting the local economy.

The Chief Executive Officer of the DVLA, Mr Julius Neequaye Kotey, emphasised that the new facility was a reflection of the authority’s dedication to the “Reset Agenda” being championed by the President Mr John Dramani Mahama.

He noted that the facility was equipped with modern technology integrated into the DVLA’s digital system to ensure faster, efficient, and more convenient service delivery.

According to him, the Oti office would provide a full range of DVLA services, including upgrading, new driver’s licensing, renewal of driver’s licence, replacement of expired driver’s licence, replacement of missing driver’s licence, driver’s licence and vehicle registration.

He emphasized that ensuring road safety remains a key priority of the Authority, noting that every driver must be properly trained, tested, and certified, while all vehicles must be duly registered and approved before being allowed on the road.

The project was established through a collaboration between the DVLA and Mr Yaw Osei, Director of Tacos JP Limited under a Public Private Partnership arrangement.

The commissioning is not just an infrastructural achievement, it is a clear demonstration of our deliberate and inclusive effort to spread development across every district in the Oti Region. It reflects our guiding principle that no district must be left behind in the journey toward modernization and equitable service delivery.

With this new facility, Jasikan and its surrounding communities are empowered to participate more fully in the region’s economic and social transformation. It is a reminder that Oti is rising steadily, purposefully, and one district at a time.

The contractor explained that additional equipment is currently being mobilized to the site and that preliminary works have already begun, including the construction of accommodation facilities for workers. He further indicated that although the contractual duration for the bridge project is five years, the contractor anticipates completing the works within four years.

The inspection team subsequently visited the Dambai–Nkwanta Road project site at Tutukpene. Discussions with the contractor focused on the progress of the road works, which form part of a major infrastructure push in the area. The contractor confirmed that construction activities have commenced and assured that noticeable progress would soon be visible on the site.

The Minister Addressing both contractors, He emphasized that the Dambai Bridge and the Dambai–Nkwanta Road projects are legacy initiatives of strategic importance to the region and the nation at large. The contractors were therefore urged to execute the works with the highest standards of professionalism, efficiency, and accountability. Hon. Gyapong reiterated that regular site visits will be undertaken to closely monitor progress and ensure timely delivery because these projects, once completed, are expected to significantly enhance connectivity, boost economic activity, and improve the livelihoods of communities within the Oti Region and beyond.

“Coordinating Directors provide continuity, professionalism, and procedural guidance, making their role essential in translating policy decisions into tangible results,” he noted.

He described the performance contract exercise as a vital tool for strengthening accountability, tracking progress, and aligning local priorities with national and regional development objectives. “The performance contract is not merely a formality; it is a commitment to deliver,” Mr. Gyapong stressed, adding that achieving targets requires teamwork, consistent communication, and shared responsibility between Chief Executives and their technical heads.

The minister encouraged MDCES to involve Coordinating Directors and departmental leaders early in the planning and implementation process to minimize delays, improve coordination, and ensure efficient use of resources. He further underscored that the performance contract should serve as a problem-solving mechanism rather than a punitive measure, highlighting the importance of regular reviews, honest reporting, and timely corrective action.

Mr. Gyapong also urged Chief Executives to prioritize community-based needs while adhering strictly to procurement rules, transparency standards, and sound financial management practices.

Oti Regional Human Resource Director, Mr. Seth Adomako Sarkodie, in his presentation urged the executives to:

• Hold regular stakeholder meetings
• Log and track complaints
• Update official websites
• Resource IT offices for online monitoring

He further encouraged them to develop strategic plans, coordinate activities effectively, and adopt innovative logistics solutions to enhance reporting and ensure successful implementation of the contract.

Some Municipal Chief Executives welcomed the initiative, describing the signing ceremony as a renewed commitment to achieving set targets within specified timelines. Joseph Antwi Awal, the Nkwanta South MCE, expressed confidence that improved coordination and focused implementation would ensure the successful delivery

The Minister inspected over 100 acres of land acquired for the construction of the Oti Regional Hospital, aiming to bring healthcare delivery closer to the people.

Mr. Akandoh urged the regional minister to collaborate with traditional leaders to complete the necessary documentation and avoid land litigation, assuring that construction would start this year.

Mr. John Kwadwo Gyapong expressed gratitude for the Health Minister’s intervention and pledged to coordinate council support for the concerns raised. He also gave assurance to secure all the necessary land documentation for the construction of the Oti Regional Hospital.

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).