Category: News

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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Speaking at the event, the minister said the water pumps will enable farmers to irrigate their farms more effectively, reducing dependence on rainfall and increasing crop productivity. Mr. Gyapong has called on farmers in the region to form cooperative associations to facilitate access to government support and resources.

The Dean of Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCE’s) in Oti region, Mr. Prosper Addo, has commended the government and Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOF) for releasing seized water pumps to nine regions which Oti was not left out.

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Krachi West noted that the water pumps will help address irrigation challenges faced by farmers in the region.

The MCE expressed gratitude to the government for repurposing the seized water pumps to support farmers, rather than letting them go to waste.

The chairman of the Vegetable Cooperative Farmers Association in Nkwanta South, Mr. William Kwame, has expressed optimism about improving vegetable farming in the Municipality this year. With the support from  the ministry of Food and Agriculture, they are poised to increase their productivity.

During the handover ceremony, Hon. Gyapong addressed the beneficiaries, emphasizing the importance of responsible management of the newly provided equipment. In an interview with XYZ News reporter Ibrahim Nsor, the Minister urged the constituencies and their cooperative groups to utilize the water pumping machines effectively. He stressed the need to maximize agricultural output, ensuring that the region benefits fully from this investment. Hon. Gyapong also assured the farmers of ongoing support from the government, signaling a commitment to further agricultural development. He highlighted his personal connection to farming, expressing his desire to see the farmers thrive.

The event also featured remarks from Hon. Prosper Kwaku Addo, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Krachi West and the Dean of Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) in the Oti Region. Hon. Addo commended the Minister of Agriculture and the Oti Regional Minister for their impactful efforts in promoting agriculture within the region. He pledged that the MDCEs, representing their respective constituencies, would actively oversee the proper utilization of the water pumping machines by the cooperative groups. He noted that the presence of the Oti River provided a significant advantage, offering a valuable resource to further boost agricultural output and contribute to the nation’s food supply. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to supporting farmers and fostering sustainable agricultural practices in the Oti Region.

Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Dr. Amo-Kodieh said:

“So far, we have no record of anyone dying from this outbreak. Our health education campaigns have helped people seek care on time, which is crucial in managing typhoid.”

Asked about reports suggesting that lives have been lost, he clarified.

“As a medical professional, when someone dies, I rely on the official medical cause of death. I have not received any information confirming that anyone has died from this outbreak.”

His comments come after the Oti Regional Minister, John Kwadwo Gyapong, indicated that the surge in typhoid cases has claimed the lives of some prominent figures, including a traditional leader and a former Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Dambai.

Mr. Gyapong described the situation in the regional capital as “bad” and “scary,” warning that the disease is spreading rapidly.

Responding to these concerns, Dr. Amo-Kodieh urged caution in attributing deaths to typhoid without proper medical confirmation.

He stated, “People may assume a death is caused by typhoid, but the only way to know the exact cause is through a medical certificate of cause of death. Until that is confirmed, we cannot say for certain.”

This initiative aligns with President Mahama’s agenda, “Resetting the Country,” which emphasizes renewed focus on development, inclusivity, and sustainability.

In his address, the minister underscored the importance of sanitation in promoting public health and community well-being. He urged stakeholders, including Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives as well as Coordinating Directors, to support and collaborate with the taskforce.

The key objectives of the taskforce are to:

1. Strengthen sanitation law enforcement and compliance
2. Improve waste management and disposal practices
3. Enhance public education and awareness of sanitation and hygiene
4. Promote community-led initiatives and participation

“Sanitation should be a communal priority,” the minister said, encouraging residents to take ownership of their surroundings by actively participating in cleanliness initiatives.

Comprising environmental health officers and community leaders, the taskforce will tackle issues such as waste management, open defecation, and water quality. It will also launch educational campaigns to raise awareness about hygiene and encourage active citizen participation.

“An educated community is a clean community,” the minister reiterated, stressing the need for outreach programs to inform citizens about the benefits of proper sanitation.

Regional Environmental Health Officer Cynthia Sekyere also urged residents to support the initiative to make Oti one of Ghana’s cleanest regions. She warned that poor sanitation leads to challenges such as choked drains, indiscriminate dumping of refuse, open defecation, and public health crises.

Confident about the initiative’s impact, she expressed optimism that the taskforce would help address these issues significantly.

The inauguration of the sanitation taskforce underscores the region’s commitment to enforcing sanitation laws, protecting public health, and promoting a culture of cleanliness and accountability.