Today, the Oti Regional Minister Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong engaged the leadership and members of the Local Council of Churches in the Oti Region at the Oti Regional Coordinating Council in Dambai.
This meeting reaffirmed the strong and enduring partnership between the Church and the State in promoting peace, moral leadership, social cohesion, and inclusive development. He used the opportunity to highlight the commitment of H.E. John Dramani Mahama’s administration to strengthening State Church relations and recognizing the vital role of faith-based institutions in national development, including the confidence reposed in clergy to serve in key national leadership roles.
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.
Today, the Oti Regional Minister, Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong chaired the Second Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) meeting for the year, bringing together our revered Nananom, Municipal and District Chief Executives, Presiding Members, Coordinating Directors, Heads of Departments and Agencies, Development Partners, and our friends from the media.
The meeting provided an important opportunity to review our collective performance, strengthen coordination, and take stock of the significant progress made across the Oti Region over the year.
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.
Sunday, 14th December: The Oti Regional Minister, Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong received a high-level delegation from the Military Command, together with the contractor, for the proposed Military Barracks project in Dambai, the Regional Capital of the Oti Region. The team inspected the designated land for the construction of the barracks, which will include a hospital, a school, and other essential facilities.
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.
The people of the Oti Region joined the nation at Banka School Park to commemorate the 41st National Farmers Day, an annual occasion dedicated to recognizing the vital role of farmers and fisherfolk in Ghana’s development.
The celebration highlighted the enduring truth that when farmers stand strong, Ghana stands strong. Agriculture remains the backbone of the Oti Region’s economy, and the dedication, resilience, and hard work of farmers and fisherfolk continue to sustain food security and livelihoods across the country.[/read more]
Through the Government’s Feed Ghana Programme, farmers in the Oti Region are benefiting from improved support systems, including modern agricultural training, access to improved seed varieties, and irrigation interventions aimed at ensuring year-round food production. These initiatives are strengthening productivity and positioning the region as a key contributor to national agricultural growth.
In his address, the Regional Minister highlighted notable national achievements involving the region. He mentioned that Father Dogli Memorial Institute in Jasikan had been honoured at the national level as the Best Senior High School in Practical Agriculture. He also referenced the national recognition of Mr. Gyato Charles from Krachi Nchumuru as a national award winner for his contribution to agriculture. These honours, received at the national level, reflect the growing impact of Oti Region in Ghana’s agricultural advancement.
The occasion was also an opportunity to express appreciation to all farmers and fisherfolk in the region whose daily sacrifices, perseverance in all weather conditions, and unwavering commitment continue to drive national progress.
As the celebration concluded, the Oti Region reaffirmed its commitment to feeding Ghana, promoting the consumption of locally produced food, and securing a sustainable agricultural future for generations to come.
The Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC) on Monday, December 8, 2025, paid a courtesy call on the Oti Regional Minister, Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong, to formally announce the commencement of a four-day Business Registration and Sensitization Clinic in the region from 8th -11th December, 2025. The visit, led by the Deputy Registrar of Companies, Mr. Benjamin Zigorsh-Nyakpenu, served as an official introduction of the ORC team to the regional leadership and a platform to outline the objectives of the outreach programme.
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.
The Oti Regional Minister, Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong, has officially opened a regional training programme on the Current 2025 Public Procurement Law Amendments and the Ghana Electronic Procurement System (GHANEPS). The event took place on Tuesday, 18th November 2025, at the Oti Regional Coordinating Council (ORCC) Conference Hall in Dambai.
The training brought together Municipal and District Coordinating Directors, Heads of Departments, procurement officers, and other key stakeholders from across the region. The objective of the programme was to build the capacity of public officials in understanding recent reforms in Ghana’s procurement laws and to enhance their ability to use the Ghana Electronic Procurement System effectively.
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.
The Oti Regional Minister, Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong, on Tuesday, 18th November 2025, joined Directors and key officers from various departments and agencies at the Bosatsu Conference Hall in Dambai for the regional training and setup on the Electronic Salary Payment Voucher (ESPV) Administration System.
The training brought together Regional and District Directors, Internal Auditors, and payroll management officers as part of ongoing national efforts to strengthen efficiency and transparency in public sector salary administration.
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.
It was an exciting and insightful day in the Jasikan Municipality as the Board Chairman of COCOBOD, Mr. Odosu Ampofo together with two Board Members, the Oti Regional Minister, Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, and other top officials from COCOBOD paid a working visit to our area.
The visit began with a courtesy call on the Chief and Elders of the Buem Traditional Area, where discussions focused on some key issues affecting the cocoa sector including cocoa marketing, the fight against smuggling, and several ongoing government interventions under COCOBOD.
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:
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.
As part of the ongoing 2025 Ghana Armed Forces Recruitment Exercise, the Oti Region is currently hosting its documentation and body selection process at the Dambai College of Education.
This year’s exercise has been decentralized across the various regions to make the process more efficient and accessible to all interested applicants.
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.
The Oti Regional Coordinating Council (ORCC) on Thursday, 6th November 2025, hosted the official inauguration of the Dambai Zonal Chapter of the Ghana Institute of Planning (GIP) at its Conference Hall in Dambai. The event marked a significant milestone in strengthening professional planning practice and promoting sustainable development in the Oti Region.
The ceremony, chaired by the Regional Economic Planning Officer, Rev. Pln. Isaac Asante Wiafe, brought together planners and development practitioners from across the region.
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.
Today, we successfully hosted the Oti Regional Investment Roadshow in collaboration with the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC).
It was an engaging and productive platform that brought together investors, development partners, and local stakeholders to explore the many opportunities our region offers.
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.
The Oti Regional Minister, Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong had the honor of presenting cash support of GHC 200,000 to the victims and families affected by the tragic River Oti boat disaster, a promise made by the Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, during her visit earlier this month.
This gesture reflects government’s deep compassion and unwavering commitment to stand with our people in difficult times. The Regional Minister in his address said he remains dedicated to ensuring that every form of support promised reaches those who need it most.
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.
This evening, the Oti Regional Minister Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong visited the Greater Accra Regional Hospital to check on the young girl who sustained gunshot wounds during the recent unfortunate incident at Keri in the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Oti Region.
Seeing her condition was truly heartbreaking. On behalf of the Oti Regional Coordinating Council, He presented an amount of GH₵30,000.00 to support her surgery and ongoing medical treatment.
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.
The Judicial Training Institute (JTI) has organized a capacity-building workshop on land acquisition and conflict resolution for chiefs and queen mothers in the Oti Region.
Held in Dambai, the regional capital, the training brought together traditional leaders from across the region to strengthen their understanding of land laws and effective dispute resolution mechanisms.
Perpetual Quashie, Esq., Deputy Director of the Judicial Training Institute in charge of staff training, explained that the initiative was a collaborative effort between the JTI and the Oti Regional House of Chiefs.
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.
The Minister for the Interior, on the advice of the Oti Regional Security Council and by Executive Instrument, reviewed the Curfew hours for Nkwanta Township and its environs in the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Oti Region from 8:00 pm to 5:00 am, effective Thursday, October 23, 2025.
Government continues to urge Chiefs, Opinion Leaders, Youth, and People of the area to exercise restraint in the face of the challenges confronting them and to use non-violent means to channel their energies into ensuring peace in the area.
Meanwhile, there is a total ban on all persons in the Nkwanta Township and its environs in the Nkwanta South Municipality of the Oti Region from carrying arms, ammunition or any offensive weapons, and any persons found with any arms or ammunition will be arrested and prosecuted.
