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.
Mr. John Kwadwo Gyapong, Oti Regional Minister, has called on the Ministry of Education to upgrade the Bueman Senior High School (BUSEC) in Jasikan Municipality to Grade A institution. The minister made this appeal during the school’s 65th anniversary celebration, themed “Honoring Our Past, Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders”, held at the school premises on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
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 budget unit held its first phase of the 2025 Budget Hearing at the Oti Regional Coordinating Council, where five Assemblies — Nkwanta North, Nkwanta South, Krachi East, Krachi Nchumuru, and Krachi West — were in attendance.
The event brought together key stakeholders to review the Assemblies’ performance and deliberate on the 2026-2029 fiscal years’ outlook.
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.
The Vice President, Her Excellency Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, visited Okuma-Akura to mourn the loss of 16 lives in a recent canoe accident that occurred in the Krachi West Municipality of the Oti Region.
On Saturday, October 11, 2025, around 20 people, including children, were traveling to Debume for funeral when the canoe they were in capsized. While 8 individuals were rescued, sadly, 16 lives were lost.
Accompanying the Vice President were the Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukhari Nikpe, the Director General of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), Major Dr. Kuyon and other members of her entourage.
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.
The Oti Regional Minister, Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong, today joined residents of Dambai, the Oti Regional capital, in a clean-up exercise at the ferry station. The exercise aimed at promoting environmental cleanliness and improving sanitation in the area.
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.
Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong, the Oti Regional Minister, presented over 90 water pump machines, previously seized from illegal mining (galamsey) sites, to the cooperative farmers’ association in the region.
The machines were handed over to the farmers to support irrigation and boost agricultural productivity in the area.
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.
In a significant move to enhance agricultural productivity, the Oti Regional Minister, Hon. John Kwadzo Gyapong, today handed over 100 water pumping machines to farmers across all nine constituencies within the Oti Region. The initiative is designed to provide crucial irrigation support, enabling farmers to cultivate a wider variety of crops and increase their yields. This includes essential produce like tomatoes, okra, cabbage, and carrots, with the ultimate goal of strengthening Ghana’s food security.
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.
The Oti Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Kofi Amo-Kodieh, has stated that there have been no confirmed deaths from the recent typhoid outbreak in the region.
He attributed the absence of fatalities to timely education on the disease and prompt reporting by patients to health facilities.
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.”
As part of an initiative to enhance public health and environmental sustainability, the Oti Region has inaugurated a Regional Sanitation Taskforce in collaboration with environmental health officers.
The event, themed “Strengthening Sanitation Law Enforcement for a Cleaner and Healthier Oti Region,” was led by Oti Regional Minister John Kwadwo Gyapong and marks a proactive approach to addressing pressing sanitation challenges in the region.
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:
Strengthen sanitation law enforcement and compliance
Improve waste management and disposal practices
Enhance public education and awareness of sanitation and hygiene
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.
President John Dramani Mahama last Friday July 25, 2025 appealed to the citizenry in the Oti Region to channel their energies in fighting poverty as a common enemy and lay down weapons to give peace the chance to prevail for development in the region.
The President’s call for calm comes at the back of recent conflict in the Nkwanta South Municipality between three feuding factions such as Akyode, Challa and Adele tribes which is alleged to have claimed about 17 lives leaving several others injured.
Lack of peace, the President said derails development and economic growth hence the need for the factions to resort to appropriate procedures through dialogue in resolving their differences.
He called on the feuding factions in Nkwanta South to lay down their weapons and resort to dialogue in addressing their differences for the sake of peace and development in the Municipality.
“Our common enemy is poverty and not against each other let’s strive with unity of purpose for our generation unborn by embrace peace as the only tool for development,” he said.
President John Dramani Mahama said his presence in the region was to thank the people of the Oti Region for overwhelmingly voting for him in the 2024 election.
He said is outfit was committed to sharing the National Cake for the Oti region to benefit in terms of development.
Addressing the gathering, the President the economy is back on track and has shown positive signs of recovery whilst inflation is expected to hit a single digit by end of the 2025, and the Ghanaian Cedi has appreciated significantly against the major currencies across the globe.
According to him, Oti region will grab a public university in Oti Region as part of his campaign promise of establishing a public university in every newly created region.
Other development projects he mentioned include; the construction of Kpassa – Oti Damanko – Nkwanta road through government Big Push programmed, whilst the Dambai bridge is expected to commence by end of 2025.
President Mahama explained that as part of his government’s commitment to improve road infrastructure, government is constructing about ten-kilometre road in some 166 districts across the country of which all the Municipal and District Assemblies in the region will benefit
Engaging with the stakeholders to construct a regional hospital in Dambai and will provide a fully fledge health care service to the people.
He said his office has directed the Ghana water company to extend their visibility in Dambai to address the water treatment challenge in the region.
President also announced the revamping of the Damanko-Kpassa water system to ensure effective follow of water to benefit about 70,000 people in Nkwanta north. Project, he said will cost over Ghs40 million and is expected to be complete in 18 months.
For sports, the President said modern multipurpose sports stadium will be constructed in all new regions and Oti Region is included.
To the President of the Oti Regional House of Chiefs, Nana Soglo Alloh IV, Mr Mahama’s administration started on the good note, adding that the Oti Region gave the president a total nine Members of parliament.
He said Article 242 deals with the MDCEs and the clause D talks about the appointment of MDCEs in collaboration with the traditional leadership and called for the amendment of article 242 clause ‘D’ to allow the chiefs involve in local assemblies’ activities.
He added that chiefs engage in settlement of disputes and a link between the local areas and the government and they have paid their dues and must be given a dividends of infrastructure development.
He lamented that although the economy had picked up but the citizens are still hoping to fill the impact of the economic growth and urged the President to scale the measures aimed at improving the living standard of the citizenry with Oti region as a focus.
The chief continued that the previous government had built a High Court to serve the people in the region but there is no judge to adjudicate of issues, no hospital for the region to provide quality health services to the people.
He requested the government to provide effective or temporal means of transport for the residents pending the construction of bridge over the Oti river in Dambai.
He pleaded with set up a military base in either Nkwanta South or Dambai to enable the timely intervention in addressing pockets of violence in the region.
The Government of the Republic of Ghana represented by the Ministry of Roads and Highways, acting through the Ghana Highways Authority has allocated funds through the Ghana Road Fund as part of budgetary allocation to cover the cost of Routine Maintenance of Trunk Roads (Unpaved) and intends to apply part under the contract for 2025/2026 Reshaping/ Grading of Gravel Roads in the Oti Region.
Tendering was conducted through the National Competitive Tender (NCT) procedure specified in Clause 44 of the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663) and as amended (Act 914) and is open to only Domestic Contractors with requisite expertise and experience in the said Works and are registered with the Ministry of Roads and Highways in the Financial Class.
Sealed Tenders were received and opened on Thursday, 24th July 2024 at the Conference Hall of the Oti Regional Coordinating Council, Dambai at 10:00am.
The Tender Opening Committee, chaired by the Honourable Minister, John Kwadwo Gyapong facilitated the Bid Opening Process. Key among them were representatives of various Contractors and Construction firms and staff of the Ghana Highway Authority, Members of Oti Regional Entity Tender Committee and Heads of Departments and Units of the ORCC who sat in to witness the programme.
Tender Opening members took keen records of details of the various individual bids received. The Head of Quantities, Mr. Albert Kwesi Koomson, read out the submitted bid prices, bid security and amounts and confirmed whether the tenderers submitted the valid statutory documents required for preliminary evaluation of the Tenders.
The Evaluation Team of the Oti Regional Ghana Highway Authority was assigned to conduct detailed evaluation of the bids and report accordingly. The Chairman, Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong admonished for a fair and transparent evaluation process.
The Oti Regional Minister, Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong on Tuesday July 22, 2025 inaugurated a newly expanded Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) for the Oti Region.
In his address, the Regional Minister said the expanded RCC committee is mandated to hold at least two meetings within a year which is expected to play a key role in the performance of the MDAs in the region.
According to him, RCC is mandated to monitor the use of funds generated by the MDAs, common fund other agencies and evaluate the performance of the MDAs in the region.
He said the council is to ensure the approval of by-laws for the MDAs across the region in according to the local government act.
He charged the members of the expanded RCC to live up to their task to discharge their mandate adequately without compromise to inure to the benefit of the Oti Region.
He said he inherited an uncompleted three-stairs ORCC office started in 2020 including six other projects completed but not in use.
He explained that his outfit is poised to complete the ORCC office and have written to the Presidency where assessment had been conducted and the contractor is expected to return to site. Adding that the construction of bridge over the Oti river in Dambai is a priority.
Upgrading selected town roads of 4.5 km in Jasikan, rehabilitation of 6.3km roads contract terminated and awaiting contract rewarding.
He continued that about 15km roads in Krachi will be constructed whilst contractors on Dambai town roads have abandoned site, adding some 28 Feeder roads projects are ongoing across the region
Hon Gyapong averred that about 22% of lands in Oti is occupied by water and the ministry of Agric is undertaking a 7.2 hectares irrigation for work programme in both Nkonya in Biakoye District and Pie Katanga in the Krachi East Municipality.
Hon. Gyapong charged against teacher absenteeism and explained that a regional task force is expected to be formed to monitor and evaluate the performance of teachers and teacher absenteeism aimed at promoting quality learning outcomes.
He added that health is a priority hence the need to contract a regional hospital in Dambai to promote growth and development.
Hon. Gyapong urged the tribes and three factions in Nkwanta South to lay down their weapons and resort to peace building rightful processes and charged the committee to work to bring peace in Nkwanta South.
The Minister revealed that the recent insurgencies in Nkwanta South have claimed about 17 lives whilst 14 others had been injured adding that so far 17 people have been arrested and transferred to Accra for prosecution.
He announced the intention of the ORCC to launch a monthly sanitation and clean up exercise to clean the major cities and local communities in the region and tasked all the MDCEs to take keen interest in environmental sustainability by fully participating in the clean up exercise.
The Membership of the expanded RCC, chaired by the Minister with members including all Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs), all Presiding Members in … two representatives from the Regional House of Chiefs, heads of departments, and heads decentralised government institutions in the region.
For the Regional Coordinating Director of ORCC, Rev. Harry Nii Kwatei Owoo, the gesture marks not only the inauguration of the newly created or formed regional Coordinating Council but also seek to champion regional development
RCC he said is mandated to supervise and coordinate the implementation of government initiatives and policies to include other stakeholders
The expanded RCC seek to reduce the duplication and promote development within the region and become the ambassadors of change and innovation.
Regional Education, Agric Directorates were awarded for timely submission of reports to the regional coordinating council.
Long time service in Oti Region, K O Agyarkum, former Regional commander of NIB, Dr Osei Kufour Alfred, former Regional Health Director; former Regional Environmental Health Analyst reorganized of her outstanding service; Joseph Gyau Appiah (retired), former Community Development Director of the region.
On Wednesday, July 2, 2025, the Oti Regional Minister, Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong, led a high-level engagement with security officers and the people of Pawa in response to the ongoing conflict that has rocked the Nkwanta South Municipality in recent weeks.
The meeting, held at Pawa, one of the hardest-hit communities, was convened as part of a broader peace-building effort by the Regional Coordinating Council aimed at de-escalating tensions and restoring order in the affected areas. Communities impacted by the conflict include Pawa, Keri, Bonakye, and Nkwanta township.
Security Briefing and Situation on the Ground
Security personnel at the meeting provided a stark update on the situation. According to the briefing:
Eleven (11) deaths have been recorded since the outbreak of the conflict.
Several residents have deserted their homes due to fear and insecurity, leading to the partial abandonment of communities.
Properties have been destroyed in multiple locations.
Two (2) firearms were retrieved by security officers in Pawa.
Eight (8) individuals suspected to be involved in the unrest have been arrested and transferred to Accra for further investigations and prosecution.
Minister’s Call for Calm and Order
In his address, Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong strongly condemned the acts of violence and the recent resurgence of conflict believed to have been triggered by the pouring of libation in Nkwanta. The Minister, therefore, issued a directive to the security forces to arrest all individuals who were involved in the said act, which he described as provocative and unacceptable.
He also took the opportunity to issue a stern warning to persons using social media platforms to spread false information and incite violence. According to the Minister, such individuals would be tracked and arrested to face the full rigours of the law.
“Let me caution all social media war mongers: your actions are being monitored. If you do not stop spreading fear and misinformation, you will be arrested. We cannot allow a few individuals to destroy the peace we are building,” the Minister stated firmly.
Appeal for Peace and Development
Hon. Gyapong appealed to residents of Pawa, Keri, Bonakye, and the entire Nkwanta South Municipality to cease fire, desist from acts of destruction, and choose the path of peace and development. He stressed that no community can progress in the midst of violence and disorder, and called for collective responsibility in rebuilding the affected areas.
Commendation and Gratitude
The Regional Minister expressed his deep appreciation to the Chief of Kpassa, Ubor Konja Tassan VI, for his instrumental role in the peace efforts. He also commended the security agencies, traditional rulers, and opinion leaders who have contributed meaningfully to the ongoing dialogue and reconciliation process.
“We are grateful for the leadership and wisdom shown by our traditional authorities and the relentless efforts of the security services. This collaboration is vital if we are to sustain peace and bring healing to the people of Nkwanta South,” he added.
Conclusion
The engagement at Pawa marks a significant step in the regional government’s commitment to restoring peace and stability in Nkwanta South Municipality. The Oti Regional Coordinating Council is expected to continue its conflict resolution efforts and provide strategic direction towards sustainable development and social cohesion in the region.
On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, the Oti Region observed a spiritually significant event — the maiden National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving — hosted at the Lakeside Pentecost Church, Dambai. The solemn and uplifting occasion drew participants from all walks of life including traditional authorities, religious leaders, municipal and district executives, civil society representatives, and the general public.
The Krachi East Municipal Chief Executive in his opening remarks told the participant God has blessed Ghana the most due to the military interventions ongoing in our three neighbor countries while Ghana still enjoy democracy.
He ended his remarks that if not God’s blessing on Ghana, the multiplicity of Ghanaian religious practice, different believes and faith would have truncated the peace in Ghana. Hence his excellency the president of the republic of Ghana John Dramani Mahama’s declaration of Tuesday July 1, 2025 as “Prayer and Thanksgiving Day”.
The highlight of the event was a keynote address delivered by the Honorable Oti Regional Minister, John Kwadwo Gyapong, who used the platform to inspire unity, peace, and spiritual reawakening in the region, particularly in light of recent ethnic tensions and developmental challenges.
Theme and Significance
Themed “Reflect, Reset and Renew for National Prosperity,” the event provided an avenue for both spiritual introspection and national commitment. The Minister emphasized the sacred purpose of the day, encouraging attendees to transcend political, ethnic, and religious divisions to collectively thank God for His mercies and reflect on the path toward sustainable regional and national development.
A one-minute silence was observed to honor the lives lost in the Nkwanta ethnic conflict, underscoring the solemn tone of the event and the need for lasting peace.
Highlights of the Keynote Address
1. Recognition of Progress and Challenges
Hon. Gyapong acknowledged the dual reality of progress and persistent challenges within the region. He commended ongoing efforts in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and education while reminding the gathering of the socio-economic hardships still confronting communities in Oti.
2. Agricultural Development
The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to agricultural transformation, highlighting key initiatives such as:
Feed Ghana Initiative
A seven thousand two hundred (7,200) hectors irrigation projects in Biakoye and Krachi East which Biakoye takes three thousand two hundred (3,200) and Krachi East takes four thousand (4,000)
These interventions are aimed at boosting productivity, ensuring food security, and creating employment for the youth.
3. Healthcare and Education
Significant improvements were reported in health and education access in areas like Krachi East, Nkwanta South, and Kadjebi. The ongoing completion of the agenda 111 hospital projects was noted as a major government priority to enhance healthcare accessibility across the region.
4. Road Infrastructure and Connectivity
Hon. Gyapong stressed the urgent need for road development, citing the bridging of Dambai river, Nkwanta-Kpassa-Damanko and Nkwanta-Dambai corridors as strategic arteries that must be completed during the current presidential tenure to unlock economic potential and improve mobility.
5. Appeal for Peace and Unity
A strong call was made for peace and reconciliation, particularly in conflict-prone areas such as Nkwanta South Municipal. The Minister appealed for forgiveness, community dialogue, and a shared commitment to regional stability.
He challenged all residents to treat personal and communal security as a shared responsibility and to support traditional authorities and security agencies in promoting lasting peace.
Appreciation and Charge to Citizens
Hon. Gyapong expressed gratitude to religious leaders for their continuous spiritual guidance and encouraged them to sustain the moral compass of society. He appealed to all residents to “pray not only with our lips but act with our hearts” — advocating for practical efforts toward peacebuilding, civic responsibility, and economic participation.
Conclusion
The 2025 National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving in Dambai was more than a religious observance — it was a timely intervention aimed at healing wounds, fostering unity, and reigniting hope in the future of the Oti Region and Ghana at large. As the Minister concluded, “May our thanksgiving rise as a sweet fragrance to the heavens, and may the blessings of the Almighty be poured in abundance on Oti Region and the entire nation.”
