SPECIAL REPORT ON THE 2025 OTI REGIONAL BUDGET HEARING
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.
