1st December is designated as World AIDS Day! This day offers an opportunity for people to unite in the response to HIV and AIDS, to remember those who have died of the disease and also celebrate accomplishments such as increased access to HIV treatment and prevention services.
This year’s World AIDS Day Celebration fell on Sunday, 1st December, 2024. The Municipal AIDS Committee of the Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly in collaboration with the Municipal Health Directorate commemorated the day with series of public engagements across the municipality. The theme for the celebration was “Ending AIDS Together; Stepping up Prevention Efforts”.
The Committee engaged the public through the NOPRAS FM radio station and selected Community Information Centers to create public awareness of the disease. Senior High schools were educated on HIV/AIDS with emphasis on the preventive measures by the usage of condom and eliminating new infections. Congregations from selected mosques and churches were also admonished to discipline themselves against indiscriminate sexual conducts to avoid contracting the disease and the need for everyone to know their status by visiting the various health centers occasionally to test for free.
Free Health Screening at Old Tafo Market
On Wednesday 4th December, 2024, the Committee in collaboration with Ghana Health Services and some Assembly staff held a free health screening at the Old Tafo Market, where the general public were screen for HIV/AIDS, including Glucose, Blood Pressure and Body Mass.
On behalf of the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga, the Christian Representative on the Committee, Rev. Isaac Ofori Asirifi addressed the gathering and emphasized on the high prevalence rate of the virus in the Eastern Region and the country as a whole. He advised the public to avoid stigmatizing People Living with HIV(PLHIV) so that they will fill accepted in society.
The Community Health Nurse officer from Osiem, Mr. Richard Ntim, indicated that the increasing number of infected cases in the county is worrying and urged the youth in active sexual practices to resort to the use of condom. The general public were encouraged to get tested to know their status and those infected to seek for medication support.
Condom Distribution
Condom promotion and distribution was carried out by a team of officers from the Health Directorate and the Municipal Assembly who engaged drivers and ‘Okada’ riders at the Tafo lorry station. Quantities of condoms were distributed to the general public as a way of creating awareness of the disease. The Committee looks forward to engaging more people on the disease to end AIDS.
Mamatta Alhassan Abdullai
Focal Person
In line with the mandate of the Institute of local Government Studies and MLGRD to ensure effective and efficient decentralization of policies and programmes in the various decentralised areas in Ghana, a TWO (2) day capacity building orientation training programme was organized by the Institute of Local Government Studies in collaboration with the Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly to improve the capacity (skills, knowledge and competences) of Newly constituted Assembly members in the Abuakwa North Municipality for effective and efficient implementation of planned policies, procedures and programmes in order to enhance quality service delivery in their varied area of operations
Among the many objectives include:
To introduce Assembly Members to the LGS system, challenges, opportunities and expected roles and responsibilities of Assembly Members.
To expose them to their new and emerging leadership roles and implication.
To build up and create opportunity to build networks and mutually shared experiences
In all, 38 participants attended the programme.
.Facilitators of the programme were;
• Madam Ivy Adorboe – Inst. of Local Government Studies.
• Madam Akua Owusu Asamoah – Ministry of Finance
Topics discussed includes, Ghana’s Decentralisation and Central Legislation, The five responsibilities of an Assembly Member (AM), Ghana Local Government System and Structures, Tenent of Rule of Law; the Standing Orders of Meeting; Election of Presiding Member; Membership of Committee; Roles and responsibilities of Presiding Member and Voting of Committee Members, Local Revenue Mobilisation, Local Economic Development (LED) and Job creation.
Madam Akua Owusu Asamoah from Ministry of Finance lecturing Assembly Men..
The Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly on Monday 18th November 2024 supported thirty five (35) registered persons living with disabilities (PWDs) who were approved to be given support.
Twenty (20) persons out of the thirty five (35) were presented with commodities and groceries, proving them with financial liberation and the opportunity to venture into enterprise and15 persons received educational support as part of the Government 3% common fund allocation to PWDs through the Social Warfare Department.
The Municipal Chief Executive of the Assembly, Hon. Alhaji Babs Bodinga presented the equipment to the beneficiaries in fulfilment of the disability fund Act 175 and said the Assembly was committed to lessening the plight of PWDs.
He said the support was to assist the PWDs to establish medium scale enterprises in order to earn a living to support their families and society.
He assured that, the Assembly would embark on a monitoring exercise to ensure that, the equipment and funds were put to good use.
The Municipal Social Works Department, Mr. Nimako Yamoah urged the beneficiaries to carefully manage the allocated resources, thereby contributing tangibly to the socio-economic progress of the Municipal.
Expression of gratitude were shared by the beneficiaries after the distribution exercise, extolling the Municipal Assembly for a great work done.
The programme which was held at the forecourt of the Assembly premises was graced by some dignitaries, namely Mr., Emil Tawiah Atsu, Municipal Coordinating Director, Honorable Elvis Yeboah, Chairman of Disability Fund Management Committee, Municipal Social Works Department, Mr. Nimako Yamoah, some Assembly members, and some staff of the Assembly
Cross section of beneficiaries MCE presenting item to a beneficiary
Picture showing items distributed
Download Attachments
Download Attachments
The Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly on 18th October 2024 in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture supported about Fifty (50) persons in fish farming.
The beneficiaries went through training on fish farming production and were provided with tarpaulin ponds and feeds.
This act is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy as these individuals will now be able to start their own businesses and create jobs.
In an interview with the Municipal Chief Executive of the Assembly, Hon. Dr Alhaji Urmar Babs Bodinga stated that, the initiative created by the Nana Addo’s government has been very amazing.
He said since 2018, the common fund has supported about eighty (80) people in education, forty two (42) in health and 182 in start-up capital
Picture of tarpaulins distributed
ABUAKWA NORTH HEALTH DIRECTORATE HOLDS 2023 ANNUAL HEALTH REVIEW MEETING
The Abuakwa North Health Directorate held its 2023 Annual Health Review meeting with stakeholders to review the performances of the various health centers of the municipality, make provisions for the coming year and propose interventions for challengers identified. The program was held on 8th march, 2024 at the Assembly’s conference hall.
During the review, it was noted that, malaria Out Patients Department (OPD) and clinical cases had dropped by 10,664 in the year under review (2023) compared to 11,422 in (2021) and 13,941 in (2022).
There were some recommendations made to the region which included: adequate provision of midwives, the health centers should perform better, increase diabetes screening, more support from the Assembly and acquire
INAUGURATION OF OLD TAFO MARKET BRINGS RELIEF TO TRADERS
Traders at Old Tafo, a suburb of the Abuakwa North Municipality in the Eastern Region have taken a huge sigh of relief when a newly built modern market was inaugurated for them on 19th July, 2024 at Old Tafo.
The Municipal Chief Executive of the Municipality, Hon. Alhaji Urmar Babs Bodinga in a short ceremony officially handed over the facility which comprises of offices, open shades, meat shop, urinal and a warehouse was handed over to Daasebre Adusei Peasah IV, the Akyem Tafohene and the Old Tafo Community.
In his inaugural address, the MCE stated that, his foremost ambition was to serve the people in his municipality through developmental projects.
Daasebre Adusei Peasah IV, in his speech expressed his gratitude to the Assembly for addressing one of the major needs of the community by completing the market project during Hon. Alhaji Urmar Babs Bodinga’s tenure even though it was initiated under the late MCE Hon. Owusu Twum Ampofo’s tenure.
He urged roadside traders to relocate in to the new market, warning that, failure to comply will result in unpleasant sanctions.
In addition to the handing over, the MCE donated 10 packets of roofing sheets and boxes of nails to Daasebre Adusei Peasah IV for the re-roofing of R/C and Zion Basic Schools which was damaged during a heavy rainstorm in February 2024.
Pictures of the events are shown below.
STAFF OF ABUAKWA NORTH MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY TRAINED ON NEWLY DEVELOPED LOCAL GOVERNMENT SERVICE CLIENT SERVICE UNIT OPERATIONAL MANUAL
A day’s training program on Client Service Management was organised for staff of the Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly on 10th June, 2024 at the Municipal Assembly Hall with all staff present.The training program organised by the Eastern Regional Co-ordinating Council (ERCC) was in collaboration with the Human Resource Department of the Assembly.
Staff were trained in areas such as, client service management, client service charter, the strategic direction of the local government service (vision, mission, motto, core values and service delivery standards), organisation and functions of the client service unit among others.
The facilitators of the training were, Mr. Cyril Xatse, Head of the Eastern Regional Human Resource Department and Mr. Alexander Gasu, Assistant Director from the Eastern Regional Coordinating.
In their presentation, the facilitators noted that, client service management is the acts of managing the clients and their expectations in a professional and timely manner with a conducive environment to enhance service delivery.
They added that, managing client’s expectation is a management tool for transparency and accountability in the application of rules and regulations to ensure quality service delivery.
Speaking with Mr. Cyril Xatse, he stated that, the vision of the Local Government Service is to support the Local Government deliver value for money services. Also, the service wants to strengthen the assemblies in delivering customer or client services at the local level, so the service rolled out these client service operational manuals to help the various Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) and the Metropolitan Municipal District Assemblies (MMDA’s) to deliver value for money services.
The training was attended by the Heads of Department and Staff of the Assembly.
Mr. Alexander Gasu interacting with the participants
Participants present at the training
ABUAKWA NORTH MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY FINALLY ELECT A PRESIDING MEMBER
After two unsuccessful attempts, Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly finally elected a Presiding Member for the Third General Assembly. The election took place on Thursday 30th May, 2024 at the Municipal Assembly Hall.
It would be recalled that, during the inaugural meeting of the Third General Assembly on Monday 12th February, 2024 at the Municipal Assembly Hall, the newly elected assembly members were unable to elect a Presiding Member in which the election was postponed.
Three Assembly Members picked the nomination forms, however, Hon. Isaac Asiedu a Government Appointee and Hon. Abdul Rahman Abdulai, Assembly member for Osiem, Ahenbronom withdrew on the day of election, leaving Hon. William Adu Obiri, assembly member for Anyinassin Electoral Area.
The election was conducted on a YES and NO basis and Hon. William Adu Obiri secured 21 out of 24 votes with 1 ‘no’ vote and 2 rejected ballots. The total number of expected votes was 25.
In his acceptance speech, Hon William Adu Obiri expressed his gratitude to the Assembly members and all present. He emphasized the need for unity to drive the socio economic development for the municipality and the country as a whole. Hon. Adu Obiri pledged his commitment to serve with truth and integrity aiming to enhance the standard of the Assembly.
Speaking with the Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Derrick Boateng expressed his excitement and stated that after a few struggles, the Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly have successfully elected a Presiding Member.
The events was attended by the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Alhaji Urmar Babs Bodinga, Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr. Emil Atsu Tawiah, Heads of Department, Assembly Members, Security Service, Traditional leaders, Staff and the media.
An Assembly Member casting his vote Cross Section of Assembly Members presents at the meeting
Hon. William Adu Obiri casting his vote Hon. Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga casting his time
The International Youth Fellowship (IYF) in partnership with the Akyem Tafo Traditional Council organised a Special Abuakwa North Leaders Conference with the theme; Transformational Leadership Conference aimed at presenting the entire leadership of the Municipality with the required tools and skills for youth guidance.
The conference which was held at the Nelsban Palace Hotel Conference hall at Akyem Kukurantumi on Friday 19th April, 2024 was part of effort to address the advent of youth insolence that affects the peace and stability of communities, cities and the country at large.
Mr. Oh, the Country Director for International Youth Fellowship (IYF) indicated that, in other for the youth to be deemed responsible and ready to take over affairs of our Municipality and the country at large, they have to put a better future in their hands, our Ghanaian citizens need a change of mindset to empower their lives.
He presented to participants Korea’s standards used for empowering the Korean mindset and urged that Ghanaians can replicate their system.
Hon. Alhaji Babs Bodinga, the Municipal Chief Executive of the Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly in his statement, inspired the leaders to institute mechanism and best practices like Korea to enable the youth have a responsible future and growth of mindset. He informed them that, his administration is in the process of securing a land for a Mindset Education Institute.
The International Youth Fellowship and the Akyem Tafo Traditional council used the platform for the transformational leadership conference to present the required tools and skills for youth guidance to the entire leadership.
A representative from the Ghana Police Service explicitly stated the role of the Government through the security service, parents and the entire community the ensure mindset empowerment for the youth.
The Special Abuakwa North Leaders Conference ended successfully with participants gaining great ideas to transform their generation in all walks of life.
A section of Youths cheering to MCE.
ABUAKWA NORTH HEALTH DIRECTORATE HOLDS 2023 ANNUAL HEALTH REVIEW MEETING
The Abuakwa North Health Directorate held its 2023 Annual Health Review meeting with stakeholders to review the performances of the various health centers of the municipality, make provisions for the coming year and propose interventions for challengers identified. The program was held on 8th march, 2024 at the Assembly’s conference hall.
During the review, it was noted that, malaria Out Patients Department (OPD) and clinical cases had dropped by 10,664 in the year under review (2023) compared to 11,422 in (2021) and 13,941 in (2022).
There were some recommendations made to the region which included: adequate provision of midwives, the health centers should perform better, increase diabetes screening, more support from the Assembly and acquire infantometer.
Some concerns raised by the Health Directorate were that, there had been a decline in the patronage of herbal medicine because most of the drugs were not on the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and also some vehicles were not functioning at the District Health Service.
Overall, the health sector review performance provided valuable insights into the strengths and weakness of the health system and highlighted areas where targeted interventions could help improve access to quality healthcare services for all residents.
In his closing remarks, the Municipal Health Directorate, Mr. Abdulai Aziz thanked all present and promised to support the various health centres to do better.
Present at the meeting were representatives from the Municipal Assembly, Traditional Authority, National Commission of Civic Education (NCCE) and the Municipal Information Service.
The Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly has inaugurated the Third General Assembly which comprises of sixteen (16) elected members and eight (8) Government Appointees on Monday 12th February 2024 at the Municipal Assembly Hall.
In an opening remarks, Daasebre Adusei Poku IV, congratulated the Assembly Members and urged them to work hard in other to help develop the Municipality. He added that, the doors of the traditional authorities are widely opened for their support.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Honourable Alhaji Umar Bab Bodinga welcomed all the Assembly Members and explained the structures of the Local Government and the criteria of nominating Government Appointees which represent 30% of the elected members with 30% women representation. He admonished all the Assembly Members to cooperate with the people of their respective Electoral Areas for socio-economic developments.
Honourable Ursula Owusu Ekuful on behalf of the President, Nana Akufo- Addo, congratulated the Assembly Members and urged them to deliberate, plan, mobilize resources, make decisions including by laws to ensure the transformation of the Municipality. She also advised all people gathered to rally behind the Government for the development of the nation at large.
According to her, the President is optimistic that, new ideas will emanate from the Assembly Members to ensure economic growth and development of the country.
Unfortunately, Honourable Members could not elect the Presiding Member for the Third General Assembly at the inauguration and the election was re-scheduled.
The event was graced by Daasebre Adusei Peasah IV, Honourable Ursula Owusu- Ekuful, Minister of Communication and Digitilization, Honourable Alhaji Urmar Babs Bodinga, Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Emil Tawiah Atsu, Municipal Coordinating Director, H/W Mrs. Juliet Osei- Duodu, Abuakwa South District Magistrate, Departmental Heads, , the Clergy, Security Service and Stake Holders.
Honourable Ursula Owusu Ekuful behind is the MCE.
The ‘Smart Capture’ is an access based module designed to capture Assembly record for ease retrieval official documents. The aim of the demonstration was to help introduce management and staff of the Registry Unit on Record Management System Software which is a requirement for all Metropolitan Municipal and District Assembly (MMDA’s) in line with the Local Government Service (LGS) Performance Management System (PMS).
A demonstration presentation on the Smart Capture Software was organised for Heads of Departments and some selected Staff of the Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly on 5th February, 2024 at the Municipal Chief Executive’s office. Participants were taken through steps on how to reduce physical record on shelves, loss of records, and handling of outgoing correspondence by shifting to the use of Record Management Software.
In an interview with the Consultant, Mr. Joseph A. Ankamah, explained that, the training is important because, records constitute a major part of the Public Service Administration and therefore the need to have proper records keeping.
According to the Consultant, “the way we manage our records is very important particularly in this era where we are transitioning from paper documents to electronic world”.
The Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr. Emil Tawiah Atsu, in his remarks, thanked the Consultant for the demonstration and indicated that, Management would prepare and invite him for the actual installation of the Record Management System Software and the practical training for the assigned officers.
The ‘Smart Capture’ is an access based module designed to capture Assembly record for ease retrieval official documents. The aim of the demonstration was to help introduce management and staff of the Registry Unit on Record Management System Software which is a requirement for all Metropolitan Municipal and District Assembly (MMDA’s) in line with the Local Government Service (LGS) Performance Management System (PMS).
A demonstration presentation on the Smart Capture Software was organised for Heads of Departments and some selected Staff of the Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly on 5th February, 2024 at the Municipal Chief Executive’s office. Participants were taken through steps on how to reduce physical record on shelves, loss of records, and handling of outgoing correspondence by shifting to the use of Record Management Software.
In an interview with the Consultant, Mr. Joseph A. Ankamah, explained that, the training is important because, records constitute a major part of the Public Service Administration and therefore the need to have proper records keeping.
According to the Consultant, “the way we manage our records is very important particularly in this era where we are transitioning from paper documents to electronic world”.
The Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr. Emil Tawiah Atsu, in his remarks, thanked the Consultant for the demonstration and indicated that, Management would prepare and invite him for the actual installation of the Record Management System Software and the practical training for the assigned officers.
Mr. Joseph A. Ankamah setting up for the demonstration Section of staff at the training
The Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly received officials from the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council who assessed the Assembly on the 2023 Performance Contracts.
The exercise was done on the 30th January, 2024 at the Municipal Assembly hall.
Speaking with Mr. Cyril Xatse, the Regional Human Resource Manager, he explained that, the Local Government Service has a mandate to ensure that the performance contract has been well implemented throughout the Region.
According to Mr. Cyril Xatse, ‘a team from the Local Government Service will be coming to do the final assessments and evaluation and the results will be declared nationwide, also all the Regional Coordinating Councils (RCC) will be ranked according to their performance’.
The team after their assessment commended the Management of the Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly for their participation and support during the exercise. They encouraged management to put in structures and strategies to avert the weakness identified.
The Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly received officials from the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council who assessed the Assembly on the 2023 Performance Contracts.
The exercise was done on the 30th January, 2024 at the Municipal Assembly hall.
Speaking with Mr. Cyril Xatse, the Regional Human Resource Manager, he explained that, the Local Government Service has a mandate to ensure that the performance contract has been well implemented throughout the Region.
According to Mr. Cyril Xatse, ‘a team from the Local Government Service will be coming to do the final assessments and evaluation and the results will be declared nationwide, also all the Regional Coordinating Councils (RCC) will be ranked according to their performance’.
The team after their assessment commended the Management of the Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly for their participation and support during the exercise. They encouraged management to put in structures and strategies to avert the weakness identified.
Picture of Mr. Cyril Xatse accessing an officer Picture of some staff of Abuakwa Municipal Assembly
