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
Thirty adult learners have graduated from the Complementary Education Agency (CEA) of the Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly after completing their educational program.
The ceremony was graced by the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga, Assistant Regional Director for Complementary Education Agency, Ken Atsu Prosper and the Director for the Complementary Education Agency, Mr. Henry Joseph Provencal.
About hundred (100) learners from all the three zonal councils namely, Osiem, New Tafo and Kukurantumi enrolled for the 2021 batch out of which thirty (30) completed successfully.
Addressing the learners, Hon. Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga congratulated the learners for fighting a good fight amidst the challenges they encountered during the two years course. He noted to the people that it is good that the learners have taken advantage of the program and urged them to advice their friends and family to also participate.
He also advised the leaners that their income can be more or equal to a government worker’s monthly salary, if managed appropriately.
The Municipal Coordinator for the Complementary Education Agency, Mr. Henry Provencal highlighted on the main objective of the Agency. He noted that the complementary Education Agency, previously known as Non – Formal Education, seeks to help adult learners acquire knowledge and occupational skills to improve their lives, their communities and the country at large.
Mr. Henry Provencal further noted that, the agency aims at letting leaners acquire some basic literacy, numeracy and entrepreneurial skills, thus the ability to speak, read and write and also to equip learners with the basic skills to manage their own businesses and finances.
He emphasized that, lack of infrastructure is seriously affecting the performance of Complementary Education in the Municipality because academic activities organized by the Agency were held in public schools.
The Chairman, Mr. Ken Atsu Prosper commended the Municipality for being assiduous and active among the 33 MDAs in the Eastern Region who are implementing the flagship programme.
Speaking with the graduates, they expressed their appreciation to the Government and the Assembly for giving them the opportunity which has empowered them with literacy and occupational skills through this flagship programme.
Mr. Joseph Provencal presenting a certificate to a graduate MCE inspecting some displayed products made by the leaners
Graduates of the class
ABUAKWA NORTH MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY
CELEBRATES 2023 WORLD AIDS DAY
The Municipal AIDS Committee (MAC) of the Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly in collaboration with the Municipal Health Directorate commemorated the 2023 World AIDS Day Celebrations on Friday, 1st December, 2023. The theme for the celebration was “LET COMMUNITIES LEAD”.
The Committee had previously embarked on sensitization and education activities to mark the day. Recorded audio in English and Twi from the Ghana AIDS Commission (GAC) through the Regional Technical Support Unit (TSU) was aired by the Community Information Centers (CICs) to create public awareness of the disease.
Also, the general public through NOPRAS FM radio station were engaged to mark the World AIDS Day (WAD) celebrations.
Senior High Schools in the Municipality also benefitted from the sensitization with emphasis on the preventive measures especially the usage of condom and not to engage in early sex since it will only hinder their academic progress.
The Committee visited selected mosques and churches to admonished the public to discipline themselves against indiscriminate sexual conducts to avoid contracting the disease, condom usage to prevent the virus, free Anti – Retroviral Treatment (ART) for People Living with HIV (PLHIV), constant testing for HIV status and accepting People Living with HIV (PLHIV) to avoid stigma. The public were reminded that HIV continues to be a global challenge and that collectively, there is the need to increase awareness and advocate for support nationally to End AIDS.
Free health screening was organized to mark the 2023 World AIDS Day (WAD) Celebration at Anyinasin which coincidentally fell on the 39th National Farmers Day.
In the address of the Hon. Municipal Chief Executive to mark the day, Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga emphasized on the high prevalence rate of the virus in the Eastern Region and the country at large. He advised the public to avoid stigmatizing People Living with HIV(PLHIV) so that they will fill accepted in society. He said the medication is provided free by the government which helps to suppress the virus and prevents it from weakening the immune system. Staff of the Health Directorate were also present to grace the occasion.
In line with the National Farmers’ Day, the Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly celebrated the 39th Farmers’ day at Akyem Anyinasin on Friday, 1st December, 2023 under the theme: “Delivering Smart Solutions for Sustainable Development for Food Security and Reliance”.
In attendance were the Hon. Municipal Chief Executive, Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga, a representative of the Member of Parliament of the Abuakwa North Constituency, Osei Owusu Stephen, Heads of Institutions and Security Services, Hon. Presiding Member and Assembly Members, chiefs, farmers and the general public. The function was chaired by Osabarima Atta Appeakorang II, Anyinasinhene.
The Assembly Member for Anyinasin, Hon William Adu Obiri was elated to host the occasion in his electoral area and welcomed the dignitaries and the general public at the occasion. He also noted that the people in his electoral area had benefitted from the palm oil and coconut seedlings distributed by the Municipal Assembly to Planting for Export and Rural Development (PERD).
In the address of the Municipal Director of Agriculture, He also encouraged farmers to form groups to enhance effective extension delivery. He further encouraged all the sponsors to keep supporting Agricultural activities in the Municipality.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Alhaji Babs Bodinga delivered the key note address and outlined some of the achievements of the Municipal Assembly in the areas of Agriculture, Income generation and Food Security. He urged the populaces of the Abuakwa North Municipality to continue working hard to promote the development of the Municipality. He congratulated the award winners and also thanked the sponsors of the celebration for their continuous support.
In all, 16 farmers were awarded with certificate and various items such as Tricycle, fridge, television set, Wax prints, Spray machines, Wellington boots, Cutlasses, Agro inputs, and Various Insurance Cover.
In line with the National Farmers’ Day, the Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly celebrated the 39th Farmers’ day at Akyem Anyinasin on Friday, 1st December, 2023 under the theme: “Delivering Smart Solutions for Sustainable Development for Food Security and Reliance”.
In attendance were the Hon. Municipal Chief Executive, Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga, a representative of the Member of Parliament of the Abuakwa North Constituency, Osei Owusu Stephen, Heads of Institutions and Security Services, Hon. Presiding Member and Assembly Members, chiefs, farmers and the general public. The function was chaired by Osabarima Atta Appeakorang II, Anyinasinhene.
The Assembly Member for Anyinasin, Hon William Adu Obiri was elated to host the occasion in his electoral area and welcomed the dignitaries and the general public at the occasion. He also noted that the people in his electoral area had benefitted from the palm oil and coconut seedlings distributed by the Municipal Assembly to Planting for Export and Rural Development (PERD).
In the address of the Municipal Director of Agriculture, He also encouraged farmers to form groups to enhance effective extension delivery. He further encouraged all the sponsors to keep supporting Agricultural activities in the Municipality.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Alhaji Babs Bodinga delivered the key note address and outlined some of the achievements of the Municipal Assembly in the areas of Agriculture, Income generation and Food Security. He urged the populaces of the Abuakwa North Municipality to continue working hard to promote the development of the Municipality. He congratulated the award winners and also thanked the sponsors of the celebration for their continuous support.
In all, 16 farmers were awarded with certificate and various items such as Tricycle, fridge, television set, Wax prints, Spray machines, Wellington boots, Cutlasses, Agro inputs, and Various Insurance Cover.
In line with the National Farmers’ Day, the Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly celebrated the 39th Farmers’ day at Akyem Anyinasin on Friday, 1st December, 2023 under the theme: “Delivering Smart Solutions for Sustainable Development for Food Security and Reliance”.
In attendance were the Hon. Municipal Chief Executive, Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga, a representative of the Member of Parliament of the Abuakwa North Constituency, Osei Owusu Stephen, Heads of Institutions and Security Services, Hon. Presiding Member and Assembly Members, chiefs, farmers and the general public. The function was chaired by Osabarima Atta Appeakorang II, Anyinasinhene.
The Assembly Member for Anyinasin, Hon William Adu Obiri was elated to host the occasion in his electoral area and welcomed the dignitaries and the general public at the occasion. He also noted that the people in his electoral area had benefitted from the palm oil and coconut seedlings distributed by the Municipal Assembly to Planting for Export and Rural Development (PERD).
In the address of the Municipal Director of Agriculture, He also encouraged farmers to form groups to enhance effective extension delivery. He further encouraged all the sponsors to keep supporting Agricultural activities in the Municipality.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Alhaji Babs Bodinga delivered the key note address and outlined some of the achievements of the Municipal Assembly in the areas of Agriculture, Income generation and Food Security. He urged the populaces of the Abuakwa North Municipality to continue working hard to promote the development of the Municipality. He congratulated the award winners and also thanked the sponsors of the celebration for their continuous support.
In all, 16 farmers were awarded with certificate and various items such as Tricycle, fridge, television set, Wax prints, Spray machines, Wellington boots, Cutlasses, Agro inputs, and Various Insurance Cover.
Hon. Municipal Chief Executive Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga delivering a speech on the Farmers Day.
MCE HANDS OVER FURNITURE TO EDUCATION DIRECTORATE FOR DISTRIBUTION TO SELECTED SCHOOLS WITHIN THE MUNICIPALITY
The Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga on Thursday, 11th May, 2023 on behalf of the President, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo through the GetFund received 500 pieces of dual desks for schools in the Municipality. At a short ceremony, the MCE handed the desks over to the Education Directorate for onward distribution to twelve (12) Junior High Schools.
The intervention according to Hon. MCE was the first phase of supply to help solve some of the furniture shortfalls facing Public Junior High Schools and also to enable pupils to be more comfortable and focused during teaching and learning in order to improve their academic performance.
Hon. Umar Babs Bodinga in his submission also mentioned that the Government is dedicated to improving educational infrastructure and pledged to support the Education Directorate with infrastructure to aid quality education.
The Municipal Education Director, Madam Abena Gyamerah, who received the furniture was grateful to the Government for ensuring access to quality education in the Municipality and promised to maintain the furniture so it does not lose its durability.
Madam Abena Gyamerah also expressed gratitude to the MCE and the Member of Parliament Hon Gifty Twum Ampofo towards improving the standard of education in the Municipality and appealed for more of similar support from the Central Government.
In attendance was the Municipal Co-ordinating Director, Mr. John Ankrah, Head teachers of selected schools, staff of the Municipal Assembly and the Press.
The furniture that was received had since been distributed to selected schools that needed immediate attention, which include; R/C JHS, Presby. JHS, OPASS A&B JHS all in Kukurantumi, New Tafo M/A, CRIG JHS, Islamic JHS in Osiem amongst others.
Hon. Municipal Chief Executive, Municipal Co-ordinating Director, Municipal Education Director and a section of Assembly staff
Municipal Co-ordinating Director, Municipal Education Director and Municipal Chief Executive
Hon. Municipal Chief Executive presenting furniture to the Municipal Education Director
Display of furniture
MCE, MCD, Municipal Education Director with some staff of Education Unit, Teachers and pupils of the selected schools
Pupils seated on desk
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ABUAKWA NORTH 2024 COMPOSITE BUDGET
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Through the ingenuity and leadership of the Hon. Municipal Chief Executive, Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga, the Assembly showed leadership in driving the tourism agenda of the municipality during the 2023 Ohum festival.
The Ohum Festival is celebrated by the Akyems to thank the creator for blessing their land with such a magnificent river (Birim). The products from the Akyems land and river are symbols which are used to remember their ancestors who struggled and persevered to keep the society intact. The festival is celebrated in two parts: The Ohumkan and the Ohumkyire. The Ohumkan which happens to be the major event is celebrated throughout the week to which the ban on the noise making had been lifted particularly on Tuesday. Which usually occurs during the month of October. Prior to it celebration, a two week ban on noise-making is imposed on all the communities under the traditional jurisdiction.
The Ohum festival is celebrated with the chief and people of Akyem Tafo and its environment visiting the Gyempremo shrine to perform rituals and make sacrifices to the deity. It is believed that when you fall to the ground while going to the Gyempremo, you will not live to see the end of the year also the chief is the last person to cross the Gyempremo River. During the festival the descendants pledge to continue the tradition, to keep Okyeman strong and free with peace and prosperity. They then pledge allegiance to their King (Okyehene) and their sub-chiefs and elders for their leadership and guidance. Legend has it that any person who trips and falls on the return journey from the Gyempremo shrine will not live to see the new year. On the Ohum Tuesday, it is forbidden to make any noise including the pounding of fufu, the main staple diet of the Akan people till dusk.
To promote this festival and make it attractive to tourists worldwide, the Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly led by the Hon. Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga did not only participate in the events but also supported Nananom with a number of items and cash donations.
MCE expressing the relevance of celebrating the festival. MP. Hon. Gifty Twum-Ampofo donating gift to some families
