ABUAKWA NORTH MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY’S DEPARTMENT OF AGRIC PRESENTS COCONUT SEEDLINGS TO THE YOUTH AND FARMERS WITHIN THE MUNICIPALITY
The Municipal Chief Executive, Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga on Monday, 2nd November, 2023 through the Municipal Agricultural Directorate presented thirty-five thousand (35,000) coconut seedlings to seven hundred (700) farmers within the Municipality in partnership with the Minerals Commission of Ghana and the Ministry of Agriculture.
According to the MCE the purpose of the initiative was aimed at improving the socio-economic development within the Municipality and the country at large. He further explained that after testing the soil within the Abuakwa North Municipality, it was advised that, the planting of coconut and oil palm will do best and generate income for farmers hence the decision to distribute the seedlings. He added that the Municipality is aiming at the One District One Factory (1D1F) initiative and therefore urged all farmers to contribute their best to reach that goal.
Hon. MCE in his submission mentioned that the youth should take agriculture very serious in order to improve their livelihood. He advised them to guard against social vices which will have a negative impact on the individual and the community as a whole.
The Municipal Agric Director, Mr. Anthony Nartey thanked all, especially the President and the Municipal Assembly for their continuous support to agriculture and also pledged his support to supervise the farmers after three months of planting in order to achieve desired results before and during harvesting.
Some of the farmers expressed their gratitude to the Government and the Assembly for this kind gesture which will keep them busy and also improve their livelihood.
In attendance were the Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr. Emil Tawiah Atsu, Director of National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), and some staff of the Assembly.
Handing Over the Coconut Seedling to MCE 
Display of Coconut Seedlings
Farmers waitin distribution of coconut seedlings NADMO Dir., interacting with Farmers and Assembly Members
Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly
Short Story for Website on “Let’s Talk” App & “CleanApp Ghana” Mobile Apps
The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) in conjunction with the Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly and its partners: the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization and Rural Development (MLGDRD) and The German Cooperation (GIZ), Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MGCSP), Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resource (MSWR) launched 2 Mobile Apps to enable quality service delivery in Solid waste management and also collect data on gender-based violence to inform decision making and policy implementation. This form of Data collection is generated by the citizens through an Application to be administered on their mobile phones, hence the name Citizen-Generated Data (CGD): “data by the people and for the people”.
The direction of the Government is geared towards digitization which focuses on entrenching Information Communication Technology (ICT) especially Data Science (analytics) at the center of the National development agenda, and as part of a strategy to achieve the Government’s goal to mainstream ICT in the public sector. To increase citizens’ accessibility to Data platforms, collaborative efforts with the private sector and service providers. Helplines have been made available to help achieve the overall purpose of Government. To prioritize Science, Technology, and Innovations (STI) and its applications at the center of development to ensure that STI is mainstreamed in all socio-economic activities.
The “Let’s Talk” App & “CleanApp Ghana” Mobile Apps platforms were launched on 8th May 2023 at the Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly Hall to enable Citizens to Generate Data through reporting Gender-based Violence and Solid waste management in our Municipality. The Municipal Technical Team (MTT) was inaugurated and tasked to oversee all activities of the 2 mobile apps to increase awareness and public education on the apps for innovative solutions to reported cases that will be submitted in addition to catalyze Economic growth
The Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly in collaboration with ZoomLion Ghana organized a clean – up activity at the Kukurantumi lorry station on Saturday, 8th April, 2023. Dignitaries that attended the clean-up exercise include: The Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Alhaji Babs Bodinga, The Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr. John Ankrah, Hon. Assembly Members, Heads of Department/Units, staff and some of youth from the Kukurantumi town.
Hon. Alhaji Babs Bodinga thanked the youth for attending the clean – up activity. He advised them to keep the surroundings clean and it was very important for the Municipal Assembly to organize this exercise regularly for the Municipality to be clean. He also assured the people that, the exercise would be carried out regularly. He urged the youth to stay focus and never give up in life.
The Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr. John Ankrah also thanked the staff of the Assembly for a successful clean-up exercise. He also urged the Municipal Assembly to keep up the good work. He advised the youth to be focused in life and content with whatever they had while working hard to build a better future for themselves. He told them to avoid negative activities in life.
The Presiding Member, Hon. Asare Gyekye expressed his gratitude to the Municipal Assembly. He assured the youth to do their best to serve the elderly and the country at large. He told the young ladies to maintain a good personal hygiene. He also advised the young ladies to avoid teenage and unwanted pregnancies.
The youth of Kukurantumi expressed their appreciation to the management of the Municipal Assembly because it was very educative.
Staff of Assembly in action at the clean-up exercise
The Abuakwa North Municipality was fortunate to be a beneficiary from the one hundred (100) new courts/bungalows initiative by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Ghana Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo Addo in all sixteen (16) regions to provide a robust and effective Justice Administration system and to complement the Socio-Economic Development drive in the municipality.
Also, adequately equipping the Judicial Service in terms of facilities to aid a results-oriented justice system is one of governments priorities in addition to accelerating and sustaining decentralization to meet the long term agenda of the government to bring governance to the doorsteps of the people, to ensure effective and efficient decentralization through greater grassroots participation, better planning and improved service delivery in local communities.
On Friday, 10th March, 2023 His Lordship the Chief Justice Kwesi-Anin Yeboah led the commissioning of the District court in the Abuakwa North Municipality.
Chief Justice Kwesi-Anin Yeboah Hon. Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga MCE
The Address by Tafohene (Osabarima Adusei Peasah IV) and Kukurantumi Adontenhene (Daasebre Boamah Darko II) both expressed their pleasure to be part of the important and historic milestone in the municipality.
According to Tafohene, the Tafo Magistrate Court was established in1960 to serve the entire Abuakwa North Constituency where it operated in makeshift structures including the former Tafo Zonal Council Office block and ICT center where it had operated since 2014 till now. He therefore, indicated that the Municipality was joyful to have the Chief Justice His Lordship Kwesi Anin-Yeboah and the Acting Regional Coordinating Director to commission the District Court at Akyem-Tafo.
Daasebre Boamah Darko II Grand opening of the Court
On his part, the MCE, Hon. Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga stated that, it was a relief when Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly was mentioned as one of the beneficiaries of the one hundred (100) new Court/Bungalow initiative by His Excellency the President of the Republic.
He expressed his gratitude to the President and thanked Osabarima Adusei Peasah IV and Nananom for allotting a portion of land freely for this project and also for pursuing it till completion. He also appreciated the Chief Justice and the Regional Ministers rep John Odonkor for their efforts in ensuring the municipality benefitted from court project and hoped that the judicial status of the Abuakwa North Municipality court system will be appellate to circuit court quickly for hearing of appeal cases of the District Court.
He also seized the opportunity and urged the management of the District Court to ensure effective justice delivery in the discharge of court duties to gain the trust of the people and to operate with this thinking as a guide in their daily court processes and trails.
As part of the Municipal Assembly’s schedule to engage with community members in the various electoral areas, the Municipal Chief Executive together with Heads/units of departments of the Municipal Assembly visited the various communities and electoral areas within the municipality to discuss key issues pertinent to the development of the Municipality and the nation as a whole.
Accordingly, all Hon. Assembly members in line with their functions stipulated in Section 16 of the Local Governance Act, 2006 (Act 936) organized a community engagement in the electoral areas such as Ahenbronom, Abaase, Dar-el-Salam, Mangoase, New Tafo-Ati, Obodanase and Nobi-Bayera within the Abuakwa North Municipality as a platform for the MCE and the various heads/unit of departments to engage and interact with the people, pointing out the key issues affecting them and how best such issues can be resolved.
The MCE, Hon. Umar Babs Bodinga thanked all present for taking time off their busy schedules to assemble and listen to policies and projects of the Government as well as the measures the assembly is putting in place to make life much easier for all citizens. He added that he came along with departmental and unit heads from the assembly to make presentations on programs and initiatives being carried out in every sector of the economy in the areas such as Physical planning (Town Planning), Works, Health (HIV/AIDS & COVID), NADMO, Agriculture, Environmental Health and Sanitation, Development planning, Social Welfare and Community Development among others.
The community members were also given the opportunity to present their challenge in relation to the progress of work and developments by the Assembly. The various Heads of departments and Units answered appropriately to the questions raised and also to inform members on the right processes and channels to follow to get issues resolved.
The MCE thanked all Honorable Assembly members for their efforts to organize electorates to make the exercise a fruitful one. He acknowledged the challenges of the communities and together with MCD assured the community members of the willingness of the Assembly and Government to address their issues and to complete all stalled projects. He added that his doors are always open to community members who think their Assembly members were not presenting their challenges or to suggest ideas to help in the development of their communities.
ABUAKWA NORTH MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY DISBURSED ITEMS TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITY (PWDs)
Picture of the MCE, MCD and Head of Social Welfare Department with some beneficiaries
The Disability Common Fund (DCF) is three (3) percent of the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) set aside for persons with Disability to alleviate them from poverty and improve the living conditions of the marginalized group in the society.
The Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly on Thursday 28th December, 2023 distributed some items to twenty (20) registered Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) who were approved to be given an investment support. These items provided by the Municipal Assembly were various startup kits which they requested for to aid them commence a business on their own in the Municipality.
The programme which was held at the forecourt of the Assembly premises was graced by some dignitaries, namely; Hon. Alhaji Urmar Babs Bodinga, the Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Emil Tawiah Atsu, the Municipal Coordinating Director, Mrs. Ansu Josephine, the Municipal Finance Officer, Honorable Elvis Yeboah, the chairman of Social Service Sub – Committee of the Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly, some Hon. Assembly Members and some staff of the Assembly were present.
The allocation of resources encompassed a range of items such as, industrial sewing machine, refrigerators, pop cone machine, toiletries and among others.
Speaking to the beneficiaries, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly, Honorable Alhaji Urmar Babs Bodinga explained that the Assembly has since 2019, presented a start – up capital to the PWDs except 2021 when the country was hit by the covid pandemic.
According to the MCE, a total of two hundred and forty-five (245) out of the seven hundred (700) registered PWDs have so far benefited from the initiative which also included those on health and education scheme.
Honorable Alhaji Urmar Babs Bodinga added that the Assembly will be monitoring the beneficiaries to make sure the items are used for their intended purposes.
He also encouraged the beneficiaries to support the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) administration and vote for Dr Mahamadu Bawumia in the coming 2024 general election for continuous humanitarian and infrastructural development in the Municipality.
Hon. Elvis Yeboah also noted to the beneficiaries to take very good care of themselves and equipment provided to them because when management make follow up and the equipment are not used for their purposes, it will be ceased and taken back to the Assembly.
The Municipal Director of Social Welfare and Community Development, Madam Mercy Amusah recounted the Municipal Assembly’s past experiences where some beneficiaries sold their items to other people and later ended up on the street begging for alms. She then urged the beneficiaries to carefully manage the allocated resources, thereby contributing tangibly to the socio-economic progress of the Municipality.
Expression of gratitude were shared by the beneficiaries after the distribution exercise, extolling
the Municipal Assembly for a great work done the Municipal Assembly for a great work done.
Picture of some items disbursed by the Assembly
MCE presenting an item to a beneficiary
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The Municipal AIDS Committee of the Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly in collaboration with the Municipal Health Directorate commemorated the 2022 World AIDS Day Celebrations on Thursday, 1st December, 2022 at the Osiem community. The theme for the celebration was “Equalize” 20 years of a Multi-Sectoral HIV response: Accelerating Progress to end AIDS.
ACTIVITES TO MARK THE DAY
- Created public awareness of the disease through the local FM station and Community Information Centers across the municipality
- Engaged Senior High Schools on the disease in the municipality
- Embarked on community sensitization through the Mosques and Churches
- Organized free HIV/AIDS, ENT, EYE screening.
MESSAGE TO THE PUBLIC
In his address to the gathering, the MCE, Hon. Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga read the 2022 WAD message and emphasized on the rampant spread of the virus within the Municipality and the country as a whole. He indicated that the Municipality recorded 13,989 new cases from January to September, 2022 whilst 23,495 new HIV cases had been recorded in the country as a whole. He advised the public to avoid stigmatizing People Living with HIV(PLHIV) and avoid depriving them of their rights as citizens so that they will fill accepted in society, take their medication in other to remain healthy and reduce the spread, which is what the theme seeks to achieve. He said the medication is provided free by the government and it help to suppress the virus in the system and prevent it from weakening the immune system.
On her part, the Municipal HIV Coordinator, Madam Cecilai Okorley, stated that the Agenda ‘95’, ‘95’, ‘95’ is a progress that seek to focus on ensuring that 95% of infected persons are aware of their status and are taking their HIV medications. She encouraged every individual to test at the health centers to know their status for the treatment to avoid getting to the deadly stage (AIDS) of the disease. She urged parents to open up with their children on sexual discussions at home to create the needed awareness of reproductive health issues.
On his part, the Municipal Health Director, Mr. Abdulai Aziz indicated that the increasing number of infected cases in the county is not communicated to the public to instill fear in them but to rather create the awareness that the spread of the virus can deteriorate the development of the country. He therefore urged all to test and know their status and those infected to take their medication
Condom Activation
The Regional Technical Supporting Unit provided free condoms for distribution to the public. These condoms were distributed to the youth at the screening grounds and were encouraged to continue the use of condoms when engaging in sexual intercourse to prevent any infection including HIV.
The National Farmers Day was introduced by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture in 1985 to honor farmers and fishermen for their effort and contribution in feeding the country and to reflect on the importance of Agriculture in Ghana. On Friday, 25th November, 2022 Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly marked the 38th Farmers Day at Tontro School Park under the theme ‘’ Accelerating Agricultural Development through Value Addition’’.
The event was led by some key stakeholders in the Municipality including the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Umar Babs Bodinga, Tafo Hene OsabarimaAdusei Peasah IV, Municipal Director of Agriculture Mr. Anthony Narh Nartey, Guest of Honor. Dr. Adu Ankoma of National Development Commission. The Member of Parliament (MP), Hon. Gifty Twum-Ampofo was represented by Director of Nadmo, Mr. Stephen Osei Owusu representative.
During the event, Municipal NADMO Director, Stephen Osei Owusu in his message read on behalf of Hon. Gifty Twum – Ampofo, congratulated farmers for their hard work throughout the year in review. He advised them to ensure higher crop production and in return expect massive purchase from citizens due to the recent ban government had placed on importation of foodstuff. Farmers were also encouraged to form cooperate unions to make it easier to solicit funds to improve farming activities. He said, as a female leader who aims at encouraging other women to achieve higher success, the MP ensured that she fully funded the award category for the Best Female Farmer to motivate other women.
Speaking at the event, Hon Alhaji Babs Umar Bodinga, MCE acknowledged the dignitaries and stakeholders present and expressed his gratitude to all farmers for playing a major role in contributing towards agricultural development of the country. He further advised them to adopt the habit of adding extra value to their raw products in order to attract more consumers to boost their profit margins. Hon. MCE also promised to provide 1000 liters of fertilizers and to ensure that roads in farming areas in the municipality are constructed to aid in the smooth transportation of farm products and other agricultural related goods.
The Chairman of the Occasion OsabarimaAdusei Peasah IV, Tafo Hene commended the hard work of the farmers and urge them to continue making the Municipality proud. He also commended the Municipal Assembly for organizing a colorful and successful event to honor the good work of the farmers.
The Celebration was climaxed by acknowledging and awarding best farmers under various categories. Agricultural Management Information System Officer, Mr. Isaac Amoako mentioned the various farmers within the Municipality whose hard work on their farms had been recognized and deserved to be awarded. This included: -Best Youth Farmer; Mr. Samuel Ayitey, Best Rice Farmer; Mr. Ofori Agyapong, Best Woman Farmer-Leticia Tetteh, Best Agricultural Extension Officer-Mad Faustina Adjei and the overall Municipal Best Farmer was awarded to David Tetteh.
The farmers also expressed their appreciation for the support and encouragement from all stakeholders including the Ministry of Food and Agriculture for their continuous inputs towards their activities. They promised to ensure quality delivery of product from their farmlands to ensure that more food and jobs are created within the Municipality and country as a whole.
Speech by the MCE A speech delivered on behalf of the MP Hon. Gifty Twum
Dignitaries examining the awards for awards for the event. A display of award to be given to the best farmers.
Award presented to the Best Female Farmer. The MCE and the Omahene of Tafo
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The Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly in collaboration with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) on Monday, 5th October, 2022 inaugurated a Taskforce at Osiem to assist in directing unauthorized stopping, loading/dropping of passengers at the roadside by commercial vehicles to the main station.
This initiative was necessitated by the rampant road accidents destroying lives and properties especially children along the main streets of Osiem township and the hazardous relationship existing between the union (station) drivers and the trotro drivers.
Prior to the inauguration, the Assembly sensitized both the commercial drivers, institutional drivers and the Community at large on road safety hence the need for a Taskforce to assist the work of the MTTD to ensure safety and sanity on the roads and to protect lives and properties.
The Police Commander on his part advised the Taskforce to work hard and cautioned them not to take the law into their own hands but report to the Osiem Police on any mishappenings for further action.
The MCE officially inaugurated the Osiem Traffic Taskforce, urged them to be transparent in their operations and to make the Assembly aware of any challenges faced in the discharge of their duties.
In attendance was the Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr. John Ankrah, the Municipal Police Commander, DSP Ampofo, the Municipal Roads Engineer, Mr. Bernard Adams and a section of the Assembly’s staff.
Taskforce with the MCE, MCD, Municipal Police Commander & Colleagues of the Police Service
