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
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly, Hon. Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga embarked community tour from the 20th September 2022 to 14th October 2022 across the Municipality as part of his responsibilities to engage the various communities.
In line with their functions as stipulated in Section (16) of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), Assembly Members in the various electoral areas organized the session to aid the Municipal Chief Executive and his Team to interact with residents.
The MCE visited all the sixteen electoral areas under the Municipality which includes Ahenbronom-Kukurantumi, Apotosu-Kukurantumi, Sokode-Juaso, Ahenbronom- OldTafo, Abaase-Old Tafo, Dar-el-Salam-New Tafo, Mangoase-New Tafo, CRIG, Ati-Ahenbronom, Ati-Amanfrom, Nobi-Bayera, Anyinasin, Ettukrom, Ahenbronom-Osiem, and Afigya
The purpose of the Community engagement was to interact and address public concerns with regards to development and governance issues. The visit also served as an opportunity for Hon. Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga to be introduced as the MCE and Political representative of the Central Government. The MCE was accompanied by the Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr. John Ankrah and heads of the various departments.
Hon. Municipal Chief Executive in his opening remarks mentioned that the engagement programmes part of deepening the decentralization process by enhancing grassroots participation and involvement in the decision-making process as established in the Local Governance Act 2016, Act 936. He also urged the electorates to channel their grievances through the Assembly Members when the need arises.
The Heads of the various Departments within the Assembly took turns to sensitize the members of the various communities on Education, Health and Sanitation, Agriculture, Road Network, Water, Electricity, Building Permits, Burial Permits, Physical Planning, Development Planning, National Disaster and Social Services issues.
On his part, the Municipal Roads Engineer, Mr. Bernard Adams, assured the electorates that all on-going road projects will be completed and assessment had been done to incorporate other road networks earmarked for construction across the Municipality.
Also the Municipal Works Engineer, Mrs. Diana Afrifa took participants through the acquisition of Building Permits and encouraged the electorates to corporate and comply with the processes to avoid indiscriminate buildings from springing up within the Municipality. She also encouraged all to pay their property rates since it is a source of generating revenue for developments.
On burial issues, the Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr. John Ankrah sensitized the participants on the need to acquire a Burial Permit from the Assembly before burial. He indicated that the processes start’s with acquiring documents; Cause of Death from the Hospital, Death Certificate from Births and Deaths Registry, Burial Permit from the Assembly and Grave Space from the Traditional Authorities. He seized the opportunity and pleaded with the various Traditional Authorities to inspect and ensure families acquire the necessary documentations before allocating the grave space for burial.
The Development Planning Officer, Mr. Royal Antwi informed the electorates about the new Ghana Enterprise Agency’s (GEA) intervention programme on Entrepreneurship training and accessing of loans for business start-ups to aid businesses grow. Mr. Antwi explained that, the programme is the Government’s response to address the looming challenge of youth unemployment in Ghana.
The HIV/AIDS focal person, Mamatta Alhassan Abdullai, also seized the opportunity to educate and create awareness on the rise in cases of the disease. She mentioned the causes, preventive measures and urged all to get tested to know their status and to avoid discriminating against Persons Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV).
OPEN FORUM
Both the MCE and the MCD expressed appreciation to the Traditional Authorities for their immense support and turnout towards a successful engagement. They thanked the Assembly Members and the public for an all-inclusive participation aimed at bringing development to their doorstep.
HON. CHIEF EXECUTIVE ADDRESSING THE STAKEHOLDERS MUNICIPAL COORDINATING DIRECTOR DELIVERING A SPEECH.
SCHOOL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN ASKING A QUESTION .
REVENUE MOBILISATION EXERCISE – AUGUST, 2022
The Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly embarked on series of revenue mobilization exercise to sensitize the public for non-payment of revenue to the Assembly as part of its quarterly activities.
The purpose of this exercise was to sensitise the public, collect and collate data on properties, both Temporal and Permanent structures. The public were made to understand that the revenue generated from Basic rates, Market tolls, Licenses, Fees, Fines etc. are used for socio-economic developmental projects such as the construction of roads, provision for water, schools, health facilities and market centres amongst others for the Municipality.
This campaign was led by the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Umar Babs Bodinga, Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr. John Ankrah, Municipal Finance Officer, Mr. Samuel Elikem Dickson and the Municipal Budget Officer, Mr. Charles Bayeh, Assembly Members and staff of Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly.
The Municipal Chief Executive in his advice to the tax payers urged them to redeem themselves by paying the appropriate fees charged within the stipulated period, and also to channel related complaints through the Assembly Members to the appropriate offices of the Assembly for redress.
The revenue task force team also seized the opportunity to collect outstanding monies owed the Assembly.
MCD interacting with his team members Municipal Budget Analyst with his team members
The Ohum festival is celebrated annually by the Akyem Communities in remembrance of the ancestors who struggled to preserve the Okyeman kingdom and to give thanks for the new yam harvest.
On Wednesday, 23rd June, 2022, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly, Hon. Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga and some staff of the Assembly paid a courtesy call on the various chiefs in the Municipality to commemorate the Ohum Festival.
The MCE and his team visited the Chiefs of Kukurantumi; Daasebre Boamah II, Tafo; Osabarima Adusei Peasah IV, Anyinasin; Osabarima Atta Appeakorang Agyei II, Ati; Barima Ati Awuah and donated some items to support the celebration.
The visits to the chiefs took place at the various durbar grounds in Kukurantumi, Tafo, Anyinasin and Ati respectively. During the visit, the various chiefs through the linguists (Okyeame) warmly welcomed the delegation to the festival and deemed it a great honor to have a government representative to grace the sacred occasion and expressed their profound gratitude to the MCE.
On his part, the MCE relayed his gratitude to the various chiefs and residents for their enormous support and further pledged to ensure the consistent development of the various towns under the Municipality. He congratulated the chief and wished them a peaceful celebration. The various chiefs in turn expressed their appreciation and promised to collaborate and support him in his numerous developmental projects as long as is within the interest of the public.
MCE addressing the durbar in Anyinasin Donated items to Chiefs
MCE and Team with Anyinasin Chief MCE greeting the Chief of Ati
MCE’s with the Chief of Tafo MCE’s visit to the chief of Kukurantumi
The Municipal Chief Executive of Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly, Hon. Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga together with Assembly Members and some departmental heads of the Assembly went on a field trip to the first Zipline Drone Service facility established in the country in April 2019 at Omenako in the Eastern Region on Thursday July 14th, 2022.
At the Zipline facility, the Community Team Lead , Mrs. Shemau Muniru stated that, the innovative medical drone delivery services since its introduction in the country has carried out over five (5) million routine vaccine deliveries, fortifying Ghana’s position as one of the countries with the world’s largest medical drone delivery service. She also said that the work of Zipline from April 2019 to the day of the visit included the delivery of over two million (2,000,000) lifesaving medical products, eight hundred and fifty thousand (850,000) Covid-19 vaccines, four million (4,000,000) routine vaccine doses, eight hundred and sixty eight thousand (868,000) medical products and six thousand(6,000) blood units among others.
She further added that, six of the Zipline Drone Service Stations are currently operating in Ghana, covering about 72% health facilities and plans are far advanced to establish two more stations to boost the coverage to about 85%. Mrs. Muniru lastly indicated that the Omenako Zipline Center serves all government approved health facilities in the Eastern Region and some parts of the Central Region.
The MCE in his statement said that there are a lot of great projects the President, Nana Addo Danquah Akuffo-Addo has instituted in the country since his assumption of office which lacked the required publicity. He therefore decided with management to bring Honourable Members who are the first point of call in their Electoral Areas to have knowledge of the facility so that they can in turn inform their electorates of the impact of the President’s initiative.
Hon. Bodinga during his commendation speech recounted how a traditional ruler of Nobi, a hinterland community in his Municipality eulogized government and Zipline Drone Services for saving lives, citing an instance where a pregnant woman with serious medical complications delivered safely through the assistance of medical supplies delivered by the center.
He finally advised Honourable Assembly Members to be ambassadors of their respective Electoral Areas concerning the activities of Zipline Drone Services the Central Government has brought to their enclaves. The team also took turns to appreciate the staff and the services of the Zipline Drone.
The Community Team Lead of Zipline Ghana at Omenako briefing the delegation on how drugs are stored
Team being taken through the operations of the Zipline Drone Servies at the machine and instrument room
The zipline flight operator briefing the team on the pre-flight checks and take off
Hon.MCE together with MCD, Assembly Members, departmental heads and media men.
On Wednesday, 6th July 2022, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly, Hon. Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga cut sod to commence the construction of a mechanized borehole at the A.M.E Zion Primary School, New Tafo and the Tontro Health Centre. Hon. MCE was accompanied by some staff of the Assembly to witness the ceremony.
Speaking at the event the MCE expressed his gratitude to residents for their support and collaboration since his assumption of duty. He relayed his passion in undertaking and completing projects that will improve quality health care and education in the Municipality. According to the MCE, he saw the need to construct the boreholes to facilitate free flow of quality water, improved personal hygiene to motivate learning among students and quality healthcare in the communities.
At both sites, the MCE pledged to provide a well-trained drilling specialist with the appropriate machinery to construct the boreholes with unlimited flow of water. He also promised to ensure the frequent monitoring of the project until its completion.
In line with his schedule, Hon. MCE and his team also visited the New Tafo Market to inspect the meat house earmarked for refurbishment. He interacted with the Market Queen Mother (Dwasohemaa) and Meat Merchants and assured them of his plan to refurbish the dilapidated meat house to produce hygienic and decent environment for meat vendors and consumers. He further advised all meat merchants in the market to register a slot in the meat house for their businesses after the refurbishment since they will not be permitted to sell meat outside the meat house.
The beneficiaries expressed their appreciation towards the compassionate act of the MCE and promised to collaborate and ensure the regular maintenance of the building when done.
From right: MCE, MPO, MCD at AME Zion School Official Sod Cutting by the MCE at A.M.E. Zion premise
Management in a discussion at Tontro Health Center Ceremonial Sod Cutting by MCE at Tronto
