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
Effective delivery of environmental sanitation services remains the major challenge facing some communities in Ghana. The impact of poor environment is immediate unsightly littering, foul-smelling, chocked gutters, stagnant pools of waste and flooding during rains, Vermin and Rodents Munds of refuse dumps, the prevalence of malarial, cholera, diarrhea and typhoid in some communities.
Hence Management of Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly in collaboration with Assembly Members organized a cleanup exercise on Saturday the 21st of May,2022 to help solve some of the unsightly situation at the central business area of the Municipality
The Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga on behalf of the President, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo through the GetFund received and handed over 465 pieces of Furniture, Book shelves, File drawer cabinets and Notice boards to the Education Directorate to be distributed to schools within the Abuakwa North Municipality.
The furniture was made up of tables and chairs for teachers, mono and dual desks for the primary & JHS and set of tables and chairs for the kindergarten levels. This intervention was to help solve some of the furniture deficit or challenges facing public basic schools within the Municipality.
Hon. Umar Babs Bodinga said the government is committed to improving educational infrastructure to enhance teaching and learning. He also pledged to assist the Education Directorate with teaching and learning materials to aid quality education.
The Municipal Education Director, Madam Abena Gyamerah was grateful to the government for their continuous support to provide quality education in the Municipality and promised to maintain the furniture.
Madam Abena Gyamerah appealed for more of similar support from other benevolent individuals and institutions towards improving the standard of education in the area.
MCE, Hon. Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga speaking to the press Hon. MCE, Education Director, section of staff and the press
Display of furniture for the various public schools within the municipality
Hon MCE in a discussion with the Education Director Hon. MCE handing over furniture to the Education Director
On the 25th of March, 2022, the Municipal AIDS Committee in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development embarked on a sensitization to create public awareness that HIV/AIDS is still in the system with high prevalence from the previous year which the public should be concerned.
Participants included Resource Persons from the Ghana Education Service, Ghana Health Service, a section of Assembly staff, members of the committee, parents and youth within the Kukurantumi community. The Resource Persons educated participants on Reproductive Health issues, HIV/AIDS, and its related impact on the individual, family, community and the country at large.
Addressing the participants, Madam Christiana Adzaklu Kwakyewaa of the Social Welfare Department mentioned that ‘Teenage’ is the transitional phase of sexual and psychosocial growth which requires special attention and education to help teenagers or adolescents understand and embrace the new changes they are experiencing in the right way.
According to her, Negative peer pressure, single parenting, poverty, watching of pornographic materials amongst others are some of the causes of teenage pregnancy resulting in the girl-child dropping out of school and affecting her physical and mental health. She emphasized that practicing abstinence before marriage is paramount.
On her part, Mrs. Rachel Bempong, the Head of Girl Child Education of the Ghana Education Service mentioned that low class performance, social isolation, reduction in educational attainment are some of the impacts of teenage pregnancy on education.
Also Madam Cecilia Okorley, Public Health Nurse, added that HIV/AIDS is on the rise within the municipality and the nation at large and therefore cautioned all against indiscriminate sexual behavior.
The Focal Person on the Municipal AIDS Committee, Mamatta Alhasan Abdulai, addressing the participants indicated that testing to know your status is free, medication is also free and that pregnant and positive mothers are put on Anti-Retroviral medication to Prevent Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) of the virus. She concluded and urged all to get tested at any of the Public Health Centers and to avoid stigmatizing People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV).
Presentation by Madam Christiana of the social welfare department Presentation by the Head of Girl Child Education, Mrs. Rachel Bempong
Presentation by Madam Cecilia, a Public Health Nurse Madam Mamatta Alhassan the HIV/AIDS Rep. of the Assembly sitting in the midst participants
It was colourful and full of energy displayed at Akyem Old Tafo as the Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly under the auspices of the Ghana Education Service joined the rest of the nation to mark its 65th Independence Anniversary Celebration on Sunday 6th March 2022 at the WBM Zion SHS park.
This year’s celebration was on the theme ‘Working Together, Bouncing back Better. The annual Independence Day Celebration was invariably marked by a range of festivities which included a Parade of school children, commercial drivers, market women, the civil service and the security service within the Municipality.
Speaking on the theme, the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga hailed our fore fathers; Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Dr. J.B Danquah, Obetsebi Lamptey, Ako Agyei, Edward Akuffo Addo among others who toiled and fought for our Independence. He therefore urged all to let the annual event build love and commitment for the nation.
Hon MCE further stated that the Covid-19 pandemic has derailed the progress in academic works and caused havoc in every aspect of life hence the need to work together and embrace the Electronic levy bill (e-levy) since it’s an avenue for government to generate revenue to deal with the negative impacts of Covid-19 to build the economy.
The Municipal Education Director, Mrs. Abena Gyamera in her welcome address acknowledged the past leaders who through their toil has brought the nation this far, therefore, entreated all to be factors of change in order to help solve the complex issues facing the nation.
The Municipal Chief Executive Hon. Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga, Member of Parliament for the Municipality Hon. Gifty Twum Ampofo, Municipal Coordinating Director, John Ankrah, Presiding Member, Hon. Emmanuel Asare Gyekye alongside other prominent personalities were in attendance.
At the end of the celebration, participating schools who did well were awarded as well as students from remote areas in the Municipality who excelled in the just ended Basic Examination Council Examination.
It was colourful and full of energy and display at Akyem Old Tafo as the Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly under the auspices of the Ghana Education Service joined the rest of the nation to mark its 65th Independence Anniversary Celebration on Sunday 6th March 2022 at the WBM Zion SHS park.
This year’s celebration was on the theme ‘Working Together, Bouncing back Better. The annual Independence Day Celebration was invariably marked by a range of festivities which included a Parade of school children, commercial drivers, market women, the civil service and the security service within the Municipality.
Speaking on the theme, the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga hailed our fore fathers; Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Dr. J.B Danquah, Obetsebi Lamptey, Ako Agyei, Edward Akuffo Addo among others who toiled and fought for our Independence. He therefore urged all to let the annual event build love and commitment for the nation.
Hon MCE further stated that the Covid-19 pandemic has derailed the progress in academic works and caused havoc in every aspect of life hence the need to work together and embrace the Electronic levy bill (e-levy) since it’s an avenue for government to generate revenue to deal with the negative impacts of Covid-19 to build the economy.
The Municipal Education Director, Mrs. Abena Gyamera in her welcome address acknowledged the past leaders who through their toil has brought the nation this far, therefore, entreated all to be factors of change in order to help solve the complex issues facing the nation.
The Municipal Chief Executive Hon. Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga, Member of Parliament for the Municipality Hon. Gifty Twum Ampofo, Municipal Coordinating Director, John Ankrah, Presiding Member, Hon. Emmanuel Asare Gyekye alongside other prominent personalities were in attendance.
At the end of the celebration, participating schools who did well were awarded as well as students from remote areas in the Municipality who excelled in the just ended Basic Examination Council Examination.
Hon. Umar Babs Bodinga delivering his speech Hon. MCE and Education Director in a group picture with awardees
Hon. Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga & Hon. Gifty Twum-Ampofo Traditional Authorities
From left ASP Isaac Ampofo, Hon. Umar Bodinga and Mrs. Abena Gyamera From (left) MCD, Hon. P.M, Hon. MCE and Education Director
On Saturday 19th February 2022, the MCE of Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly, Hon. Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga, also the Chairman of the Municipal Security Committee (MUSEC), led the Police and other security agencies to flush out nomadic Fulani herdsmen who had invaded farms and personal properties.
The exercise was informed by several complaints to the Assembly by the Kukurantumi Farmers Association, whose farms were damaged by cattle numbering in hundreds.
Hon. MCE had a peaceful deliberation with the herdsmen and it was mutually agreed that they vacate the Municipality by close of Sunday, 20th February 2022. MUSEC also established that the herdsmen who defaulted will be liable and fined for any damage caused to farm crops.
The nomadic Fulani herdsmen led by Chief Issaka Hamid thanked MUSEC for handling the situation peacefully and diplomatically. He also debunked any false claim made on social media outlets that suggested that they were brutally treated by MUSEC during earlier operations.
A similar operation to flash out the cattle was held on Friday, 4th February, 2022, in Sokode Juaso and Power Line communities in Kukurantumi was also peaceful and successful.
Hon. Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga assured the farmers that, MUSEC is in charge of the situation and will continue to protect and defend the peaceful and serene atmosphere in the Municipality. He further sent a strong word of caution to other nomadic herdsmen who intend to invade the Municipality to rescind their decision as MUSEC will not allow that to happen.
He also admonished local cattle breeders to confine their cattle to prevent further damages to farms and called on residents to be vigilant and report any such situation to the Assembly for prompt action.
NADMO director with the Ghana Police Service Herd of Cattle
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On Thursday 9th January 2022, Management of Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly (AbNMA) held a staff durbar at the Assembly Hall. The meeting was called to order at 10:00am by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE); Hon. Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga.
Dignitaries of the Municipality including Municipal Coordinating Director (MCD), Mr. John Ankrah and the Municipal Finance Officer (MFO); Mr. Elikem Dickson were also introduced by the Human Resource Manager -Mr. Ebenezer K. Ghartey.
The MCD in his delivery defined the Durbar as a platform for the MCE and Management of the Municipality to interact and discuss issues of concern regarding the working standard of staff in the Assembly.
During the speech of the MCE, Hon. Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga, expressed his gratitude to the staff of AbNMA for their support since the day he assumed duty. He deemed the durbar as another positive phase towards the development of the Municipality.
In addition to ensuring good working ethics among the staff, the MCE initiated an annual award scheme for hard working staff with exceptional performance for the year in review, he tasked management and staff of the Assembly to give their best in the discharge of their duties in order to have a significant impact on the Municipality for development.
He officially launched the Revenue Mobilization Taskforce of the Assembly and explained the mode of implementation to staff. He enlightened staff on how the taskforce activities will increase the financial status of the Municipality in order to undertake significant projects.
There was an open forum session where staff were given the opportunity to ask questions and express their grievances on issues relating to the working conditions in the Assembly.
A short Presentation by the International Youth Fellowship was (IYF) facilitated by Rev. David Oll the Minister of Foreign Affairs of IYF and Rev. Hwang Seomg Min the Communications Director for IYF on mindset education. Mr. Shadrack Majisi the Regional Public Education Officer of the Commission on Human Right and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) also educated staff on the code of conduct and conflict of interest of Public Servants in the line of their duties.
LasOn Thursday 9th January 2022, Management of Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly (AbNMA) held a staff durbar at the Assembly Hall. The meeting was called to order at 10:00am by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE); Hon. Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga.
Dignitaries of the Municipality including Municipal Coordinating Director (MCD), Mr. John Ankrah and the Municipal Finance Officer (MFO); Mr. Elikem Dickson were also introduced by the Human Resource Manager -Mr. Ebenezer K. Ghartey.
The MCD in his delivery defined the Durbar as a platform for the MCE and Management of the Municipality to interact and discuss issues of concern regarding the working standard of staff in the Assembly.
During the speech of the MCE, Hon. Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga, expressed his gratitude to the staff of AbNMA for their support since the day he assumed duty. He deemed the durbar as another positive phase towards the development of the Municipality.
In addition to ensuring good working ethics among the staff, the MCE initiated an annual award scheme for hard working staff with exceptional performance for the year in review, he tasked management and staff of the Assembly to give their best in the discharge of their duties in order to have a significant impact on the Municipality for development.
He officially launched the Revenue Mobilization Taskforce of the Assembly and explained the mode of implementation to staff. He enlightened staff on how the taskforce activities will increase the financial status of the Municipality in order to undertake significant projects.
There was an open forum session where staff were given the opportunity to ask questions and express their grievances on issues relating to the working conditions in the Assembly.
A short Presentation by the International Youth Fellowship was (IYF) facilitated by Rev. David Oll the Minister of Foreign Affairs of IYF and Rev. Hwang Seomg Min the Communications Director for IYF on mindset education. Mr. Shadrack Majisi the Regional Public Education Officer of the Commission on Human Right and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) also educated staff on the code of conduct and conflict of interest of Public Servants in the line of their duties.
Lastly, the MCE expressed his appreciation to management and staff for their cooperation throughout the programme. He also encouraged them to work diligently towards the municipality’s development.
tly, the MCE expressed his appreciation to management and staff for their cooperation throughout the programme. He also encouraged them to work diligently towards the municipality’s development.
The MCE Hon. Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga and Management of AbNMA
A section of Staff Question and answer time during the Durbar
CHRAJ Presentation by Shadrack Majisi Rev. Hwang Seomg Min of IYF .
- Child Welfare Clinic (CWC),
2.Community Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM),
3.Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF),
- Girls Iron Folate Tablet Supplementation,
5.World Breastfeeding day celebration,
6.Micro Nutrient Supplementation
- Food vendors medical screening and sensitization
