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2nd CNC Ebo Whyte Student Drama Competition: Nurturing Creativity and Cultural Expression

The 2nd CNC Ebo Whyte Student Drama Competition was successfully held with the aim of encouraging artistic expression, enhancing communication skills, and promoting literary appreciation among students. Named after Ghana’s celebrated playwright, Uncle Ebo Whyte, the competition highlighted the power of drama as an educational tool while nurturing the creativity of young talents. It also reaffirmed theatre’s broader role in social commentary, moral reflection, and cultural preservation.

Objectives of the Competition

The event was designed to:

  • Cultivate student interest in drama and the performing arts.
  • Provide a platform for creative and confident self-expression.
  • Promote teamwork, discipline, and problem-solving through stage performance.
  • Address pressing social and moral issues through drama.
  • Celebrate Ghanaian oral traditions and storytelling.

Participation and Organization

The competition brought together schools from across the region, including both Senior High Schools and tertiary institutions. Each school was tasked with staging a short performance, either adapted from Ebo Whyte’s plays or inspired by his recurring themes of family, love, morality, resilience, and social responsibility.

A dedicated planning committee comprising teachers, drama instructors, and literary enthusiasts coordinated the event, which was staged before a distinguished panel of judges made up of theatre professionals, lecturers, and cultural advocates.

Highlights of the Competition

  • Opening Ceremony: The event began with a keynote address on the importance of drama in education, followed by a vibrant cultural dance.
  • Performances: Each school staged a 15–20-minute play addressing themes such as corruption, peer pressure, gender equality, perseverance, and conflict.
  • Stagecraft and Creativity: Students impressed with innovative use of costumes, props, and directing despite resource limitations.
  • Judging: Entries were assessed based on originality, acting, stage management, creativity, and audience engagement.
  • Audience Response: Students, teachers, parents, and guests enthusiastically applauded moving performances and comedic highlights.

Outcomes and Achievements

The competition achieved remarkable success in several areas:

  • Talent Discovery: Exceptional talent in acting, scriptwriting, and directing was uncovered, with many students expressing interest in theatre careers.
  • Skill Development: Participants gained confidence in public speaking, teamwork, and time management.
  • Social Education: Plays provided a mirror for society, sparking conversations on ethics and values.
  • Community Building: The event fostered unity among schools, teachers, and the wider community.
  • Awards: Winners received trophies, books, certificates, and mentorship opportunities with seasoned theatre practitioners.

Challenges Identified

Despite the success, a few challenges emerged:

  • Limited funding for costumes, props, and logistics.
  • Inadequate rehearsal spaces in some schools.
  • Time constraints that restricted the depth of performances.
  • Limited publicity, which reduced audience size and support.

Conclusion and Way Forward

The 2nd CNC Ebo Whyte Student Drama Competition proved to be a resounding success, reinforcing the power of theatre in shaping intellect, creativity, and moral consciousness. The event demonstrated that when students are given a platform to express themselves artistically, they not only entertain but also enlighten their communities.

 

To ensure the growth and sustainability of the competition, the following recommendations were made:

  • Seek sponsorship from corporate bodies, government agencies, and cultural organizations.
  • Organize training workshops on acting, directing, and stage management ahead of future competitions.
  • Expand participation to include more schools nationwide.
  • Enhance publicity through radio, television, and social media platforms.
  • Institutionalize the competition as an annual national event.

The success of this year’s competition stands as a testament to the transformative power of drama in education and the development of Ghana’s young creative talents.

La MCE Meets Traders at Accra Mall Lorry Station to Strengthen Collaboration

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of La Dade-Kotopon, Hon. Alfredos Nii Anyetei, has held a meeting with traders at the Accra Mall Lorry Station to address key concerns affecting their trading activities and to strengthen collaboration for improved development.

In his remarks, the MCE commended traders for their efforts in maintaining cleanliness at the station by employing personnel to remove refuse whenever containers are full. He assured them that the Assembly’s Environmental Health Department would intensify supervision and step up waste management activities to complement their initiatives.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of registering all traders operating within the Accra Mall enclave. Hon. Anyetei explained that proper registration would enable the Assembly to better plan, allocate resources effectively, and extend developmental benefits to traders. He therefore urged all traders to comply fully with the registration process.

On revenue mobilization, the MCE reminded traders of the need to make prompt daily toll payments, stressing that such contributions are critical in supporting community development initiatives across the municipality.

Hon. Anyetei also announced plans to introduce a structured allocation system for temporary trading spaces. According to him, the initiative is aimed at promoting orderliness, enhancing safety, and ensuring smooth business operations at the lorry station.

In conclusion, the MCE expressed appreciation to the traders and stakeholders for their cooperation and contributions. He called for sustained collaboration and open communication between the Assembly and traders to achieve shared developmental goals for the municipality.

LaDMA MCE Holds Strategic Engagement with Department Heads to Enhance Service Delivery

La, Ghana – June 3, 2024 – The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA)Hon. Alfred Nii Anyetei, recently concluded a three-day interactive briefing session with Heads of Department to assess progress and strengthen coordination within the Assembly.

The meetings, held from Wednesday, 28th May to Friday, 30th May 2024, provided a platform for department heads to present updates on their mandates, key activities, ongoing projects, and operational challenges. The engagement formed part of Hon. Anyetei’s efforts to ensure efficient governance, accountability, and improved service delivery for residents of the municipality.

During the sessions, the MCE emphasized the need for teamwork, innovation, and a results-driven approach in achieving the Assembly’s developmental objectives. He commended the dedication of the various departments while urging them to uphold transparency and efficiency in their operations.

“The success of LaDMA depends on our collective efforts. By working together and addressing challenges proactively, we can better serve our community and drive sustainable development,” Hon. Anyetei stated.

Key Focus Areas

The discussions covered critical areas such as:
✔ Infrastructure and Urban Development – Progress on ongoing projects
✔ Revenue Mobilization – Strategies to improve local revenue generation
✔ Waste Management & Sanitation – Measures to enhance cleanliness
✔ Social Services & Education – Initiatives to support community welfare
✔ Security & Compliance – Enforcement of bylaws and public safety

The MCE assured department heads of his commitment to addressing bottlenecks hindering their work while encouraging them to adopt technology and citizen engagement in service delivery.

The engagement reaffirmed LaDMA’s commitment to good governance, accountability, and inclusive development, setting a clear path for enhanced municipal administration.

Greater Accra Regional Sanitation Day: La Dade-Kotopon Leads Massive Cleanup Effort

In response to the directive from the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Linda Obenewa Akweley Ocloo, the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) organized a large-scale sanitation exercise on February 28, 2025. The initiative, led by Municipal Coordinating Director (MCD) Mr. Daniel Nkrumah, aimed to promote environmental cleanliness and prevent the outbreak of cholera and other diseases.

Full Participation for a Cleaner Municipality

To ensure maximum engagement, Mr. Nkrumah ordered the temporary closure of all shops, directing residents, market women, and business owners to clean their surroundings and clear choked gutters ahead of the rainy season. Shops were allowed to reopen at 11:00 AM, while food vendors were permitted to operate to maintain meal availability. Although some shop owners initially resisted, authorities enforced compliance to maintain the initiative’s success.

A Collective Effort for Lasting Impact

To facilitate a thorough cleanup, LaDMA contracted 250 laborers to assist in desilting gutters and clearing drains. The exercise revealed heavily clogged gutters, some containing drinking water pipes—a severe health hazard that requires urgent attention.

Security agencies, including the military, police, ambulance service, prison service, and fire service, actively participated in the exercise. While some officers joined in the cleanup, others patrolled the municipality to maintain order and ensure compliance with sanitation directives.

Community Engagement and Youth Involvement

Demonstrating strong leadership, Mr. Nkrumah personally monitored the cleanup across the municipality, ensuring drains were properly desilted. Assembly staff, including the Deputy Director, actively contributed, reinforcing the commitment to sanitation. Schoolchildren also took part, cleaning the areas around their schools, fostering environmental responsibility from a young age.

Widespread Media Coverage and Future Commitments

The event attracted significant media attention, with coverage from television, radio, and online platforms, further amplifying the importance of sanitation. Mr. Nkrumah reaffirmed LaDMA’s commitment to tackling sanitation challenges, particularly the improper placement of drinking water pipes in gutters. Moving forward, the Assembly will implement stricter measures to ensure sustainable sanitation practices and a healthier environment for all.

The success of the Greater Accra Regional Sanitation Day in La Dade-Kotopon underscores the power of collective action in creating a cleaner, healthier community. LaDMA remains dedicated to maintaining high sanitation standards and working with stakeholders to safeguard public health.

Hon. Solomon Kotey Nikoi Presents Vital Resources to Aspiring Fish Farmers

Flashback HON SOLOMON KOTEY NIKOI PRESENTING FISH FARMING ITEMS TO BENEFICIARIES AT THE FORECOURT OF THE ASSEMBLY

Mr. Solomon Kotey Nikoi, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), emphasized the global job creation potential of fish farming, pointing out that the assembly’s support for this sector reflects its dedication to fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable development. He explained that this initiative aligns with the government’s broader agenda to promote aquaculture as a key strategy for diversifying the economy and creating long-term employment opportunities.

Addressing concerns about the depletion of fish stocks due to unsustainable fishing practices, the MCE stressed the importance of shifting towards fish farming as a necessary step for the future. He encouraged stakeholders to embrace aquaculture, highlighting its potential to generate jobs for the youth and enhance food security both locally and nationally.

The items presented to beneficiaries included modern fishing tools, high-quality fingerlings, and technical support, all aimed at boosting productivity and profitability in the fish farming sector. Hon. Nikoi urged recipients to make the most of the resources provided, stressing that they are crucial catalysts for the growth and sustainability of the municipality’s fish farming industry.

This initiative marks a significant step towards promoting sustainability and prosperity within the local fishing community.

Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection Conducts Capacity-Building Workshop for LEAP Reassessment Team

The Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection has organized a capacity-building workshop aimed at enhancing the skills of officers involved in the reassessment of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) Programme. The workshop, held on October 1, 2024, at the Volta Serene Hotel in Ho, brought together officers from various sectors in the Greater Accra Region. Participants included Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Coordinating Directors, Information Officers, Planning Officers, Statistical Officers, and Social Welfare Officers.

This one-day workshop focused on equipping the officers with specialized research methodologies to ensure the collection of accurate and reliable data for the government’s review and updating of LEAP-related policies. The LEAP Programme, which provides financial assistance to vulnerable households, is currently undergoing reassessment to improve its effectiveness and reach.

Participants were introduced to the LEAP Reassessment strategy, the Ghana National Household Registry (GNHR), and the scale-up process for LEAP reassessment. The workshop also covered the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders, case management for reassessment, public information campaigns, and the monitoring and spot-check procedures required for reassessment. Additional modules included ethical data collection, identifying target households, and community mapping.

LEAP Programme Faces Challenges, Leading to Calls for Reassessment

Mr. Colson Akanbasiam, Head of Communication at the LEAP Programme, speaking on behalf of the Director of LMS, highlighted the significant progress made by LEAP over the years. However, he also raised concerns about certain challenges affecting the programme’s implementation.

One key issue mentioned was the discovery that some officers, who were supposed to serve within the programme’s value chain, had been listed as beneficiaries. Additionally, some staff had indirectly abandoned their posts, which has hindered legitimate beneficiaries from accessing their funds.

Mr. Akanbasiam stressed the need for a comprehensive reassessment of the LEAP Programme, a call that has gained support among stakeholders across Ghana. He noted that this reassessment goes beyond the traditional scope of Social Welfare and emphasized the importance of organizing a “training of trainers” workshop to equip officers with the skills needed to lead the reassessment process.

He further explained that the LEAP Programme was designed with specific goals, including improving household consumption and nutrition, increasing access to healthcare, boosting school enrollment for children of school-going age, and facilitating access to complementary services in support of the government’s poverty reduction efforts.

Since its inception in 2008, the LEAP Programme has expanded every two years, with extreme poverty serving as the benchmark for inclusion. The recent workshop aims to prepare officers to conduct high-quality research that will support the reassessment of government programmes like LEAP, ensuring that they continue to address the needs of vulnerable populations effectively.

LaDMA Integral to Development Agenda: A Key Focus for Progress

The La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly held its first ordinary meeting of the first session of the fourth La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly on March 25 and 26, 2024. The meeting took place in La.

During the meeting, the Municipal Chief Executive for La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly, Hon. Rev. Solomon Kotey Nikoi, presented his sessional address for discussion and approval.

Various sub-committees were formed, and their chairpersons were elected after the MCE addressed the House. One of the topics discussed was the payment of ex-gratia to the past honorable Assembly members. It was agreed that the approved budget should be paid to the honorable members.

Overall, it was a productive meeting, and the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly is looking forward to continuing its work for the betterment of the community.

ACCRA: LaDMA Fully Committed To Reduce Unemployment In The Municipality- Francisca Adorkor-Khein

The Municipal Director of Cooperatives, Madam Francisca Adorkor-Khein, has announced that the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly is dedicated to mitigating the growing issue of unemployment in the municipality. Over 131 individuals within the Municipality have been selected for training under the YouStart policy. Madam Adorkor-Khein emphasized that LaDMA, as a Municipality, is fully committed to addressing the challenges faced by its residents. She urged the citizenry to join hands with the assembly in creating more job opportunities, alleviating the menace of unemployment in the municipality.

Madam Francisca Adorkor-Khein made these remarks during the District Economic Development meeting held at the assembly hall. She revealed that the selected individuals have been grouped into four, with the first phase of Group 1 scheduled for training on May 8, 2023. Participants for the second and third phases will be selected in due categorization.

Nurturing New Beginnings: La Polyclinic’s Pregnancy School Champions Maternal Wellness

Pregnancy is a transformative journey filled with excitement and anticipation, but it also comes with a myriad of questions and uncertainties. Recognizing the importance of empowering expectant mothers with knowledge and support, La Polyclinic has pioneered a unique initiative known as “Pregnancy School.” This innovative program provides a nurturing space for pregnant women to learn, connect, and prepare for the beautiful journey of motherhood.

The Setting: La Polyclinic’s Haven for Expectant Mothers

Located at La Polyclinic, the Pregnancy School serves as a haven for expectant mothers in the La Dade Kotopon municipality. Nestled within the welcoming walls of the polyclinic, the school is more than just a physical space; it is a community hub fostering a sense of togetherness among pregnant women.

A Comprehensive Approach to Maternal Education

La Polyclinic’s Pregnancy School takes a holistic approach to maternal education, addressing not only the physical aspects of pregnancy but also the emotional and psychological well-being of expectant mothers. The curriculum covers a range of topics, including prenatal care, nutrition, childbirth preparation, postpartum care, and breastfeeding.

Expert Guidance from Healthcare Professionals

One of the standout features of the Pregnancy School is the direct involvement of healthcare professionals from La Polyclinic. Experienced midwives, nurses, and doctors lead informative sessions, offering evidence-based guidance and personalized advice to ensure the well-being of both the mother and the baby.

Interactive Sessions and Community Building

The program goes beyond traditional classroom-style sessions, incorporating interactive workshops and group discussions. This approach not only imparts valuable information but also creates a supportive community where expectant mothers can share experiences, ask questions, and build lasting connections.

Location Highlights: A Comfortable and Accessible Space

The choice of La Polyclinic as the location for Pregnancy School is strategic. The facility provides a comfortable and accessible environment, ensuring that expectant mothers can easily attend sessions and access healthcare services. The proximity to medical professionals also adds an extra layer of security, fostering a sense of confidence among participants.

The Impact: Empowering Mothers for a Healthy Future

La Polyclinic’s Pregnancy School has already made a significant impact on the lives of expectant mothers in the La Dade Kotopon municipality. By providing a space for education, support, and community, the program is not just preparing women for childbirth but also empowering them for the lifelong journey of motherhood.

In conclusion, La Polyclinic’s Pregnancy School stands as a beacon of maternal wellness in the heart of the community. As it continues to thrive, this initiative exemplifies the commitment to comprehensive healthcare and the nurturing of new beginnings for mothers and their precious little ones.

Engaging Communities for Progress: LaDMA Municipal Chief Executive Addresses Concerns of La Burma Valley Residents

In a continuation of the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly’s commitment to participatory governance, the Honorable Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) recently engaged with members of the La Burma Valley Residents Association. This routine interaction aimed to discuss various issues affecting the residents and to provide insights into the Assembly’s policies, programs, and activities.

The meeting, marked by open dialogue, covered a range of concerns brought forth by the community members. Among the key topics were the misuse of space near the La Cemetery as a dumping site, the proliferation of churches and places of worship in East La Burma Valley and Tse-Addo, noise pollution, unauthorized car parking, unauthorized structures, and squatters in the East La Burma Valley area, the spread of telecom masts, malfunctioning street lights in Tse-Addo, security concerns, demolition, and prosecution of landlords without building permits, and the burning of refuse in the Municipality.

The Municipal Chief Executive, along with relevant technocrats, addressed each issue within their area of responsibility. Following deliberations, it was agreed to conduct a field trip to the dumping sites and affected areas to gain firsthand insights.

Additionally, the meeting recommended the installation of signage prohibiting burning and littering in the municipality. The Environmental Health Unit was tasked with urgently initiating public sensitization campaigns and van announcements to educate residents about bye-laws related to noise, indiscriminate dumping of refuse, littering, and burning of refuse.

Responding to a request from the association, the Assembly pledged support for ornamental flower planting on streets and road reservations to enhance the municipality’s aesthetic appeal.

In his closing remarks, the Honorable MCE disclosed ongoing plans for drainage construction and the repair of malfunctioning streetlights in Tse-Addo to bolster security measures. The association members expressed appreciation for the engagement and the assurances provided by the Hon. MCE to address their concerns.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with a mutual understanding of the need for continued engagement to deliberate on issues and drive development within the Municipality. The collaborative efforts between the LaDMA and its residents reflect a dedication to building a community that thrives through active participation and shared responsibility.