Category: Information Services

LaDMA > News > Information Services

ISD Officials Trained on Social Behavior Change Communication for GARID Project

Posted on by kotopon

A recent workshop was designed to equip Information Services Department (ISD) officials with essential tools and strategies to engage stakeholders effectively on critical issues such as improper waste disposal and unauthorized construction on waterways. The training aimed to enhance officials’ skills in developing targeted messages, managing communication, and prioritizing different stakeholder groups.

The session was led by Mr. Philip Dornyo, the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) Project’s Communication Specialist. He provided an overview of GARID’s Social Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) strategy, detailing ISD’s role in content review, validation of SBCC materials, and best practices for effective information, education, and communication (IEC) delivery. Mr. Dornyo emphasized that the training would enable ISD officials to effectively convey the GARID Project’s phases and potential impact to local communities.

Highlighting the significance of clear communication in project success, Mr. Dornyo pointed out that many local interventions face setbacks due to ineffective outreach, not because of poor project outcomes. He encouraged participants to view the training as a crucial step toward effectively communicating government policies, project objectives, and outcomes.

“The GARID Project addresses flooding challenges across Greater Accra, incorporating solid waste management, infrastructure improvements, and enhanced services for communities along the Odaw River Basin,” Mr. Dornyo explained. He underscored the importance of the Interjurisdictional Coordinating Management Committee (ICMC), which oversees the project across 17 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs). He noted that one of the major challenges to successful project implementation has been a lack of understanding of the project’s components.

With the rainy season underway, Mr. Dornyo urged ISD officials to inform stakeholders about the project’s objectives and ongoing efforts to reduce flooding risks. He commended several assemblies for effectively utilizing allocated funds for desilting and drainage clearing, encouraging others to adopt similar proactive measures.

The workshop concluded with a practical session where participants demonstrated their public messaging skills. Mr. Dornyo expressed confidence that the training would empower ISD officers to communicate the project’s goals effectively, fostering community support and ensuring the long-term success of the GARID Project.

 

Hon. Solomon Kotey Nikoi Donates Furniture to LaDMA Education Directorate

Posted on by kotopon

As part of efforts to support education and empower school-aged children, the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) has reaffirmed its commitment by donating 500 pieces of school furniture to the Municipal Education Directorate.

At the presentation ceremony, Hon. Solomon Kotey Nikoi, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), emphasized the vital role education plays in the development of individuals and communities. He stated that education forms the foundation of progress by shaping future leaders, promoting critical thinking, and opening doors to limitless opportunities. He also stressed that quality education cannot be achieved without addressing the need for a conducive learning environment. Well-furnished classrooms, he explained, play a crucial role in enhancing students’ focus and improving academic performance.

Hon. Kotey Nikoi described the donation as an investment in the lives of students, one that lays the groundwork for their future success. He called on stakeholders to collaborate with the assembly in educational interventions, underscoring that the improvement of education is a shared responsibility. The MCE believes that active involvement from stakeholders will positively impact the lives of young people in the community.

He assured the public that LaDMA will continue working tirelessly to improve educational infrastructure, ensuring that no school-aged child is left behind. In his address to the students, Hon. Kotey Nikoi encouraged them to make the most of the resources provided by studying diligently and striving to become successful citizens.

In conclusion, the MCE urged the beneficiary schools to take good care of the furniture, emphasizing the importance of maintaining these resources to benefit future generations of students.

Anteson Catholic Primary School Receives GH₵ 514,170.00 Worth of Renovations from La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly

Posted on by kotopon

After years of persistent calls from assembly members and stakeholders in the Abafum/Kowe electoral area, the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) has officially renovated Anteson Catholic Primary School. The school, long in need of repairs, was restored following a significant investment of GH₵ 514,170.00.

During the commissioning ceremony, Hon. Solomon Kotey Nikoi, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of LaDMA, highlighted the assembly’s commitment to creating an educational environment that fosters limitless learning and development opportunities. He emphasized that this vision aims to empower citizens through quality education.

Hon. Nikoi pointed out that Anteson Catholic Primary School, established in 1952, has a rich history of producing well-placed individuals in the community. He stated that the school’s development is part of a broader effort under the Decentralization and Local Governance framework, which seeks to address the municipality’s infrastructural deficiencies despite budgetary constraints.

The MCE reiterated the critical role of education in national development, stressing the need for continuous investment in the sector. He noted that, in addition to the renovation of Anteson Catholic Primary, other projects such as the refurbishment of St. Maurice JHS A&B, Tenashie Primary School, and the construction of a three-story, 18-unit classroom block at La Wireless underscore the assembly’s commitment to educational development.

For Hon. Nikoi, the renovation marks a significant milestone in ensuring that every child in the municipality, regardless of background, has access to quality education. He emphasized that primary education serves as the foundation for future learning and development.

Hon. Kessie, the assemblyman for the Abafum/Kowe electoral area, also spoke during the event. He recounted how concerned families had approached him about the deteriorating condition of the school. After raising the issue at general assembly meetings and advocating for action, the renovation was approved to safeguard the well-being of students and staff. He urged parents to prioritize their children’s education over unnecessary expenses, such as lavish funerals and parties, which often strain household budgets.

The renovation marks a major step forward in the La Dade-Kotopon Assembly’s efforts to ensure that schools in the municipality are well-maintained and equipped to deliver quality education

La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly Hosts Microsoft Intermediate Excel Training Workshop

Posted on by kotopon

In its commitment to enhancing staff performance, the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) organized a two-day Microsoft Intermediate Excel training workshop. The event took place at the municipal assembly hall from Tuesday, September 24, to Wednesday, September 25, 2024. Staff from various departments and units participated in the workshop, aimed at improving their skills in Excel. The training focused on upgrading participants’ proficiency in the software’s more advanced features.

Mr. Rexford Anuwey from Chrex Consult Company Limited led the workshop, guiding participants through a range of Excel tools and techniques. The training covered topics such as logical arguments, key job-related formulas, functions, logical statements, letter writing, and the CONCAT function.

Participants expressed high levels of appreciation for the training, praising the energy and expertise demonstrated by the facilitator. Many attendees urged the assembly to organize similar workshops in the future to further enhance staff skills.

However, one participant voiced concern about the absence of some colleagues on the second day, highlighting the significant investment the municipal assembly had made in supporting staff development. This sentiment underscored the importance of fully utilizing such valuable opportunities.

Hon. Solomon Kotey Nikoi Inaugurates Renovated Tenashie Primary School

Posted on by kotopon

The Tenashie Primary School, renovated at a cost of GH₵ 388,597.00 to enhance teaching and learning, has been officially commissioned by the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Solomon Kotey Nikoi, at South La Estate.

During the commissioning ceremony, Hon. Kotey Nikoi highlighted the school’s long history, established in 1956. Despite facing various infrastructural challenges over the years, the school has produced many scholars within the municipality. The MCE encouraged current students to follow in the footsteps of their predecessors and strive for academic excellence.

He explained that the renovation is part of ongoing efforts to accommodate the growing student population and provide a conducive learning environment. Hon. Kotey Nikoi emphasized that decentralization and local governance have tasked the assembly with responsibilities such as providing basic social services, including bridging infrastructural gaps in the municipality.

Addressing the financial constraints that hinder the full implementation of development plans, the MCE reaffirmed the assembly’s commitment to improving educational infrastructure. He stressed the importance of education as a powerful tool for transforming lives and urged parents to invest in their children’s education.

In handing over the newly renovated facilities to school authorities, Hon. Kotey Nikoi called for proper maintenance to ensure the facilities endure for future generations.

The Presiding Member of the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly, Hon. Emmanuel Nyarko Baah, urged teachers and staff to leverage the enhanced facilities to improve their teaching methods and bring out the best in their students. He encouraged students to utilize the new resources to explore their talents and broaden their horizons.

Madam Habiba, the Municipal Director of Education, also appealed to parents to continue supporting Tenashie Primary School. She emphasized the need to build a lasting legacy of excellence and ensure every child receives the education they deserve.

La Shikiteele Urges Inter-Party Dialogue Committee to Safeguard Peace Ahead of Elections

Posted on by kotopon

The La Shikiteele, Nii Koofeh IV, has called on members of the Inter-Party Dialogue Committee (IPDC) to uphold conduct that promotes peace as the nation prepares for the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections. This call was made during the maiden meeting of the IPDC, which took place at the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly Conference Hall in La.

The committee’s membership is drawn from a diverse range of stakeholders, including faith-based organizations, youth groups, political party representatives, traditional authorities, and the media. The goal of the IPDC meeting was to discuss strategies for monitoring breaches of electoral rules, investigating incidents of rule violations, and resolving minor conflicts that could impact the electoral process.

The discussion took place in a calm and cooperative atmosphere, free from agitation or accusations between the different parties present. After extended dialogue, all stakeholders agreed to abide by the electoral laws and regulations, pledging to act as ambassadors of peace within the municipality and the nation. They further committed to collaborating with other stakeholders to protect the peace both before and after the elections.

Key issues discussed included malpractices that have gained prominence in recent elections, such as money in politics, misinformation, disinformation, and mal-information. Participants noted that if these malpractices are not controlled, they could compromise the stability the country has long enjoyed, which has made Ghana a model of democracy within the West African sub-region.

ASP Samuel Obiri from the La Police Command presented the police’s preparations for the elections, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining peace and order throughout the electoral period. Similarly, Mrs. Beauty Otenkorang, Assistant Electoral Officer of the La Dade-Kotopon Electoral Commission, reaffirmed the commission’s readiness to conduct free, fair, and transparent elections.

To manage the affairs of the IPDC, Nii Adjei Asua Oweni (Agbawe Mantse), representing the La Traditional Council, was appointed chairman, while Mr. Kenneth Ahinakwa, from the La Local Council of Churches, was named secretary. Both pledged to work closely with stakeholders to ensure that peace and stability are upheld before, during, and after the elections.

The collaborative efforts of the IPDC serve as a critical step in ensuring a peaceful and successful electoral process in La Dade-Kotopon Municipality. As Ghana gears up for its elections, these initiatives will help safeguard the country’s relative stability and serve as a model for maintaining peace across the region.

Celebrating Breastfeeding Week 2024: “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding for All”

Posted on by kotopon

Breastfeeding Week Celebration is an annual event observed globally to emphasize the importance of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers. This year’s celebration, held from August 1st to 7th, 2024, came with the theme “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding for All”. The focus of this year’s theme highlights breastfeeding as a critical aspect of child survival, health, and well-being, particularly in ensuring equitable access to its benefits for all families.

The 2024 theme acknowledges the various social, economic, and cultural barriers that exist, preventing many mothers and babies from benefiting from breastfeeding. It calls for concerted efforts to address these challenges by promoting policies and initiatives that support breastfeeding for all, regardless of background or circumstance.

Raising Awareness through Activities

This year’s celebration featured a series of awareness-raising activities aimed at educating both mothers and the general public on the numerous benefits of breastfeeding. These activities included:

  • Community Float/Walk
    Participants engaged in vibrant community floats and walks, spreading awareness in various neighborhoods. The event aimed to bring the conversation about breastfeeding into the public eye, encouraging support from all sections of society.
  • Radio Discussions
    Engaging discussions were held on local radio stations, where health professionals and breastfeeding advocates shared information on breastfeeding practices, addressing common concerns and misconceptions. These discussions provided listeners with expert insights on how breastfeeding contributes to a child’s health and well-being, as well as the well-being of mothers.
  • Market Storming
    This activity involved interacting with market women and men, providing an opportunity to engage with a critical segment of the community that often juggles family care and work. The interactions focused on debunking myths surrounding breastfeeding and empowering parents, especially mothers, to embrace breastfeeding despite the challenges they face.
  • Health Education at Child Welfare Clinics
    Health education sessions were conducted at various Child Welfare Clinics, providing mothers and caregivers with practical tips and guidance on breastfeeding techniques. These sessions emphasized the importance of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of a child’s life and continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods for up to two years or beyond.

The Importance of Breastfeeding for All

Breastfeeding is not only a natural way to provide the best nutrition for babies but also a critical public health intervention that can prevent child mortality, malnutrition, and diseases. It promotes bonding between mother and child and supports the mother’s health by reducing the risk of certain illnesses.

However, despite these well-documented benefits, many women around the world face challenges in initiating and continuing breastfeeding. Factors such as lack of support, inadequate maternity leave, and cultural stigmas often create barriers for mothers. That’s why the theme “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding for All” is so relevant in 2024, calling for inclusive efforts to ensure that every mother, regardless of her background, can successfully breastfeed.

Conclusion

Breastfeeding Week 2024 served as an important reminder of the work still needed to support mothers and babies in achieving optimal health. Through community engagement, education, and advocacy, this year’s celebration made significant strides in spreading awareness and ensuring that breastfeeding is recognized as a universal right that should be accessible to all. Let’s continue to work towards a world where breastfeeding is encouraged, supported, and celebrated for the benefit of future generations.

Ministry of Information Hosts Town Hall Meeting in Greater Accra Region

Posted on by kotopon

The Ministry of Information, in collaboration with the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), hosted a Town Hall Meeting and Exhibition under the theme “Regional Revitalisation: Government’s Commitment to Growth, Development, and Prosperity” on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at the Teachers Hall in Accra. This event is part of the Ministry’s mandate to engage citizens and inform them about government policies and initiatives.

The event featured a display of projects from 2020, coordinated by the Twenty-Nine (29) MMDAs Coordinating Directors in the region. Photographs of these projects were printed on flexi banners in A2 size (24’ x 16’), each accompanied by captions detailing the projects’ significance and progress.

An overview of major government policies and programmes was also presented at the Auditorium. The Town Hall Meeting provided a decentralized platform for community members and leaders to gather, discuss, and address progress and emerging issues at both the Central and Local Government levels.

Objectives

The primary objective of the Town Hall Meeting was to assess the impact of government policies on the people of the region. The event aimed to: Evaluate the level of citizen understanding of government programmes within the Municipal Assemblies in the region. Ensure that major government policies and programmes are widely understood by the citizenry through such gatherings. Bring governance closer to the people by informing them about opportunities to discuss progress and emerging issues at both Central and Local Government levels, enabling their active participation. Update the nation on key government policies and programmes and gather public feedback on these initiatives. Strengthen effective and healthy working relationships with key stakeholders to ensure the prudent implementation of government policies and programmes at the central and district levels.

Participation

The Town Hall Meeting saw participation from representatives of the 29 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the Greater Accra Region including the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA). These included Municipal Chief Executives (MCEs), Coordinating Directors, Planning Officers, Information Officers, traditional leaders, Assembly Members, Unit Committee Members, Heads of Departments, and other key stakeholders. The event was also attended by the Minister of Information, the finance minister, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, the Diplomatic Corps and the Greater Accra Regional Director of the Information Services Department, along with staff from various ministries.

Participant Expectations and Feedback

Participants shared their views on the policies discussed and expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to engage with government representatives. One participant acknowledged past mistakes driven by partisanship but expressed newfound confidence in the government’s direction and a commitment to avoiding such errors in the future. Another participant thanked the organizers, noting the importance of resourcing the NPP communication teams and Municipal Information Officers (MMDIOs) to effectively disseminate information to the public. A renewed purpose toward supporting government policies was also expressed, with one participant highlighting their motivation to campaign for the government’s programmes. Participants also emphasized the importance of avoiding narrow-minded politics in pursuing national development. The Town Hall Meeting concluded with a shared commitment among participants to continue supporting the government’s efforts toward growth, development, and prosperity in the Greater Accra Region.

Hon. Solomon Kotey Nikoi Kicks Off Green Ghana Day with Tree Planting Ceremony

Posted on by kotopon
Flashback; HON SOLOMON KOTEY NIKOI, MCE FOR LaDMA, PLANTING THE FIRST COCONUT SAPLING TO MARK THE GREEN GHANA DAY
HON. RITA ODOLEY SOWAH, MP FOR LA PLANTING THE FOURTH COCONUT SPROUT TO MARK THE GREEN GHANA DAY

The Municipal Chief Executive of the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA), Hon. Solomon Kotey Nikoi, has urged citizens to protect the environment by planting trees and refraining from dumping and burning refuse in unauthorized areas. He highlighted the detrimental impact of these practices on the climate and public health.

Hon. Kotey Nikoi conveyed this message while planting the first coconut sapling at La Beach in the Greater Accra Region to inaugurate Green Ghana Day. Joining him in this environmental initiative were Coordinating Director Mr. Daniel Nkrumah, Municipal Works Director Mr. Richard Ben Debrah, Hon. Rita Odoley Sowah, MP for La, and several LaDMA department heads, who also planted seedlings to mark the occasion.

Mr. Nkrumah encouraged all stakeholders to actively participate in the tree-planting exercise and take full responsibility for nurturing the seedlings. He emphasized that the country’s future depends on how well its citizens protect and care for these young trees.

 

Local Community Educated on Fire Safety Measures

Posted on by kotopon
GNFS OFFICER DEMONSTRATING FIREFIGHTING TECHNIQUE

The La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Office of NADMO, in collaboration with the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), conducted a fire safety sensitization program for drivers, traders, and food vendors at the 37 Lorry Station. This initiative aimed to address the persistent fire outbreaks in the municipality.

Mr. Richard Nimpark, a Safety Officer from the Ghana National Fire Service at the Ghana International Trade Fair, addressed the participants. He highlighted that illegal electrical connections, counterfeit electrical gadgets, outdated gas regulators, overfilled gas cylinders, and vehicle fuel tanks are major causes of fire outbreaks. He urged everyone to be vigilant about these fire hazards.

MR. REICHARD NIMPARK, SENSITISING THE PARTICIPANTS ON FIRE SAFETY
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE 37 DRIVERS UNION, MR YAW BOATENG, FIGHTING THE FIRE

Mr. Ebenezer Asare, Chief Assistant Control Officer of NADMO’s Regional Operation Division, advised participants to stay indoors during heavy rains. He mentioned that driving on flooded roads has led to many fatalities and cautioned drivers to avoid such actions. He also advised participants to switch off their mobile phones, televisions, and other electrical gadgets and avoid bathing during storms due to the high risk of electrical hazards. He urged residents in flood-prone areas to evacuate during heavy rains to ensure their safety.

Participants were taught firefighting techniques and advised to use the correct equipment at home, workplaces, and in vehicles. They were encouraged to contact the GNFS and NADMO promptly during any fire emergencies to help save lives and property.