Category: Development

Ghana’s 68th Independence Day Celebration in La Dade-Kotopon

The La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly marked Ghana’s 68th Independence Day with a grand celebration at the Forecourt of the La Traditional Council. The event brought together students, dignitaries, and community members in a patriotic display of culture, discipline, and unity.

A Gathering of Leaders and Students The celebration commenced with a welcome address by Madam Francisca Anaba, representative of the LaDMA Education Director, followed by the introduction of the chairman, Mr. Magnus Sowah Odoi. The Acting Municipal Chief Executive, Mr. Daniel Nkrumah, conducted the parade inspection alongside other dignitaries. Participating schools included Labone Senior High School, La Presbyterian Senior High School, Forces Senior High School, Association Model Basic School, and Services Primary School, adding youthful vibrancy to the occasion.

Dignitaries in Attendance The event was graced by notable figures such as Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, Member of Parliament for La Dade-Kotopon, ASP Patience Slomegah, District Police Commander, traditional leaders, religious figures, security service heads, assembly members, municipal staff, and residents. Their presence reinforced the significance of the celebration.

Parade and Cultural Performances The highlight of the event was an impressive march-past by the participating contingents, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of the St. Thomas Aquinas School Regimental Band. Students, clad in their uniforms and ceremonial cadet attire, marched in perfect synchronization, displaying national pride. The event also featured a captivating cultural performance by the Deblessing Foundation and a poetry recital, showcasing Ghana’s rich heritage.

Key Speeches and Messages In his address, Acting MCE Mr. Daniel Nkrumah emphasized the Independence Day theme—Reflect, Review, and Reset—calling for a renewed commitment to national values such as honesty, integrity, accountability, and discipline. He urged citizens to combat corruption, uphold ethical governance, and maintain public infrastructure. Additionally, he praised students for their academic achievements and reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to rewarding excellence.

Highlighting youth challenges, he expressed concerns over dishonesty, substance abuse, and cybercrime, urging families and educators to instill discipline. He also outlined plans for infrastructure development, vocational training, environmental sustainability, and stricter sanitation laws.

Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah delivered a message of hope, emphasizing Ghana’s potential for transformation under strong leadership. She encouraged students to embrace hard work and discipline, reassuring the municipality of her commitment to progress and prosperity.

Recognition of Academic Excellence Three outstanding students were honored for their exceptional performance in national exams with the prestigious Presidential Award:

  • Nigel Laapo – Third place.
  • Penyin Asare – Second place.
  • Melissa Asare – First place

Closing Remarks The program concluded with a vote of thanks from Chairman Mr. Magnus Sowah Odoi, who expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, students, and organizers for their contributions. He encouraged the youth to uphold patriotism, discipline, and unity in shaping Ghana’s future.

La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly: February 2024 Activity Report

La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly: February 2024 Activity Report

The La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly experienced a relatively calm period in February, with minimal activity. However, several significant events shaped the month, including political, security, economic, sanitation, sensitization, health, and social engagements.

Economic Developments Commodity prices remained stable but continued to be high, impacting consumer purchasing power. Traders in the municipality reported low patronage, attributing it to a perceived shortage of money in circulation, which affected overall business activity.

Security and Stability Security within the municipality remained strong, ensuring peace and stability. Regular police and military patrols reassured residents, reinforcing a safe and secure environment for daily activities.

Public Sensitization Efforts The Information Services Department (ISD) of the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), the Environmental Health Department, and the Social Welfare Department, conducted sensitization programs focused on sanitation. Additionally, the Ghana Health Service organized a public education session on a local radio station to inform residents about cholera prevention strategies.

Health Initiatives In celebration of Valentine’s Day, the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) organized a Health Talk and Screening Program for its staff. The initiative aimed to raise awareness and educate participants on Hepatitis B, Cervical Cancer, and Prostate Cancer. Following the health talk, staff members were offered free health screenings to encourage preventive healthcare.

Sanitation and Environmental Management The Municipal Coordinating Director (MCD) engaged with waste service providers to enhance waste collection within the municipality. Discussions emphasized the need for efficient waste collection, responsible waste disposal, and educating households on waste segregation.

Additionally, the MCD led a large-scale sanitation exercise to promote a cleaner environment and prevent potential cholera outbreaks. As part of the initiative, Mr. Nkrumah temporarily closed all shops to ensure maximum participation. Residents, market women, and shop owners actively took part in cleaning their surroundings and clearing clogged gutters in preparation for the rainy season.

Conclusion Despite ongoing challenges, February 2024 was a productive and successful month for the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly. Continued efforts in sanitation, health, security, and public sensitization will further contribute to the municipality’s growth and development.

 

La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly: A Review of January 2025

La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly: A Review of January 2025

The La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly experienced a relatively calm start to the year, with various political, economic, health, security, and social activities shaping the municipality. This article provides a comprehensive overview of key events and developments that took place in January 2025.

Political Landscape Following the presidential and parliamentary elections, the municipality remained peaceful. Residents resumed their daily activities, with some celebrating the success of their preferred candidates and political parties. The post-election atmosphere was marked by jubilation in La township, reflecting the democratic spirit of the community.

Economic Developments The local economy faced challenges as commodity prices continued to rise. Market traders leveraged the economic climate to adjust prices, exacerbating financial pressures on residents. The price hikes were driven by multiple factors, including fuel cost increases and the continued depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi against major foreign currencies. Additionally, businesses struggled to expand due to high investment costs, leading to reduced productivity and slower economic growth.

Health and Sanitation The health sector faced a significant challenge as new cases of cholera emerged, infecting over 100 residents. In response, nurses were deployed to various health centers to conduct screenings, while the La Polyclinic ensured the availability of medication for affected individuals. The situation underscored the need for heightened public health awareness and improved sanitation measures.

Security and Safety Security in the municipality remained stable throughout the month. Regular police and military patrols were conducted to maintain law and order, contributing to a general sense of safety among residents. The visible presence of security personnel played a crucial role in deterring crime and ensuring a peaceful environment.

Educational Progress Infrastructure development in the education sector continued, with the second phase of a three-unit classroom block at St. Paul’s Anglican JHS progressing steadily. This phase includes the construction of the first floor, along with essential facilities such as a store, staff common room, mono desks for students, and furniture for teachers. The project aims to enhance the learning environment for students in the municipality.

Public Sensitization Campaigns Several sensitization programs were conducted to educate residents on government policies and initiatives. Key areas of focus included:

  • The GARID Public Sensitization Campaign
  • Revenue mobilization awareness
  • Decongestion exercises
  • Publicity on municipal projects
  • Sanitation awareness campaigns
  • The impact of building on waterways
  • Procedures for obtaining development and building permits
  • Interpretation of government policies
  • The consequences of illegal waste disposal

These campaigns played a crucial role in informing the public and promoting civic responsibility.

Administrative Activities Municipal Information Officers actively engaged in various meetings and programs to enhance governance and service delivery. Notable engagements included the Municipal Planning Committee Meeting, training on the LEAP Reassessment Strategy, management meetings, and discussions on improving sanitation and waste collection.

Conclusion Despite financial and economic challenges, January 2025 was a productive month for the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly. Continued efforts in governance, health, education, security, and public awareness are essential to ensuring sustained progress in the municipality.

ISD Officials Trained on Social Behavior Change Communication for GARID Project

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

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

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

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

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 Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly Undertakes Major Clean-Up Initiative

In a significant effort to enhance the cleanliness of the municipality, the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) carried out a comprehensive two-day clean-up exercise from July 29th to 30th, 2024. This initiative, spearheaded by the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Solomon Kotey Nikoi, in collaboration with the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council and Hon. Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus Glover, focused on the electoral areas of Abese/Abafum/Kowe and Lakpaana.

The clean-up drive was part of a broader mission to support the government’s goal of making Accra the cleanest city in Africa and to improve general sanitation within LaDMA. The initiative saw active participation from national service personnel, departmental heads, unit leaders, assembly staff, security forces, various institutions, traders, assembly members, and unit committee members.
Hon. Solomon Kotey Nikoi highlighted that the clean-up was strategically planned to prepare the selected areas for the upcoming La Homowo festival celebrations. In the lead-up to the event, the assembly conducted extensive public education campaigns through Latenu Radio FM, Obonu FM, and street announcements to encourage citizen involvement. Despite these efforts, the MCE expressed disappointment at the low turnout of residents.

The clean-up activities included desilting choked drains, flushing them, and removing unauthorized structures from pavements and drainage areas. While residents of the municipality appreciated the assembly’s efforts, they also called for stricter enforcement of sanitation by-laws. They suggested that funds allocated to such exercises could be better utilized for other important community projects if measures were implemented to prevent refuse dumping in drains and unauthorized areas.

The La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly remains committed to improving sanitation and encourages continued community involvement to maintain a cleaner and healthier environment.

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

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.