Category: Education

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

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.

Local Community Educated on Fire Safety Measures

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.

Commencement of Renovation for Classroom Block and Construction of Library and Canteen at Manle Dada School

Given that one of the core concerns of the La Dade Kotopon Municipal Assembly is to provide socio-economic development for the people within the Municipality, through effective mobilization and development of fiscal, human, material, and natural resources with stakeholders’ participation, a transformative vision emerged one March morning in 2024. The La Dade Kotopon Municipal Assembly, alongside PHILBRO Properties, unveiled plans to breathe new life into the aging school. With the promise of a renovated classroom block and the addition of a modern library and canteen, hope blossomed anew.

As the clock struck 11 am, anticipation filled the air. Dignitaries, community members, and eager students gathered for the ground-breaking ceremony. The Chief Imam’s prayer set the tone for the day—a harmonious blend of tradition and progress.

Madam Habiba Kotomah, Municipal Director of Education, expressed gratitude to those driving the initiative. The Municipal Works Engineer recounted the journey, highlighting the power of collaboration and resilience.

The assembly member shared the community’s dreams, thanking Mr. Brobbey for his commitment. The CEO of PHILBRO Properties pledged swift completion, fueled by his passion for education.

Hon. Solomon Kotey Nikoi, M.C.E of LaDMA, closed with a call to action, igniting a sense of purpose among attendees. With shovels in hand, they broke ground, ushering in a new era for Maale Dada School.

Amidst cheers and tears, hope took root, promising a brighter future for generations to come. As the sun set, casting its warm glow, Maale Dada School embraced a new dawn—a dawn of promise, possibility, and boundless potential.

LaDMA HONORS 2022 AND 2023 BEST BECE AND WASSCE CANDIDATES

As part of the activities to mark Ghana’s 67th Independence Day anniversary, two students from Garrison JHS, Burma Camp, who received presidential awards in 2022 and were adjudged the best students in the Greater Accra Region, and one student from Services Primary and JHS (Burma Camp) who received the presidential award in 2023, were honored. The overall best 2023 WASSCE candidate in Ghana and the second-best in West Africa, a product of Labone Senior High School, was also honored by the assembly.

Presenting the awards to the students, the MCE for La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly, Honourable Solomon Kotey Nikoi, assured that the assembly would continue to provide the necessary infrastructure facilities and teaching and learning materials to support schools in the municipality, enhancing effective teaching and learning to produce more promising students. Hon. Solomon Kotey Nikoi urged parents to invest more in their children’s education for a better future. He lamented the neglect of children by some parents, leading to issues such as crime, streetism, drugs, and other negative impacts on society. He called for stakeholder consultations to address these issues.

Enhancing Development Control and Infrastructure: A Comprehensive Review of Municipal Efforts

Introduction:
Development control plays a crucial role in shaping urban landscapes and ensuring sustainable growth within municipalities. In this article, we provide an insightful overview of recent development control activities and infrastructure initiatives undertaken by the La Municipality, highlighting the commitment to fostering orderly development and improving public services.

Development Control Activities:
Over the review period, the La Municipality diligently conducted development control activities to enforce regulatory standards and address unauthorized construction. Notably, thirty-eight developers received warning letters for non-compliance, while eleven were brought before the La Magistrate court for building without permits. This proactive approach underscores the municipality’s dedication to upholding building regulations and safeguarding community interests, particularly in areas like East La.

Furthermore, in response to encroachments along Laboma Beach, the municipality, in collaboration with High Court officials, issued injunction notices to halt ongoing developments. Despite warnings and legal mandates outlined in the Local Governance Act 2016 and Building Regulations 2022, some developers persisted in their activities, necessitating decisive action to preserve public spaces and uphold regulatory frameworks.

In addition, a coordinated operation involving the National Security and Ghana Police Service successfully addressed issues of street vending and unauthorized activities within the Airport enclave. This joint effort has resulted in improved urban aesthetics and enhanced pedestrian mobility, contributing to a safer and more welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.

Infrastructure Initiatives:
In parallel with development control activities, the La Municipality has embarked on various infrastructure projects to meet the growing needs of its populace. Notably, the rebranding of the LaDMA directional sign into a three-dimensional (3D) structure signifies a commitment to modernizing urban signage and enhancing wayfinding for residents and visitors.

Moreover, ongoing development projects within the municipality, including educational and administrative facilities, demonstrate a concerted effort to improve service delivery and community infrastructure. Of particular significance is the construction of the La General Hospital, a 164-bed healthcare facility funded by the Government of Ghana and overseen by Messrs Polychanga Overseas Engineering Company Limited. A recent site meeting involving key stakeholders underscored progress on this vital project, reflecting collaborative efforts to enhance healthcare access and delivery within the municipality.

 

NO.

 

NAME OF PROJECT

 

LOCATION

LEVEL OF IMPLEMENTATION

 

%

 

1

Const. of 3-storey 18-unit Classroom block with ancillary facilities

La Wireless Cluster of Schools

 

Gable level

 

73%

 

2

Const. of 3-unit classroom block with ancillary facilities

 

La Salem JHS

Completed and commissioned in October

In use

 

3

Rehab. of 3-unit classroom block with office and staff common room

South La Estate JHS

Completed and commissioned in October

In use

 

4

 

Const. of Staff Canteen

 

LaDMA Office

Completed

6-tables 12-benches supplied

 

100%

 

5

 

Const. of stores/cold room/data office

 

LaDMA Office

 

Finishing

 

98%

 

6

Rehab. of 2-storey 3-unit classroom block

La St. Mauris A&B JHS

Painting works commences

Fence wall plastered

 

80%

 

7

Rehab. of African Unity Primary School

Maale Dada

Roofing members in position

 

38%

 

8

Rehab. of Junior High School with Library

 

Maale Dada

Substructure works for the library

Structural works ongoing for the main building

 

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the La Municipality’s proactive approach to development control and infrastructure development reflects a commitment to sustainable urban management and community welfare. By enforcing regulatory standards, addressing unauthorized construction, and investing in critical infrastructure projects, the municipality aims to create a conducive environment for economic growth and social well-being. Moving forward, continued collaboration between government agencies, stakeholders, and the community will be essential to realizing the municipality’s vision for inclusive and resilient urban development.

LaDMA TO LAUNCH MUNICIPAL TEACHER PRIZE

The La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Director for Education, Madam Habiba Kotomah, has specified that plans are underway to institute an award for dedicated and gallant teachers in the municipality in the coming year. She said this would encourage the teaching staff in the municipality to show commitment to their field.

She emphasized that education has played a pivotal role in the development and progress of the country. According to Madam Habiba, education is not only about acquiring knowledge but also the foundation stone of empowerment, equality, and opportunities to unlock the potential of the youth and equip them with the needed skills and know-how. She made this call during the Municipal Ghana’s 67th Independence Anniversary Celebration held at the Ghana International Trade Fair Centre, La.
Madam Habiba Kotomah urged Ghanaians to harness the power of education to build a more comprehensive, prosperous, and sustainable Ghana, where every citizen can fulfill their potential and contribute significantly to the nation’s progress. She admonished Ghanaians to always reflect upon the sacrifices made by the forefathers to defend and protect the freedom the country enjoys. She emphasized that being the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence marks a significant moment in the history of the country that must be protected.

BE A GOOD AMBASSADOR FOR THE FACILITIES-MADAM HABIBA KOTOMAH

The Municipal Education Director, Madam Habiba Kotomah has rallied schoolchildren and the citizenry of the La Dade-Kotopon Municipality to adhere to proper practices.

She made this call during the World Toilet Day Celebration held at the Tenashie Junior High School on Wednesday November 18, 2023.

The event organised by the Municipal Education Directorate on theme: Accelerating Change, is to highlight the dangers of open defecation among others and how to prevent them.

The event brought together schoolchildren and facilitators from difference schools, residents, and staff from the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly amongst others.

Madam Habiba Kotomah also called on the facilitators and the schoolchildren to collaborate with stakeholders in the Municipality to help reduce the menace of open defecation in the schools and the communities.

She expressed concern that, if open defecation continues at the school’s enclave and the communities by both schoolchildren and the citizenry, it will pose danger to health. Madam Habiba Kotomah therefore described the observation of the World Toilet Day at the school with the children as appropriate and urged the facilitators and the children to be good ambassadors for the facilities to stand the test of its purpose.

Madam Habiba Kotomah emphasised the important role the toilet facilities in the schools have played in the fight against open defecation, spreading of communicable disease among others. She said, through a donor’s partnership with the Government of Ghana to accelerate and sustain the change needed, numerous schools in Ghana have benefited from the new toilet facilities with changing rooms which have contributed to the improvement of school attendance, especially amongst menstruating girls.

Madam Habiba Kotomah announced that the Ghana statistical service data released in 2021 shows an improved access to toilet facilities from 51% to 70% and that has reduced open defecation in schools and communities in Ghana.

The World Toilet Day is observed on November 19 of each calendar year to sensitise people on the need to have access to toilet and its maintenance and cleanliness to avoid spreading of communicable infection.

In other to accelerate and sustain the change needed, Madam Habiba Kotomah held that, regular public education must be conducted to ensure continuous maintenance and cleanliness of the school toilet facilities. She mentioned that the observation of the World Toilet Day is for education and sensitization among school population to achieve SDG 6 in Ghana.

LA: ASSOCIATION COMMUNITY MODEL SCHOOL ADJUDGED WINNER OF THE SMART GOVERNORS QUIZ COMPETITION

Association Community Model School, the 2023 District Inter Junior Schools Quiz Competition

The Association Community Model School has won the 2023 district inter Junior High Schools quiz competition finals held at Tenashie Junior High School with 47 points, the first runner- up 5BN JHS with 34 points and Tenashie JHS the host school came third with 33 points after the third rounds of contest.

Organised by the Assembly’s National Commission of Civic Education (NCCE) on the theme: Thirty years of consolidating Constitutional Democracy; Building National cohesion through Civic Education and participation in Local Governance. This was to test the pupils understanding of the constitution.

The winner for the competition, Association Community Model School was presented with a Plaque, copies of the constitution, certificates of participation and books to contestants and their patrons. The first and the second runner-up were presented with a plaque, copies of the constitution, and certificates to contestant’s patrons.

The participating schools were the Tenashie JHS, 5BN Junior High School, Wireless ‘5’ Junior High School, Enobal Junior High School, Air Force JHS, and Association Community Model School.

The Quiz Competition hail as ‘Smart Governors Constitution Quiz Competition’, which seeks to project, and promote the significance of the 1992 Republican Constitution to the youth and instil in them the intellect of civic responsibility for national development. Mr Emmanuel Mettle the director of NCCE mentioned that the annual event also pursues to lure active citizenship from the Basic school pupils to enable them to play a part in the promoting and supporting Ghana’s democracy.

The chair of the occasion, Alhaji Abdul Aziz Osang urged the pupils to study to the highest level to justify the investment made in them by their parents. He bemoans the low standard exhibited by the students and admonished them to focus on their books rather than movies and phones. 

The Municipal Director of NCCE, Mr Emmanuel Mettle, mentioned that students have been recognised as the most important foundation of human capital and are key agents for socio-culture, economic and political development in our current dispensation. Moreover, he held that it is important to cultivate and harness the intellectual abilities of the students by instilling in them the constitution of Ghana and National Development.

The intents of the quiz competition was to create awareness of Ghana’s Constitution, LaDMA Bye-Laws and to test the civic knowledge of the students.

Dr. Joseph Gerald Nyanyofio who was the guest of honour, urged the students to avoid social immoralities but rather focus on their learning to become good and responsible future leaders.