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La Dade-Kotopon Marks National Sanitation Day with Community Clean-Up – Saturday, July 19, 2025

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On Saturday, July 19, 2025, the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly organized a large-scale clean-up exercise across the municipality as part of ongoing efforts to promote good sanitation and environmental hygiene. The exercise was jointly spearheaded by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Alfredos Nii Anyetei, the Member of Parliament for La Dade-Kotopon, Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, and the Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr. Daniel Nkrumah

The activity commenced at the La Market, where the MCE addressed participants, including Assembly Members, Unit Committee Members, staff of the Assembly (both domestic and senior staff), security service personnel, and residents. In his remarks, Hon. Anyetei emphasized the importance of a clean environment and called for a shared sense of responsibility among all stakeholders in maintaining proper sanitation.

To ensure a thorough and impactful exercise, the Assembly engaged 100 laborers to support in desilting drains and clearing waste throughout the municipality. Both Hon. Anyetei and Hon. Sowah actively took part in the exercise, working alongside Assembly Members and residents to clean choked gutters and sweep the streets. Municipal Coordinating Director Mr. Nkrumah also embarked on a monitoring tour to supervise operations at various sites and ensure that each location received the necessary attention.

Staff from all departments of the Assembly, including the Deputy Director, participated fully in the exercise, demonstrating the Assembly’s collective commitment to fostering a cleaner and healthier environment. Residents contributed significantly by cleaning in front of their homes and helping to clear blocked drains. The youth, in particular, showed remarkable enthusiasm and community spirit, reinforcing a sense of ownership and responsibility toward their surroundings.

The exercise attracted significant media attention, with representatives from television, radio, print, and online platforms present to report on the event. This coverage not only highlighted the Assembly’s sanitation efforts but also helped to raise public awareness and encourage community support for ongoing clean-up initiatives.

During the clean-up, it was observed that many drains were heavily silted, with some completely blocked by sand and debris. The Assembly acknowledges these challenges and is taking steps to address them through sustained clean-up campaigns and enhanced waste management strategies.

The La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly remains committed to improving sanitation across the municipality and urges all residents to continue playing their part in keeping the environment clean, healthy, and safe for all.

NCCE and GHS Urge Ghanaians to Prioritize Healthcare, Embrace Vaccination

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The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS), has called on all Ghanaians, particularly women and caregivers, to prioritize their health and take advantage of available medical services, including vaccination programs.

The appeal was made by Mr. Emmanuel Mettle, NCCE Director for the La Dade-Kotopon Municipality, during the launch of the Annual African Vaccination and Child Health Promotion Week at the Salvation Apostolic Church in La. He emphasized the importance of vaccines in preventing diseases across all age groups and encouraged parents to ensure their children receive essential health services provided by the GHS.

Key Health Interventions for Children

Mr. Mettle highlighted critical child health services, including:
✔ Immunization (protecting against preventable diseases)
✔ Growth monitoring and promotion (tracking child development)
✔ Vitamin A supplementation (boosting immunity and vision)
✔ Nutrition counseling (promoting healthy infant and young child feeding)
✔ Birth registration (ensuring legal identity and access to services)
✔ Family planning services (supporting maternal and child health)

“Vaccines save lives. Every parent must ensure their children receive all recommended immunizations and attend regular health check-ups,” he urged.

The African Vaccination Week (instituted in 2010) and Child Health Promotion Week (since 2004) are observed in April and May to raise awareness about essential health interventions. This year’s theme, “Every Child Deserves a Healthy Future; Invest in Your Child. Attend Weighing Regularly,” underscores the need for consistent health monitoring and parental responsibility in safeguarding children’s well-being.

The NCCE and GHS stressed that health is a shared responsibility, urging community leaders, religious institutions, and families to support public health campaigns. Mr. Mettle also advised against vaccine hesitancy, emphasizing that immunization is a proven, safe, and effective way to prevent outbreaks of deadly diseases.

A Healthy Nation Starts with Healthy Children

The event concluded with a strong call to action:
✔ Parents should attend child welfare clinics regularly
✔ Communities must support vaccination drives
✔ Women should access family planning and maternal health services
✔ All Ghanaians should adopt healthy lifestyles

With collective effort, Ghana can ensure a healthier future for its children and reduce preventable illnesses.

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

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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.

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

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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.

Empowering Communities: La Dade Kotopon Champions World Breastfeeding Week

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Breastfeeding stands as the cornerstone of child nutrition, wielding profound implications for health and well-being by influencing morbidity and mortality rates. Recognizing its pivotal role, the World Health Organization advocates for early initiation of breastfeeding after birth and exclusive breastfeeding within the first six months of a child’s life. It is a policy geared not only towards sustaining breastfeeding practices but also strengthening breastfeeding-friendly environments in health facilities and communities.

Every year, the first week of August becomes a dedicated time to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week. Guided by the theme “Enabling Breastfeeding: Making a Difference for Working Parents,” this year’s celebration held special significance for the La Dade Kotopon community.

Commitment to Success: Planning and Collaboration

To ensure the success of this year’s World Breastfeeding Week, the management of La Dade Kotopon formed a dedicated committee. Comprising the Deputy Director of Nursing Services, Nutrition Officers, Public Health In-charges, and Health Promotion Officers, the committee worked tirelessly to organize impactful activities that resonated with the theme.

Activities Carried Out: A Tapestry of Engagement

Radio Discussions at Latenu: The celebration kicked off with enlightening radio discussions at Latenu, providing a platform to disseminate valuable information on breastfeeding to a broader audience.

Launch at Arakan Medical Center: The official launch took place at Arakan Medical Center, setting the tone for a week dedicated to raising awareness about the significance of breastfeeding.

La Market Outreach: Health workers ventured into La Market, engaging women and men alike in conversations that emphasized the importance of breastfeeding. This grassroots approach aimed to reach a diverse audience, fostering understanding and support.

Community Awareness Campaigns: From the Police Hospital lying-in recovery ward to various static and outreach points across the municipality, awareness campaigns unfolded. Health professionals actively disseminated information on the benefits of breastfeeding, tailoring their messages to the specific needs of the community.

Conclusion: A Resounding Success Despite Challenges

While financial constraints posed challenges, the La Dade Kotopon community triumphed in creating intensive awareness during the week-long celebration. The focus on working parents added depth to the dialogue, acknowledging the unique challenges faced by this demographic.

In the spirit of collective commitment, the success of World Breastfeeding Week in La Dade Kotopon stands as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives. As the week concluded, the echoes of awareness continued to reverberate, fostering a culture that recognizes breastfeeding not just as a health practice but as a collective responsibility for a healthier and more informed future.

NATIONAL IMMUNIZATION DAYS CAMPAIGN: PROTECTING GHANA AGAINST COVID-19

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The Ghana Health Service, in collaboration with the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Health Directorate, is proud to announce the commencement of the National Immunization Days Campaign on COVID-19. As the nation continues its fight against the pandemic, this campaign aims to strengthen the defense against the virus and safeguard the health of all Ghanaians.

Date and Strategy:

From 19th to 23rd July 2023, the National Immunization Days Campaign will be carried out through two effective strategies. Firstly, a dedicated team of healthcare professionals will embark on a House-to-House vaccination drive, reaching out to communities and ensuring that every eligible individual is immunized. Secondly, churches will actively participate in promoting vaccination awareness and facilitating the vaccination process.

Static Point and Vaccine Availability:

The La Polyclinic, conveniently located on the Radio Latenu premises, will serve as the static point for the campaign. Here, individuals can receive their COVID-19 vaccination, specifically using the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, which requires just a single dose for complete immunization.

Target Audience:

The campaign aims to cover a wide range of individuals to achieve maximum protection within the population. The target groups for vaccination include all individuals aged 18 years and above who have not yet received any COVID-19 vaccine, as well as those eligible for a booster dose.

Continued Preventive Measures:

While vaccination is a crucial step in curbing the spread of COVID-19, it is vital to maintain other preventive measures. The Ghana Health Service encourages everyone to continue adhering to the following precautions:

Regular Handwashing: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Hand hygiene remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of infection.

Wearing Masks: Wearing a nose mask, especially in crowded or indoor settings, helps to reduce the transmission of the virus.

Social Distancing: Continue to practice physical distancing by maintaining a safe distance from others, particularly in public places.

Conclusion:

The National Immunization Days Campaign on COVID-19 represents a significant milestone in Ghana’s efforts to combat the pandemic. By taking part in this campaign and adhering to preventive measures, we can collectively protect ourselves, our families, and our communities from the virus. Let us unite in this endeavor and work towards a safer and healthier future for all.

Remember, getting vaccinated is not only an individual responsibility but a demonstration of solidarity for the well-being of our nation. Together, we can overcome COVID-19 and build a resilient and healthier Ghana.

Nurturing Health: A Chronicle of the 2023 Child Health Promotion Week Celebration

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In the heart of Ghana, during the second week of May 2023, a vibrant celebration unfolded, illuminating the significance of children’s health. From Monday, the 8th, to Friday, the 12th of May, the nation came together under the theme ‘The Big Catch-up, reaching the unreached through Child intervention,’ marking the annual Child Health Promotion Week Celebration (CHPWC).

Aims and Objectives: Focused on the Littlest Lives

The primary objective of this year’s celebration was clear: to intensify efforts in increasing knowledge and health coverage for children, particularly those often left untouched by routine outreach services. The week aimed to create awareness and amplify efforts in exclusive breastfeeding, vitamin A coverage, immunization, the use of long-lasting Insecticide Treated Nets, and the promotion of antenatal, supervised delivery, and postnatal care for mothers and newborns.

Week-Long Activities: Weaving a Tapestry of Care

The celebration unfolded as a carefully orchestrated series of events, starting from the strategic distribution of letters to the Municipal Assembly, Education, and Health Facilities. Awareness spread through home visits, radio discussions, and the launch at Arakan Medical Center, Burma Camp, on the 5th of May, 2023. The celebration was not just about activities but a collaborative effort at every level, from districts to facilities, guided by the CHPWC committee.

Key Activities and Initiatives: Seeds of Knowledge and Care

Health Education and Radio Discussions: Latenu FM Station became a forum for enlightening discussions, empowering mothers and caregivers with insights into their children’s nutrition. Simultaneously, health education permeated static and child welfare clinics, creating spaces for questions and shared learnings.

Nutrition Counseling: A pivotal activity aimed at guiding mothers and caregivers in making informed nutritional choices for their children. This counseling occurred at various points, including child welfare clinics, ANC, PNC, and home visits.

Food Demonstration: At the core of empowering caregivers, four food demonstrations took place at Arakan Medical Center and Auntie Otsoo CWC site. Local crops and dishes took center stage, offering both visual and tangible lessons in proper cooking and nutritional choices.

Essential Services Rendered: Nurturing Growth, One Child at a Time

From growth monitoring to immunization, the celebration left no stone unturned in ensuring essential services reached the little ones. Growth monitoring saw hundreds of children assessed, while immunization covered a range of vaccines, from BCG to measles-rubella. Health education, nutrition counseling, and the distribution of long-lasting Insecticide Treated Nets added layers of care.

Challenges and Recommendations: A Roadmap for Future Celebrations

Challenges, such as restricted access to private schools and limited funds, were acknowledged. The report concluded with recommendations for intensified communication efforts at the national level and the allocation of adequate funds to execute activities effectively.

In the tapestry of the 2023 Child Health Promotion Week Celebration, each activity, each initiative, and each challenge represented a stitch—a collective effort to nurture the health of Ghana’s future. As the week concluded, the echoes of knowledge and care lingered, promising a healthier, more resilient generation ahead.

Uniting Against Tuberculosis: La Dade-Kotopon Municipality’s Commemoration of World Tuberculosis Day

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On the 24th of March each year, communities worldwide come together to observe World Tuberculosis Day, a poignant reminder of the ongoing battle against this infectious disease. The roots of this global awareness day trace back to 1842 when German physician Heinrich Hermann Robert Koch identified mycobacterium as the causative agent of tuberculosis. Dedicated to raising awareness and garnering support in the fight against TB, the day is marked by a range of activities, including media engagement, street floats, seminars, durbars, and screening initiatives.

In the La Municipality, the 24th of March was not just a date on the calendar but a call to action. Under the leadership of the Honorable Municipal Chief Executive and the Municipal Health Directorate, the community actively engaged in a series of impactful activities to educate the public and encourage collective efforts in the fight against TB.

Educational Endeavors: Fostering Awareness in Every Corner

The municipality took a comprehensive approach to health education and sensitization, ensuring that information about TB reached every corner. Health facilities across the municipality became hubs for disseminating knowledge, empowering individuals with vital insights into the disease.

Radio LATENU, a community radio station, became a powerful ally in the campaign against TB. A dedicated radio talk session served as a platform for in-depth discussions on TB, reaching a broader audience and breaking down complex medical information into accessible knowledge.

Reaching the Hearts of Communities: Sensitization Beyond Borders

The La Polyclinic TB team orchestrated an impactful outreach program, setting up camp at the La Market Complex. Using TB screening tools, they screened 106 individuals, identifying 16 presumed cases and initiating treatment for one confirmed case. The screening extended beyond TB, encompassing critical health metrics like blood sugar levels, malaria, blood pressure, and weight.

The team’s commitment transcended physical boundaries. St. Thomas Aquinas Senior High School became a focal point for education, where the TB team, in collaboration with the school nurse, sensitized the staff and a student body of approximately 2000 individuals. An interactive session provided a platform for questions and answers, fostering a deeper understanding of TB within the younger generation.

Empowering Through Information: Beyond Screenings

The fight against TB extended beyond screenings to the distribution of leaflets and posters. These educational materials were strategically disseminated, reinforcing essential information about TB prevention and early detection.

A Multi-Faceted Approach: Collaboration in Action

Acknowledging that community health is a collective responsibility, the La Municipality recognized key stakeholder’s instrumental in the success of World Tuberculosis Day activities. The collaborative efforts of the Municipal Assembly, Radio LATENU, La Polyclinic TB Team, La Market Leadership, and the entire La community were integral to the campaign’s success.

A Promising Future: Initiatives on the Horizon

In his closing remarks, the Honorable Municipal Chief Executive shared promising initiatives. Plans were underway for drainage construction and the repair of malfunctioning streetlights, particularly in the Tse-Addo area, enhancing security measures within the municipality.

The members of the La Burma Valley Residents Association expressed heartfelt appreciation for the engagement and assurances given by the Hon. MCE. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to more such engagements, recognizing the pivotal role they play in driving development within the municipality.

As the sun set on World Tuberculosis Day in the La Municipality, it left behind not just footprints of medical screenings but a legacy of community collaboration, education, and a shared commitment to a healthier, more informed future.

LADMA RECORDS 8,960 New Births And 5464 Deaths

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8,960 new births and 5464 deaths were registered in the La Dade Kotopon Assembly (LADMA) during the year 2023.

 Out of 8960 new-borns registered, 4541 were males whilst 4419 were females.  

According to the data, 2207, 2016, 2112 and 2625 children under one (1) year were registered during the first, second, third and fourth quarters respectively. 

The Head of Birth and Death registry at LaDMA, Mrs Sheila Naa Addo who disclosed this on Friday 19 JULY said the number registered had exceeded the expected target of 4181 births and 935 deaths

She added this was achieved through the constant visits by officers of Births and Deaths Registry to the hospitals, clinics, maternity homes, delivery and weighing centers across the eight registries within the Municipality.

She emphasized the importance of the data for urban planning, healthcare provision, and educational resource allocation.

She said the data highlighted the demographic trends and population growth within the metropolis and encouraged residents to register births and the deaths of their relatives promptly.  

She commended the Births and Deaths Registry of the LaDMA for the sensitization campaigns and mass birth registration exercise they conducted last year to register all, especially children below one year in the city attributing it to the increase in the number of registrations. 

The Births and Deaths Registry exists following the Births and Deaths Act, 2020 (Act 1027), which mandates the registration and certification of births, deaths, and foetal deaths in the country for national development and related issues.

LaDMA Qualities for 2022 Department.

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LaDMA has achieved a major milestone in its quest for development with the successful qualification for the 2022 Department assessment. This assessment, conducted in September 2022, has given the municipality the green light to access funding for its various developmental projects and programs.

The assessment involved a rigorous evaluation of the municipality’s financial management systems, internal controls, and overall governance practices. The results showed that LaDMA had met all the required standards and had demonstrated a strong commitment to accountability, transparency, and good governance.

This qualification comes as a great boost to the municipality’s efforts to improve the living standards of its residents. With access to funding, LaDMA can now undertake more developmental projects in areas such as education, healthcare, sanitation, and infrastructure.

The MCE, Hon. Solomon Niikoi, expressed his delight at the news, stating that it was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff and management of LaDMA. He also assured the residents that the municipality would continue to work tirelessly to provide them with better services and facilities.

With this qualification, LaDMA is well-positioned to continue its developmental agenda and to make significant strides in improving the lives of its residents.