News

NATIONAL IMMUNIZATION DAYS CAMPAIGN: PROTECTING GHANA AGAINST COVID-19

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.

MCE PLANT FIRST TREE TO MARK GREEN GHANA DAY IN LaDMA

The La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly on Friday June 9, 2023 plated 5,000 seedlings across the municipality as part of the activities to mark the Green Ghana Day.

The Municipal Chief Executive for La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly Rev. Solomon Kotey Nikoi planted the first young branch at the assembly’s premises followed by the Deputy Director Mr Henry Zengers and the Assembly Members

Speaking on the theme ‘OUR FOREST OUR HEALTH’, the MCE Solomon Kotey Nikoi called on all stakeholders to actively participate in the exercise and fully take concern of the seedlings planted. He said the future of La and that of Ghana hang on how well the citizenry will look after the seedlings. He urged stakeholders to stop cutting down trees as a basis of energy.

On her part, Mrs Emelia Monney, the director for Agric said her outfit in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and other relevant department and units under the assembly are to persistently monitor the development of the seedlings and offer any technical backing to any member in the community to enable the trees to establish well.

She mentioned that prior to the exercise the assembly had embarked on an awareness creation to prepare residents on the exercise and how to monitor and upkeep for the seedlings.

She call on residents to come for the seedlings. Some of the trees planted were Mahogany, avocado, coconut, mango, lemon, orange rain trees, and others.

Mr Henry Zengers the deputy director of the assembly point out that the planting of the trees is to tackle the climate crisis. He advised the citizenry to value the importance of trees or faced the consequences of their own act.

ACCRA, LaDMA MPCU HAPPY WITH PROGRESS OF WORK DONE AT KEY PROJECT SITE

The Municipal Planning Coordinating Unit of the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly has visited a number of the assembly’s key project sites for the second quarter of 2023.

Sites visited included the Construction of a 3- storey 18- unit classroom block with landscaping at the La Wireless Cluster of Schools, a 2-storey 6-unit classroom block with ancillary facilities and landscaping at the La Salem Presbyterian Primary School. Others are a 400 meters 0.9 U-drain at the Airport Police Barracks, the rehabilitation and re-roofing of basic schools in South La and the staff canteen.  

The coordinating director of the assembly, Mr Daniel Nkrumah mentioned that for the last decade the assembly has exhibited a sterling record of accomplishment of accounting to the stakeholders by continually improving. The remains as one of the finest assemblies in the country with a significant growth of development that have guided all activities for the years.Mr Asi Amah of the Urban roads department stated that the 400 meters 0.9 U- drain coast about Gh₵ 695.000.00 with the funding sourced from DACF. He said the drain when completed would address the perennial flooding in the area. He added that the assembly took care of issues affecting the communities by providing them with their needs.

At the La Wireless Cluster of Schools and the La Salem Presbyterian Primary, Mr Richard Sowah estimated work done to be 85% and 95% representatively from Works department.

According to Mr Richard Sowah, the La Salem Presbyterian Primary School would soon be handed over by the contractor. He confirmed that the funding sourced for the project was from DACF and RFG.

The contractor, Ellbus Company Limited was on site at the time when the team visited the area and was happy to meet the monitoring team while on site. Members of the monitoring team were provided with the opportunity to question and discuss issues on the projects.  Responding to questions from the members of the MPCU, the supervising consultant of the school project, the Works engineer from the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly said he  was very much impressed with the quality of work done and said the result was due to constant supervisory given to the contractor and cordial relationship that exist between the two.

WE’LL ALLEVIATE INCIDENCE OF FLOODING – MCE ASSURES STAKEHOLDERS

WE’LL ALLEVIATE INCIDENCE OF FLOODING – MCE ASSURES STAKEHOLDERS

Mr Solomon Kotey Nikoi, the Municipal Chief Executive of La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) has assured the people of La in the Greater Accra Region of the assembly’s commitment to alleviate incidence of flooding to protect lives and properties in the municipality.Mr Solomon Kotey Nikoi gave the assurance at this year’s Town Hall Meeting held at Sophia McKeon Auditorium-La on Wednesday April 26, 2023 under the theme: ‘ Accounting to the people: Responsibility in ensuring flood-free municipality’.

The MCE said, as a sign of goodwill for the people, the assembly has decided to include stakeholders in the strategy to ensure a flood-free municipality. Mr Solomon Kotey Nikoi mentioned that the urban areas face unprecedented problems of widening income inequality and increase vulnerability to disaster and climate change, which the municipality have experienced recurring flood Mr Solomon Kotey Nikoi revealed that, poor sanitation and drainage infrastructure, overcrowding, and tax regulatory compliance regarding sanitation drainage and waste management area the result of the flooding. He said in the wake of this, the GARID projects under the funding by the World Bank is to strengthen the national capitals resilience with the initial phase lasting five years from 2020 to 2025.

Responding, the MCE of LaDMA Mr Solomon Kotey described the assembly continuous performance as team work with fulfilment of the vision to bring governance closer to the doorsteps of the people to attract both local and foreign investors to invest into the municipality.

According to Mr Solomon Kotey, the MCE of LaDMA, the implementation of the religious revenue improvement action plan, the continuous updating of the existing data, the establishment of additional revenue points and the innovation of collector mechanisms to reduce cost of collection was hallmark of the assembly’s thrive story.

Mr Solomon Kotey Nikoi the Municipal Chief Executive of LaDMA mentioned that, the 2023 town hall meeting is aimed at providing the citizens with the platform for open dialogue to express concerns. He said in 2022, the assembly embarked on a number of initiatives and projects on government flagship initiatives, social intervention initiatives, and physical development across the municipality.

LaDMA DESILT DRAINS IN THE MUNICIPALITY

LaDMA DESILT DRAINS IN THE MUNICIPALITY

The La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly has embarked on massive dredging and desilting to improve flood risk and solid waste management in the targeted flood prone communities in the municipality.

According to the Municipal Roads director, the move is to support mitigation procedures to better manage flooding in the municipality. The ongoing dredging and desilting at Kordjor and Giffard road will be finished before the rains, said the roads director.

Madam Adwoa, the municipal director of roads stated that, for some time now, the municipality has been subjected to perennial flooding occasioned by poor sanitation, drainage, and waste management.

She mentioned that the dredging is been funded by the Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) projects designed to build the resilience of the national capital with the initial phase covering a five years period from 2020 to 2025 in the flood prone vulnerable communities in Accra while the desilting is funded from the assembly’s IGF and DACF.

Seventeen selected MMDAs in the Greater Accra Region have received specific funds to improve drainage infrastructure under Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) project, which LaDMA was one of the beneficiary to improve the operation and maintenance (desilting) of drainage and solid waste management, which the assembly is using her funds for the purpose it is meant for.

HON. SOLOMON KOTEY NIKOI INAUGURATES TENASHIE A and B SCHOOL LIBRARY

The Municipal Chief Executive of La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly Hon.Solomon Kotey Nikoi, on Wednesday, March 29, 2023 inaugurated a library for the Tenashie A and B Junior High School in La, Accra.

The facility, which was commissioned in partnership with the Potters House Ministries a religious group, was to support education and literacy in the municipality, is equipped with a modern furniture, television and other items.

Addressing the gathering, the MCE said education was an essential human asset, a need of society and a pre-requisite for good life for which reason the library was vital.

Hon. Solomon Kotey Nikoi, the MCE used the occasion to thank the Potters House Ministries for the gesture of building the school library in the municipality

Ms Habiba Kotoman, the education director for LaDMA expressed her outfit’s gratitude to the sponsors and assure them that the facility will be put into good use. She also beseeched for more support from individuals and institutions

LaDMA Strengthens the Sub-Structures

The La Dade Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) in February 2022 reorganized its two Zonal Councils to improve its services and better serve the people. The Councils were created to decentralize decision-making and provide effective representation to the communities in the municipality.

The reorganization involved the election of Council Chairs who will serve a two-year term in office. The elected Council Chairs are tasked with the responsibility of ensuring effective communication and collaboration between the Assembly and the communities in their respective zones.

The move by LaDMA to reorganize its Zonal Councils is part of its efforts to decentralize decision-making and improve service delivery to the people. The Zonal Councils play a critical role in ensuring that the voices of the people are heard, and their needs are addressed.

The Councils provide a platform for community members to engage with their leaders and discuss issues affecting their communities. They also work closely with the Assembly to identify and prioritize development projects in their respective zones.

The reorganization of the Zonal Councils is a clear indication of LaDMA’s commitment to promoting good governance and ensuring that the people’s needs are met. By providing effective representation and decentralizing decision-making, the Assembly is working towards creating a more inclusive and responsive government.

The newly elected Council Chairs are expected to work closely with the Assembly and the communities in their respective zones to identify and address their development needs. They will also serve as a bridge between the people and the Assembly, ensuring that the people’s voices are heard and their needs are met.

In conclusion, the reorganization of LaDMA’s Zonal Councils is a step in the right direction towards promoting good governance and ensuring that the people’s needs are met. The Councils provide an avenue for community members to engage with their leaders and contribute to the development of their communities. With the newly elected Council Chairs in place, the Assembly is poised to provide more effective representation and better serve the people of La Dade Kotopon Municipality.

REVIEWING LOCAL PLANS (PLANNING SCHEMES) KEY FOR EFFECTIVE PLANNING-LaDMA

FLASHBACK: A SCENE OF EXHIBITION OF DRAFT REVISED LOCAL PLAN FOR CANTONMENTS AT PALM WINE JUNCTION SHELL FILLING STATION-LA

The La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) has identified the reviewing of Local Plans (Planning Schemes) for the Cantonments residential area as a key for effective planning within the area.

According to the Physical Planning Director for LaDMA, the reviewing exercise of the area was in the pursuant to Section 46(4) (f) of the Land Use and Spatial Planning Act, 2016 (Act 925) to review and update existing  Local Plans, which have become updated in the face of current development patterns and changes in land uses over time.

Mr Fredrick Anthony Mompi, the director of the Physical Planning Department said, the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly in collaboration with the Land Use and Spatial Planning Authority have publicised the reviewing exercise in the National News Papers for residents to submit their input and comments on the proposals for consideration in the final draft plan, prior to approval. According to him, the Information Services Department Mobile Cinema Van has gone round the Cantonments area publicising the reviewing exercise for days.

According to the director of Physical Planning Department, copies of the draft revised Local Plans have been placed at the following locations within the Cantonments area for public viewing and input and about the proposals.  Ghana Free Zones Authority, W.E.B.Dubois Centre, Morning Star School, Palm Wine Junction Shell Filling Station, Embassy Gardens, Risen Christ Church, Covenant Family Community Church, (Soul Clinic) Koala Shopping Centre, American Embassy Taxi Rank and Togo Embassy Taxi Rank.

Mr Daniel Nkrumah, the coordinating director for LaDMA urged the stakeholders to cooperate with the team of field officers who have been deployed by the assembly to the Cantonments area to collect and validate Land Use data that will be incorporated into the revised plan for approval.

MCE BEMOANS STAFF LATENESS

The Municipal Chief Executive of La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) Mr Solomon Kotey Nikoi bemoans the attitude of staff towards work and urged heads of departments and Units to ensure that staff adhere to the clock-in and out policy.The MCE made this call at this year’s staff durbar held on Thursday December 22, 2022 at the forecourt of the municipal assembly.

Mr Solomon Kotey Nikoi mentioned that management has decided to better the lives of the Internally Generated Fund (IGF) staff by moving them from 2015 salary structure to 2018 structure due to the state of the economy.He said the assembly’s performance for 2021 was unprecedented, and that the assembly was adjudged first in the 2021 performance contract. He said to maintain the position for a long time, it needs hard work and commitment to the course of the assembly’s duty.

Speaking on the local government performance appraisal instrument and performance contract, Mr Daniel Nkrumah, the municipal coordinating director, urged staff to ensure that their heads appraise them on time. He cautioned heads of department and Units heads against the delay appraising of the staff. He said it is bad practice that the Human Resource Department will have to remind heads before doing the right thing.

Mr Daniel Nkrumah encouraged staff to be at post by 8: am and close at 5: pm. He advised heads of departments and Units to query absentees and lateness.The assembly honoured three staff for their hard work for the year 2021. Mr Henry Quartey, an assistant security officer station at the Morning Star School was awarded for the best worker 2021. The second best went Mr Enoch Donkor, an assistant security officer station at El-Wak annex while the third best award went to Mr Shadrack Tetteh, an assistant computer operator.

BREAKING BARRIERS: WOMEN EMPOWERMENT THROUGH ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNANCE DISCUSSED AT NEW LAKPAANA ELECTORAL AREA

The issue of women’s representation in government and politics has been a major concern for many countries across the globe. In Ghana, the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development, in collaboration with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and other stakeholders, has organized a program aimed at sensitizing women on the need to take up leadership roles in their various communities. The purpose of this program is to find solutions to why women shy away from politics, create awareness on the need for women to actively participate in all forms of election, advocate for women’s rights, educate women to do away with all forms of religious, cultural, social, and ethnic barriers against women’s participation in local governance, and encourage women’s participation at the local government level.

In the 1960s, it was discovered that women were the backbone of the agrarian economy, which focused mostly on peasant farming to feed the family and sell the rest. Women and children did most of the farm work, yet their efforts were not recognized, and they were relegated to the kitchen. Women were referred to as productive and reproductive agents, which prompted Esther Boserups to publish a paper on the inequalities and injustices women faced. This led to the Women in Development (WID) agenda, which sought to address women’s concerns. However, the approach failed to cater to men, leading to the birth of Women in Development (WAD). The Gender and Development (GAD) approach bridged the gap between men and women politically, socially, and economically.

Governance is concerned with the structure and processes involved in decision-making, accountability, control, and behavior of entities’ top. The principles of good governance include participatory, rule of law, transparency, responsiveness, consensus-oriented, equity and inclusiveness, effectiveness, and efficiency. The arms of government are the Executive (President), Legislature (lawmaking), and Judiciary (Supreme/Lower court). Women’s political participation is a prerequisite for gender equality and genuine democracy. It facilitates women’s direct engagement in public decision-making and ensures better accountability to women.

The hindrances to women’s participation include lack of knowledge, time, family problems, money, marital status, age, poverty, and illiteracy.

To encourage women’s participation, more girls should be encouraged to go and remain in school, women should be educated on their rights, their confidence and capacity should be built, funding should be provided, gender equality should be championed, measures should be adopted that ensure women are reserved some seats in governing institutions, working across party lines through parliamentary women’s causes, and championing issues of gender equality such as elimination of gender-based violence.

Most of the participants contributed immensely with questions and answers. Some men questioned why the department is focusing on women and children and not men. The participants promised to encourage their fellow women to send their female children to school and ensure they remain in school by providing their needs.

A total of 111 people attended the program, comprising 96 females and 15 males. The implementation of the collaboration program was successful, and the staff and administration of LaDMA are commended.