News

GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP WEEK: PROMOTING UNITY AND COLLABORATION ACROSS BORDERS

Global Citizenship Week is an annual event that aims to encourage individuals to become global citizens and take action to address global challenges. This weeklong celebration is held every year in October and is an opportunity for people around the world to come together to promote unity, collaboration, and a shared responsibility for the world we live in.

The theme for Global Citizenship Week 2022 is “Building Back Better: Achieving a Sustainable Future for All.” This theme emphasizes the need to work together to address the world’s most pressing challenges, including poverty, inequality, climate change, and social injustice. The focus is on promoting sustainability, equity, and inclusivity, and encouraging individuals to take meaningful action to make a positive difference in the world.

Global Citizenship Week is an important opportunity to recognize the interconnectedness of our world and the importance of promoting unity and collaboration across borders. The week’s activities include workshops, discussions, and community events that encourage participants to learn about global issues and take action to address them.

One of the key goals of Global Citizenship Week is to promote education and awareness about global issues. Through educational activities and events, individuals can learn about the challenges facing our world and how they can make a positive impact. By promoting awareness and understanding, Global Citizenship Week aims to inspire individuals to become agents of change in their communities.

In addition to promoting education and awareness, Global Citizenship Week also aims to foster a sense of unity and collaboration across borders. By working together, individuals can achieve greater impact and create lasting change. Through collaborative efforts, individuals can share ideas and resources, build networks, and promote innovation.

Global Citizenship Week is a celebration of our shared responsibility for the world we live in and the importance of working together to address global challenges. It is an opportunity to recognize the interconnectedness of our world and to promote unity and collaboration across borders. By taking action and promoting sustainability, equity, and inclusivity, we can build a brighter, more just, and more sustainable future for all.

LADMA PROVIDES TO /OS STUDENTS SCHOLARSHIP

The La Dade-kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) has continued its commitment to promoting education in the municipality by granting scholarships to financially challenged but academically deserving tertiary students. From January to September 2022, the assembly granted 105 scholarships to students pursuing various courses in universities across Ghana.

The scholarship beneficiaries were selected based on their academic performance and financial need. The assembly recognized the importance of supporting students who may not have the financial means to further their education, but have demonstrated academic excellence and potential for success.

The scholarship program covered various courses, including medicine, engineering, law, business administration, and education. The assembly is committed to promoting diversity and inclusivity in its scholarship program to ensure that students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue their academic dreams.

The scholarship program is part of LaDMA’s broader education initiatives aimed at improving the quality of education in the municipality. The assembly believes that investing in education is crucial for the growth and development of the municipality and the country as a whole.

Speaking on the scholarship program, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Solomon Niikoi, emphasized the importance of education in shaping the future of the municipality. He urged the scholarship beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills that will help them become productive members of society.

The MCE also commended the scholarship committee for their diligent work in selecting deserving beneficiaries and ensuring that the program ran smoothly. He reiterated the assembly’s commitment to supporting education and called on other stakeholders to join hands in promoting education in the municipality.

The scholarship beneficiaries expressed their appreciation to LaDMA for the opportunity to pursue their academic dreams. They noted that the scholarship would go a long way in relieving the financial burden of their education and allowing them to focus on their studies. They promised to work hard and make the assembly proud by excelling in their academic pursuits.

The scholarship program is a demonstration of LaDMA’s commitment to promoting education and investing in the future of the municipality. The assembly is determined to continue supporting education initiatives that will benefit the youth and promote growth and development in the municipality.

LaDMA Account to the People

On Wednesday October 19, 2022, the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) held their annual town hall meeting dubbed: “Inclusive planning and budgeting; sustaining stakeholder’s participation in development.

 The meeting was held in fulfilment of the provisions in the 1992 constitution of the republic of Ghana, the Local Governance Act 2016, Act 936, the National Development Planning (Systems) Act 1994 (Act 480), the National Development Planning (Systems) Regulations, 2016 (LI 2232), the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921) and other pieces of legislation.

In his speech, he made mention of the fact that, irrespective of the twin effect of Covid-19 and the Russian-Ukraine war on the economy of Ghana, the La Dade-kotopon Municipal Assembly, was able to exceed its Internally Generated Fund (IGF) target for the year 2021. This helped the Assembly to undertake some important developmental projects.

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the La Dade-kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA), Hon. Solomon Kotey Nikoi delivered a welcome address on the occasion and made a presentation of the 2023 annual action plan and composite budget.

Developmental projects like;

  1. Classroom blocks for six schools in the municipality
  2. Fencing of the La Royal Cemetery and Rangoon Camp 1&2 primary school.
  3. Ongoing drain projects, road sealing, pothole patching, speed humps, metal gratings and asphalting.
  4. Construction of the residential accommodation of the Municipal Chief Executive has also been completed and in use.

Based on education, according to the MCE, part of the IGF has also been used to;

  1. Cater for the Ghana School Feeding Programme and about 40 schools in the Municipality are beneficiaries.
  2. Distribute free textbooks and capitation grants to both SHSs’ and basic schools
  3. Distribute over 3000 dual and mono desks to needy schools
  4. Cater for some costs that are because of the free SHS policy.
  5. Distribute 3,500 mathematical set to BECE candidates and 600 bottles of water to refresh them as they write their final examinations

He said the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA) under LaDMA has rolled out programmes that aimed at reviving ill businesses and the establishment of new ones, through free business counselling for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME’s)

He mentioned that the Assembly has distributed 234 fall army worms agrochemicals to 82 farmers, provided weekly extension services, and trained farmers in green house farming, vegetable production in containers and open field irrigation under the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ)

Hon. Solomon Kotey Nikio appealed to the citizenry to pay their bills to enable the assembly to bring development to their doorsteps.

LaDMA GIVES RELIEF ITEMS TO FLOOD AFFECT RESIDENTS

It was a rainy season in La Dade-Kotopon Municipality, and the residents were worried about the possibility of flooding. Unfortunately, their fears were confirmed when heavy rains caused flooding in several areas, leaving many residents homeless and in dire need of assistance.

The La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) quickly mobilized to provide relief to the affected residents. The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Solomon Niikoi, and the Director of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) in the municipality, Madam Deborah Maame Akua Ofori, led the distribution of relief items to the affected communities.

The team visited several areas affected by the flood, including Tse-Addo, Cantoments, South La, La, Kaajaanor, Ako Adjei, and Abafum. They distributed items such as food, clothing, and blankets to the affected residents. The MCE and NADMO Director also offered words of encouragement to the residents, assuring them of the assembly’s commitment to supporting them during this difficult time.

The distribution exercise was well-organized, and the team worked efficiently to ensure that every affected resident received the necessary relief items. The MCE and NADMO Director were impressed with the dedication and hard work of the LaDMA staff and volunteers who had worked tirelessly to make the relief effort a success.

In an interview with the media, Hon. Solomon Niikoi expressed his appreciation for the support and cooperation of the residents during the distribution exercise. He also urged residents to continue taking proactive measures to prevent future flooding by avoiding dumping waste in drains and waterways.

The NADMO Director, Madam Deborah Maame Akua Ofori, also commended the LaDMA for their swift response and urged other assemblies to emulate their example in responding to disasters.

In conclusion, the distribution of relief items to flood-affected residents by LaDMA and NADMO was a success, and the MCE and NADMO Director demonstrated their commitment to supporting the affected residents. The assembly’s efforts were applauded by both residents and stakeholders, and it was a reminder of the importance of preparedness and swift action in responding to disasters.

International Day for Women and Girls in Science

International Day for Women and Girls in Science is an annual event. It is a day set aside to recognize the critical role played by women and girls in science and technology and the need to encourage more women to pursue careers in these fields. The celebration aims to promote gender equality and empower women and girls to make significant contributions to the field of science.

In 2022, the celebration of the International Day for Women and Girls in Science will be marked with great enthusiasm and passion. This year’s theme is “Women Scientists at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19”, which highlights the critical role played by women scientists in the global fight against the pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the fore the importance of science and technology in tackling global challenges. Women scientists have been at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19, from developing vaccines to conducting research on the virus and its impact. They have also been instrumental in providing vital healthcare services and advice to communities affected by the pandemic.

Despite the significant contributions made by women scientists in the fight against COVID-19, there is still a significant gender gap in the field of science and technology. According to UNESCO, only 28% of researchers globally are women. This gender gap is particularly acute in developing countries, where women face numerous barriers to pursuing careers in science and technology.

The International Day for Women and Girls in Science is an opportunity to raise awareness about the need to address the gender gap in science and technology and to promote the empowerment of women and girls in these fields. It is a day to celebrate the achievements of women scientists and to encourage more young women to pursue careers in science and technology.

As we celebrate the International Day for Women and Girls in Science 2022, let us recognize the critical role played by women scientists in the fight against COVID-19 and the need to empower more women and girls to make significant contributions to the field of science. It is time to break down the gender barriers that prevent women from pursuing careers in science and technology and to create a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

Ladma intensified education on teenage pregnancy

The La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) has intensified its efforts towards the prevention of teenage pregnancy in the municipality through an educational campaign aimed at raising awareness on the dangers and negative effects of teenage pregnancy.

The campaign, which is being led by the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development, is targeted at teenagers in both junior and senior high schools in the municipality. The campaign features educational sessions on the consequences of teenage pregnancy, including the physical, emotional, and social impact on both the teenager and the community at large.

Speaking about the initiative, the Municipal Chief Executive of LaDMA, Hon. Solomon Niikoi, noted that teenage pregnancy is a growing concern in the municipality and that the assembly is committed to addressing the issue through education and awareness-raising.

The educational campaign has been well-received by students, teachers, and parents in the municipality, with many expressing appreciation for the efforts of LaDMA and its partners in promoting a healthy and informed society. It is hoped that the campaign will contribute to the reduction of teenage pregnancy in the municipality and promote a brighter future for the youth.

Supporting Education: Donation of Mathematical Sets to JHS Candidates for 2022

Donated items

As the 2022 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) draws near, various organizations and individuals have started gearing up to support the candidates with materials that will aid them in their preparation for the exams. One of the notable forms of support that is usually provided to candidates is the donation of mathematical sets.

Mathematical sets are essential tools that are needed by candidates to excel in Mathematics and other related subjects. They contain vital items such as compasses, rulers, protractors, and other materials that are required for geometric constructions, measurements, and calculations. Unfortunately, many candidates may not have access to these sets due to various reasons such as financial constraints, lack of awareness, or unavailability of the sets in their communities.

To bridge this gap, the organizers of the 2022 BECE have put in place measures to ensure that candidates receive the necessary support in the form of mathematical sets. These sets will be made available to both private and public candidates, and the distribution will be carried out by various organizations and individuals.

It is worthy to note that the donation of mathematical sets is not just a show of philanthropy, but it also goes a long way in boosting the confidence of candidates. When candidates have access to the necessary tools, they tend to feel more prepared and confident in their ability to excel in the exams.

In conclusion, the donation of mathematical sets to candidates is a laudable initiative that will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the performance of candidates in the 2022 BECE. We, therefore, call on individuals and organizations to support this cause by donating mathematical sets to candidates in their communities. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of these candidates and help them achieve their academic dreams.

LADMA INTENSITIES TRAFFIC CONTROL ACTIVITIES

The safety of children during their commute to school is a matter of utmost importance, and the La Dade Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) recognizes this. In line with this, the Assembly provided city guards to various schools in the municipality to help control traffic during school hours.

The city guards were tasked with managing traffic flow in the vicinity of the schools, especially during the busy morning and closing hours when many students are commuting. They helped to direct vehicles and ensure that they didn’t pose a threat to the students’ safety.

The provision of city guards by the Assembly was a welcome relief to many schools that had previously struggled with managing traffic during peak hours. It also showed the Assembly’s commitment to ensuring that children in the municipality are protected and can safely access their education.

The initiative was widely appreciated by both school authorities and parents. They acknowledged the importance of such measures in ensuring the safety of their children. The Assembly’s effort in providing city guards demonstrated its proactive approach towards ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens, especially the youth.

It is important to note that the safety of children during their commute to school is a shared responsibility. Parents, school authorities, and the local government must work together to ensure that children are protected from harm. The LaDMA has demonstrated its commitment to this cause, and it is hoped that other municipalities will follow suit.

In conclusion, the provision of city guards by the LaDMA to various schools in the municipality during the year 2022 is a commendable initiative that deserves recognition. It is a step towards ensuring that children in the municipality are protected and can access their education safely.

LADMA INTENSITTIES REVENUE MOBILIZATION

In September 2022, the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) took a significant step towards improving its revenue collection by setting up a revenue operations team (ROT). This team was specifically tasked with intensifying revenue collection efforts and ensuring that the assembly was able to generate the funds it needed to provide essential services to the people of the municipality.

Revenue collection is a critical aspect of any local government’s operations, as it is the primary source of funding for the provision of basic services such as health care, education, sanitation, and infrastructure development. However, in many cases, revenue collection can be a challenge, particularly in areas where there is a significant informal sector or a high level of non-compliance with tax and fee payment requirements.

To address this challenge, the LaDMA set up the ROT to ensure that revenue collection efforts were intensified and streamlined. The ROT was made up of a team of experts who were trained in revenue mobilization and collection strategies. They were tasked with developing and implementing innovative revenue collection strategies that would help the assembly generate the funds it needed to provide essential services to the people of the municipality.

The ROT focused on a range of revenue streams, including property rates, business operating permits, market tolls, and other fees and charges. They used a variety of methods to encourage compliance with payment requirements, including education and awareness campaigns, streamlined payment procedures, and enforcement measures where necessary.

The results of the ROT’s efforts were impressive. In just a few short months, the assembly was able to significantly increase its revenue collection and generate the funds it needed to provide essential services to the people of the municipality. This was a significant achievement, and it demonstrated the LaDMA’s commitment to ensuring that it was able to meet the needs of its residents.

Overall, the establishment of the ROT was a positive step for the LaDMA, and it showed that with the right strategies and resources in place, local governments can significantly improve their revenue collection efforts. This, in turn, can help them provide essential services to their residents and contribute to the overall development of their communities.

LaDMA TO PROSECUTE BILL DEFAULTERS

The La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) has embarked on a massive revenue mobilization and collection drive to amass all unpaid bills due the assembly by property owners and business operators in the municipality.

The Municipal Coordinating Director for the assembly said the exercise is to ensure that the assembly meet its revenue target for the year 2022.

The MCD mentioned that the assembly has embarked on a number of developmental programmes and projects. The projects and the programmes he said cut across a number of government leading programmes and social interventions, like skill training and empowerment of small business, distribution of school furniture, construction of drains and school building in the municipality.

 The MCD stated that the enforcement of the revenue collection was because some ratepayers has not made their payment within the stipulated time. He mentioned that after several follow-ups, individuals and institutions are unwilling to pay.

According to the MCD, notice has been given with a focus on reminding the payer(s) of the past due date of collection and clarifying the implications of actions that will be taken if payment is not made within a specified interval. He said issuance of final demand notice to defaulters has been made and believe the time has come for the assembly to take the necessary action.

The Municipal Coordinating Director believed the assembly has reposition itself by tackling the loopholes opposing Internally Generated Funds (IGF) by implementing a number of policies that includes the prosecution of bill defaulters, regular interaction with ratepayers and operationalization of revenue task force.

He said, by the Local Government byelaw, a person who contravenes any provision of the BOP and Property byelaws commits an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine or in default to a term of imprisonment or both.

The Municipal Coordinating Director grieve for the challenges militating against the assembly notwithstanding the massive stride made by the assembly, and called on all property owners and business operators and stakeholder to help address them to build a well-structured human race for the generation to come.