News

CORRUPTION AND INJUSTICE: THREATS TO NATION BUILDING

The Municipal Chief Executive for La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly, LaDMA, Honourable Solomon Nikoi Kotey, has stated that corruption and injustice are the enemies that hinder the development of the nation. He urged the citizenry to help build a more inclusive, equitable, and just society to combat these threats.

He made the call during the Municipal celebration of Ghana’s 67th Independence Day Anniversary held at the forecourt of the Ghana International Trade Fair Centre, La. The MCE emphasized that commitment and dedication to the ideals of Ghana’s democracy and its values define Ghanaians. He called on all Ghanaians to unite in building a better Ghana where individuals can fulfill their God-given potential. According to the MCE, Ghana’s journey to independence was marked by sacrifice, resilience, and steadfast willpower in the fight for freedom from colonial masters. He called for the protection of the country’s democracy for the current and future generations.

Embracing Tradition: LaDMA’s Inaugural “LaDMA Goes Traditional” Event

On the 4th of March 2024, the Culture Department of the La Dadekotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) made a significant mark with its inaugural event, aptly titled “LaDMA Goes Traditional.” Held at the premises of the Municipal Assembly, this one-day program aimed to celebrate Ghanaian heritage and culture in all its diversity.
Under the guidance of Mr. Fred Mensah Sewordor, the Municipal Culture Officer, the event welcomed departmental heads and staff from LaDMA. Dressed in vibrant Ghanaian traditional attire representing various regions, attendees gathered to honor the rich tapestry of Ghanaian culture.

The program commenced with a solemn prayer, setting the tone for a day filled with cultural immersion and appreciation. Traditional music filled the air, providing a melodious backdrop to the festivities. A highlight of the event was a spirited photo shoot, capturing the essence of Ghanaian heritage against the backdrop of the Assembly Hall.
In recent years, the importance of tourism as an economic driver has become increasingly evident. Across the globe, tourism serves as a vital source of revenue, investment, and job creation. In Ghana, initiatives such as the “Year of Return” in 2019 and “Beyond the Return” have spotlighted the country’s tourism potential, drawing visitors from far and wide.
Since 2020, the Ghana Tourism Authority, alongside key stakeholders, has been diligently compiling and disseminating comprehensive tourism data. These efforts aim to not only showcase Ghana’s diverse attractions but also to provide valuable insights for industry stakeholders and the public alike.

The “LaDMA Goes Traditional” event encapsulated the spirit of Ghanaian culture, eliciting joy and appreciation from all who attended. As participants immersed themselves in the festivities, they not only celebrated tradition but also reaffirmed the importance of preserving and promoting Ghana’s cultural heritage.
In conclusion, LaDMA’s inaugural cultural event served as a testament to the power of tradition in fostering community cohesion and pride. By embracing Ghana’s rich cultural tapestry, events like “LaDMA Goes Traditional” play a vital role in shaping the identity and narrative of our nation for generations to come.

LA DADE-KOTOPON MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY ADVOCATES FOR REVENUE PAYMENT TO BOOST DEVELOPMENT

The Information Services Department (ISD) of La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) has heightened efforts to sensitize the public on the importance of fulfilling their tax obligations. The move came as the government reverted the collection of property rates to the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).

The ISD office emphasizes residents’ need to honor their property rates and other bills, emphasizing that the assembly would not tolerate any defaulters. It reiterated the assembly’s commitment to implementing approved programs and projects for the municipality’s development.

The collection of the bills, according to the ISD office, is mandated by the bylaws under the local government act, granting the municipal assembly authority to set fees for properties, businesses, and locations based on the assembly’s fee-fixing resolution.

Highlighting the utilization of these funds, the office outlined various development projects such as road construction, school buildings, streetlights, drainage systems, skill training, sanitation, and security, all aimed at benefiting the general public. It warned that any obstruction or interference with the authorized personnel conducting duties on behalf of the assembly would lead to arrest and prosecution.

The public was urged to settle all bills at the assembly’s pay points and cooperate with bill collectors to contribute to the municipality’s transformation.

LaDMA Inducts New Assembly and Unit Committee Members

The introductory ceremony for both the Assembly and Unit Committee members of the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly took place at the assembly’s forecourt on Monday, February 12, 2024. This event followed a successful district-level election held on December 19, 2023. Ten elected assembly members, five government appointees, and fifty Unit Committee members were officially affirmed into office for the 4th La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA). Among them, Mr. Emmanuel Nyarko Baah received 15 votes and was elected as the Presiding Member of the Assembly for the third consecutive time, having stood unopposed.

In his address, Rev. Solomon Kotey Nikoi, the Municipal Chief Executive for the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly, expressed appreciation to the outgoing assembly members and the Unit Committee members. He acknowledged their selflessness, dedication, hard work, and service to the people in the Municipality. Their contributions have significantly contributed to the development of the municipality, and the pivotal role played by assembly members and Unit Committee members in driving development cannot be underestimated.

Rev. Solomon Kotey Nikoi emphasized that the newly elected assembly members, government appointees, and Unit Committee members reflect a true commitment to community service and the trust placed in them. He urged all members to accept their responsibilities and work collaboratively for the development of the municipality.

Furthermore, Hon. Rev. Solomon Kotey Nikoi announced that the management has designed comprehensive strategies for implementing the policies, programs, and activities outlined in the 2024 annual action plan. He called upon the assembly members to collectively strive toward achieving common goals.

According to Rev. Solomon Kotey Nikoi, the assembly has a long-term plan ready for consideration. This plan aims to be a game-changer for the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA). It provides details on the assembly’s short-term, mid-term, and long-term programs. The goal is to enable the assembly to fulfill its mandate over the next 15 years.

Hon. Solomon calls on the assembly members to prioritize the interests and welfare of the citizenry. He emphasizes the need to create jobs and foster development at their doorstep. Additionally, he urges the assembly members to promptly elect their presiding member.

Empowering Women and Youth through Skill Development: A Case Study of La Municipality’s Training Workshop

Introduction:
In line with its social responsibility, the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development in the La Municipality organized a six-week training workshop aimed at equipping women and youth with employable skills. The workshop, held during the quarter under review, focused on areas such as Pastry Making, Make-up, and Decoration, providing participants with valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Objectives:
The primary objectives of the training workshop were to train ninety youth or women in employable skills and to empower the youth and women of La Municipality. Through practical training and hands-on experience, participants were expected to gain valuable skills that could enhance their employability and socioeconomic status.

Summary:
Before the commencement of the training, the department reached out to the general public, urging interested individuals to register for the workshop. Equal opportunities were provided to various groups, including dressmakers, hairdressers, and women and youth groups, to participate in the training. Orientation sessions were conducted, and the training officially began on November 3rd, 2023, with the support and encouragement of municipal leaders and stakeholders.

Training:
The training sessions were conducted by experienced trainers who developed a comprehensive Training Manual to guide the teaching process. Participants were closely monitored, and their attendance and performance were recorded throughout the training period. At the conclusion of the workshop, participants were assessed through basic and general questions to evaluate their understanding of the course material.

Conclusion:
Despite facing challenges such as attendance issues among elderly participants and financial constraints, the training workshop achieved significant success. A total of eighty-six participants successfully completed the program, demonstrating their commitment to learning and personal development. The promise of further opportunities, such as registration for the National Vocational and Technical Institute Examination (NVTI) and internship placements, serves as an incentive for participants to continue their journey towards self-improvement.

Challenges:
Several challenges were encountered during the implementation of the training workshop, including attendance issues, cleanliness concerns at the venue, and financial constraints. These challenges highlight the importance of addressing logistical and operational issues to ensure the smooth running of similar programs in the future.

Recommendations:
To enhance the effectiveness of future training workshops, it is recommended to allocate adequate funding and introduce measures such as bench markers to promote participant accountability. Additionally, attachment programs should be introduced to provide participants with practical experience in their respective fields, further enhancing their employability and skill development.

In conclusion, the training workshop organized by the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development in the La Municipality serves as a testament to the commitment to empowering women and youth through skill development initiatives. By addressing challenges and implementing recommendations, similar programs can continue to make a positive impact on the lives of participants and contribute to the overall socioeconomic development of the municipality.

 

 

MADAM JULIA JUDITH FREMPONG-MANSO ADJUDGED OVERALL BEST DISTRICT FARMER FOR 2023

The La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) has honoured its gallant Farmers for 2023. The 39th National farmers’ day replicated in the District was held at the Forecourt of the La Traditional Council under the theme: Delivering Smart Solutions for Sustainable Food Security and Resilience. Madam Julia Judith Frempong- Manso a professional teacher from Burma Camp was adjudged the overall best farmer and presented with a Motorbike, 32-inch Television set, one Knapsack sprayer, Full piece cloth, and a certificate.

Other Eight deserving hardworking farmers were also presented with awards in various categories. Addressing the gathering, Madam Julia Judith Frempong-Manso mentioned that dedication and hard work reward. She said farming is a worthwhile business and urged the youth and unemployed in the Municipality to venture into that area.

She condemned the conception that farming is a punishment. Madam Julia Judith Frempong-Manso mentioned that her husband Colonel Frempong-Manso started the fish farming. She continued that, fish farming is very difficult and capital intensive but the reward is very great. She dedicated the award to her husband and supporting staff.

Mr Solomon Kotey Nikoi, the Municipal Chief Executive of LaDMA announced that the Assembly was declared National Second-Best in the Public Financial Management (PFM) compliance in the 2023 assessment conducted by the Internal Audit Agency of Ghana. Mr Solomon Kotey Nikoi said this attests the Assembly’s firm commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance. He said the achievement would motivate the Assembly to do more in the years to come.

Mrs Emelia Monney, the Municipal Director of Agriculture mentioned that the Agric Department and Municipal Authority have been implementing Government policies on Agric with the support of the Canadian Government. She said that under the years, the sector has been implementing the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ). She continued that the sector has provided consistent extension services and trainings for different stakeholders along the agric value chain and has facilitated linkages between stakeholders.

According to Mrs Emelia Monney, the Agric Department in collaboration with the poultry sector was able to bring bird flu under control. She said this was done through vaccinations for poultry, and anti-rabies vaccines administered for pets and ruminants on regular basis as well as distribution of agrochemicals to crop farmers. Mrs Emelia Monney therefore stated that, the Agric Department collaborated with the Department of Cooperatives and Ghana Enterprises Agency to bring financial literacy and business expertise to some of the farmers and farm association. She assured the gathering that the Agric Department will continue to provide extension services to the farmers and other stakeholder along the food value chain.

He said the Farmers’ Day celebration presents another opportunity to honour the gallant farmers and agribusiness workers for the starring role they play to safeguard continual national development and the food security of the populaces.

According to the MCE, the Assembly’s commitment to providing innovative and forward-thinking solutions in Agriculture has become important than before in the face of over-evolving challenges. Mr Solomon Kotey Nikoi, added that the theme for the celebration has become more relevant because experts have acknowledged that food security, sustainability and resilience is becoming a serious threat to humanity, particularly for the developing countries.

He said for the Assembly to achieve sustainable food security and resilience, his pertinent to invest in education and training of the Municipal farmers, to empower them with knowledge and skills needed to adopt smart farming practices.

The MCE said that, in pursuit of Smart Solution for Sustainable food security in the Country, the Government of Ghana led by the President Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo Addo has launched the second phase of planting for food and jobs. He said the second phase would focus on sustainable methods of financing fertilizer and seeds for farmers instead of the subsidy. 

LA: REVENUE COLLECTORS URGED TO PRIORITIZE ASSEMBLY’S INTEREST- SUWAIBA ABUBAKAR

Madam Suwaiba Abubakar, Head of Revenue Operation

Madam Suwaiba Abubakar, Head of Revenue Operations for La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly has expressed the need for revenue collectors to prioritize and promote collection of revenue in delivering of service to the Assembly. This she said is to ensure massive improvement in the collection of revenue to exceed targets. Madam Suwaiba Abubakar said this when she met with the Assembly revenue collectors.

 She indicated that, the dominant factors affecting local revenue collection includes; failure to notify people on time for their dues, failure to carryout proper feasibility study, poor planning and poor assessment of tax which adversely affects the volume of revenue to be collected. She continued that delayed distribution of bills to ratepayers denies the Assembly the opportunity to expand its development agenda.

She added that to ensure massive improvement in revenue collection and realisation of the Assembly medium-term fiscal policy and development objectives, revenue collectors must improve relationship between the Assembly and the ratepayers, sensitization of the public to comply on payment of revenue. She asked the revenue collectors to try as much as possible to educate the ratepayers on the relevance of paying revenue.

Madam Suwaiba Abubakar urged the revenue collectors to put in place a team to ensure regular enforcement of revenue collection and effective monitoring systems, which are crucial issue for the Assembly policy makers. She further reiterated that she would not tolerate incompetence amongst the task force and that all should join hands to help exceed the target.

ACCRA: LaDMA Fully Committed To Reduce Unemployment In The Municipality- Francisca Adorkor-Khein

The Municipal Director of Cooperatives, Madam Francisca Adorkor-Khein, has announced that the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly is dedicated to mitigating the growing issue of unemployment in the municipality. Over 131 individuals within the Municipality have been selected for training under the YouStart policy. Madam Adorkor-Khein emphasized that LaDMA, as a Municipality, is fully committed to addressing the challenges faced by its residents. She urged the citizenry to join hands with the assembly in creating more job opportunities, alleviating the menace of unemployment in the municipality.

Madam Francisca Adorkor-Khein made these remarks during the District Economic Development meeting held at the assembly hall. She revealed that the selected individuals have been grouped into four, with the first phase of Group 1 scheduled for training on May 8, 2023. Participants for the second and third phases will be selected in due categorization.

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.