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LaDMA Mobilizes Community for Successful National Sanitation Day Clean-Up

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The streets of the La Dade-Kotopon Municipality were a hive of activity this past Saturday as residents, Assembly staff, and community leaders joined hands for the revived National Sanitation Day exercise. The event, spearheaded by the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA), saw a collective effort to clean and beautify the community, emphasizing a shared responsibility for public health and environmental cleanliness.

The clean-up drive, which took place on October 5th, was part of a nationwide initiative to reinvigorate the culture of communal sanitation. Key figures, including the Deputy Minister of Local Government and the Member of Parliament for the constituency, Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, were on hand to lead by example.

“The President’s vision for this revived exercise is clear: to safeguard public health, enhance the aesthetic of our communities, and promote national pride and tourism,” stated Hon. Sowah, underscoring the broader significance of the day.

Echoing this sentiment, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Alfredos Nii Anyetei, issued a firm reminder to residents about their civic duties. He cautioned that the Assembly would soon begin to enforce sanitation by-laws more rigorously. “Before the next sanitation day, people who refuse to keep their surroundings clean will be sanctioned,” the MCE announced, signaling a move towards stricter enforcement to ensure lasting change.

A Community-Wide Effort

The exercise kicked off early in the morning, with teams fanning out across key areas including La Market Complex, Tseado, the Koko Storm Drain, Labone, and the 37 Lorry Station. Activities included:

  • Sweeping and clearing of streets and public spaces.
  • Desilting choked gutters to prevent flooding.
  • Weeding open spaces to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
  • Collecting and properly disposing of accumulated refuse.

The clean-up was a collaborative effort, bringing together Assembly Members, the DE Blessing Foundation, security personnel, community leaders, and enthusiastic residents. The involvement of local leaders was pivotal in mobilizing the youth and ensuring the exercise was conducted in an orderly manner.

Preparation and Public Engagement

In the week leading up to the event, the Assembly’s Information Services Department embarked on an extensive public awareness campaign. Using a public address system, announcement teams visited communities and public spaces to inform residents about the exercise and encourage widespread participation.

Challenges and the Path Forward

Despite the overall success, the exercise highlighted some ongoing challenges. Organizers noted low participation in some areas, a shortage of tools like rakes and wheelbarrows, and delays in refuse collection due to limited vehicles. The persistent issue of indiscriminate waste disposal by some residents also remains a concern.

In response, the Assembly has outlined key recommendations for future exercises, which include:

  • Intensifying public education on the importance of sustained cleanliness.
  • Providing adequate logistics and protective equipment for volunteers.
  • Ensuring timely waste collection to prevent post-clean-up littering.
  • Strengthening the enforcement of sanitation by-laws to deter offenders.

A Cleaner, Healthier Future for LaDMA

The National Sanitation Day exercise was a significant step towards a cleaner La Dade-Kotopon. The Assembly expressed its profound gratitude to all participants and reaffirmed its commitment to working with stakeholders and residents to maintain the momentum.

“The success of this exercise is a testament to what we can achieve together,” a statement from LaDMA read. “We encourage continuous community cooperation as we work towards our common goal of a cleaner, greener, and healthier municipality for all.”

 

5th Youth Parliament Sitting: Young Leaders Call for Action on Climate Change

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The La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) hosted the 5th Youth Parliament Sitting on Tuesday, 23rd September 2025, at the Assembly Hall. The event provided a platform for young people to deliberate on pressing national issues while strengthening their participation in governance.

The sitting commenced at 11:16 a.m. with an opening prayer by Rev. Thomas Dickson, followed by the singing of the National Anthem and the Youth Anthem. In his welcome address, the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Alfredos Nii Anyetei, emphasized the importance of youth involvement in development.

“The youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are stakeholders of today. It is important that your voices influence our development agenda, especially in areas like climate change.” — Hon. Alfredos Nii Anyetei

The Speaker of Parliament, Mr. Charles Ofarkwei Nsiah, presented the Order Paper and introduced the motion of the day:

“That the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly prioritizes youth-led initiatives to address climate change and environmental degradation.”

Debate on the Motion

  • The Majority Leader, in moving the motion, called for the inclusion of youth perspectives in general assembly meetings. He stressed that climate change solutions must involve the younger generation.
  • A student representative from PRESEC-La proposed that schools at all levels should adopt recycling activities to nurture environmentally conscious future leaders.
  • The Minority Leader highlighted the importance of capacity building, noting that young people need the necessary skills and knowledge to take effective climate action.
  • Hon. Gilbert, Majority Leader, appealed for financial support from LaDMA and development partners to transform youth climate ideas into tangible initiatives.

The Speaker, Mr. Nsiah, closed the debate by recommending the formation of a committee to work with LaDMA’s Environmental Department and Town Council, ensuring that youth proposals translate into real action.

Achievements

The sitting did not only shed light on the causes and effects of climate change, but also gave participants hands-on experience with parliamentary procedures and civic engagement. Students and youth groups who attended are expected to extend the knowledge acquired to their communities and campuses.

Conclusion

The 5th Youth Parliament Sitting reaffirmed LaDMA’s commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders and ensuring their active involvement in tackling both municipal and national challenges. By prioritizing youth-led climate initiatives, the assembly has set the tone for meaningful collaboration between policymakers and young citizens in building a sustainable future.

 

2nd CNC Ebo Whyte Student Drama Competition: Nurturing Creativity and Cultural Expression

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The 2nd CNC Ebo Whyte Student Drama Competition was successfully held with the aim of encouraging artistic expression, enhancing communication skills, and promoting literary appreciation among students. Named after Ghana’s celebrated playwright, Uncle Ebo Whyte, the competition highlighted the power of drama as an educational tool while nurturing the creativity of young talents. It also reaffirmed theatre’s broader role in social commentary, moral reflection, and cultural preservation.

Objectives of the Competition

The event was designed to:

  • Cultivate student interest in drama and the performing arts.
  • Provide a platform for creative and confident self-expression.
  • Promote teamwork, discipline, and problem-solving through stage performance.
  • Address pressing social and moral issues through drama.
  • Celebrate Ghanaian oral traditions and storytelling.

Participation and Organization

The competition brought together schools from across the region, including both Senior High Schools and tertiary institutions. Each school was tasked with staging a short performance, either adapted from Ebo Whyte’s plays or inspired by his recurring themes of family, love, morality, resilience, and social responsibility.

A dedicated planning committee comprising teachers, drama instructors, and literary enthusiasts coordinated the event, which was staged before a distinguished panel of judges made up of theatre professionals, lecturers, and cultural advocates.

Highlights of the Competition

  • Opening Ceremony: The event began with a keynote address on the importance of drama in education, followed by a vibrant cultural dance.
  • Performances: Each school staged a 15–20-minute play addressing themes such as corruption, peer pressure, gender equality, perseverance, and conflict.
  • Stagecraft and Creativity: Students impressed with innovative use of costumes, props, and directing despite resource limitations.
  • Judging: Entries were assessed based on originality, acting, stage management, creativity, and audience engagement.
  • Audience Response: Students, teachers, parents, and guests enthusiastically applauded moving performances and comedic highlights.

Outcomes and Achievements

The competition achieved remarkable success in several areas:

  • Talent Discovery: Exceptional talent in acting, scriptwriting, and directing was uncovered, with many students expressing interest in theatre careers.
  • Skill Development: Participants gained confidence in public speaking, teamwork, and time management.
  • Social Education: Plays provided a mirror for society, sparking conversations on ethics and values.
  • Community Building: The event fostered unity among schools, teachers, and the wider community.
  • Awards: Winners received trophies, books, certificates, and mentorship opportunities with seasoned theatre practitioners.

Challenges Identified

Despite the success, a few challenges emerged:

  • Limited funding for costumes, props, and logistics.
  • Inadequate rehearsal spaces in some schools.
  • Time constraints that restricted the depth of performances.
  • Limited publicity, which reduced audience size and support.

Conclusion and Way Forward

The 2nd CNC Ebo Whyte Student Drama Competition proved to be a resounding success, reinforcing the power of theatre in shaping intellect, creativity, and moral consciousness. The event demonstrated that when students are given a platform to express themselves artistically, they not only entertain but also enlighten their communities.

 

To ensure the growth and sustainability of the competition, the following recommendations were made:

  • Seek sponsorship from corporate bodies, government agencies, and cultural organizations.
  • Organize training workshops on acting, directing, and stage management ahead of future competitions.
  • Expand participation to include more schools nationwide.
  • Enhance publicity through radio, television, and social media platforms.
  • Institutionalize the competition as an annual national event.

The success of this year’s competition stands as a testament to the transformative power of drama in education and the development of Ghana’s young creative talents.

The Homowo Festival: Celebrating Heritage, Unity, and Resilience

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The Hɔmɔwɔ Festival is the annual traditional celebration of the Ga people, observed with pageantry, and deep cultural pride. The word Hɔmɔwɔ, which translates as “hooting at hunger”, commemorates the end of a devastating famine caused by drought during the Ga ancestors’ migration from Israel to their present settlements. The festival marks gratitude for bumper harvests and serves as a reminder of resilience and survival.

Hɔmɔwɔ is celebrated between May and September each year by the people of Tema, Nungua, Teshie, La, Osu, and Ga Mashie. At the heart of the festivities is the cooking, sprinkling and eating of Kpokpoi—the traditional food prepared specially for the occasion. Beyond this, each Ga town expresses its unique identity through distinct rituals, performances, and customs that make the celebrations diverse and vibrant.

Among the Ga communities, the La Hɔmɔwɔ Festival is widely regarded as one of the most patronized and captivating. What sets it apart are the numerous traditional rites, rich cultural displays, and lively side attractions that draw thousands of participants and visitors. The La people celebrate with the distinctive ‘Kpalala’ song and the energetic ‘Kpashimɔ’ dance, both of which have become symbolic features of their Hɔmɔwɔ observance.

Spanning a period of four months, from the third week of May to the second week of September, the La Hɔmɔwɔ Festival attracts people from all walks of life—across ethnic groups, generations, and communities. It is not just a festival but a living cultural heritage that reinforces unity, preserves tradition, and showcases the enduring spirit of the Ga people.

 

LaDMA Hosts Turkish Ambassador to Strengthen Cooperation on Education and Development

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On Thursday, 11th September 2025, the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) hosted the Turkish Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Huseyin Gungor, at the Assembly Hall in a significant step toward strengthening cooperation between Turkey and the Municipality.

The Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Alfredos Nii Anyetei, warmly welcomed the Ambassador and his delegation, noting that the visit reflects deepening ties between Turkey and LaDMA. He emphasized the Assembly’s readiness to partner with Turkey in advancing education, infrastructure, and social development within the municipality.

In his remarks, H.E. Huseyin Gungor reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expressed the country’s willingness to collaborate with LaDMA to improve the well-being of residents, particularly in the area of education.

As part of the visit, the Ambassador, together with LaDMA officials, toured four schools in the municipality: Home School, Yahoshua School, Burma Camp School, and La Wireless Cluster of Schools. The tour provided an opportunity to assess infrastructure needs, interact with students and teachers, and identify priority areas for support such as the provision of potable water through borehole installation.

The Ambassador assured both the schools and LaDMA of Turkey’s interest in supporting education and enhancing school facilities. The visit concluded with both parties expressing their commitment to building a strong and impactful partnership for the benefit of the municipality.

LaDMA Strengthens Sanitation Partnerships: MCE Engages Waste Management Companies and Borla Taxis

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In a significant move to bolster cleanliness and environmental health, the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) has convened a high-level meeting with waste management companies and Borla taxi operators. The engagement, led by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Alfredos Nii Anyetei, aimed to foster stronger collaboration and develop actionable strategies for a cleaner municipality.

The meeting, held in the Assembly’s Conference Room, served as a crucial platform for performance reviews, frank discussions on operational challenges, and the formulation of a unified path forward for sanitation in La.

A Call for Collaborative Action

Opening the dialogue, Hon. Alfredos Nii Anyetei acknowledged the indispensable role these service providers play as the frontline warriors in the municipality’s sanitation efforts. He praised the progress made so far but was candid about the hurdles that remain.

“While we have seen improvement, persistent issues like irregular waste collection, poor segregation at source, and incidents of illegal dumping continue to challenge our goals for a pristine La,” stated the MCE. “This meeting is not about assigning blame, but about strengthening our partnership to overcome these obstacles together.”

Addressing Core Challenges

The forum provided a space for open conversation, where waste management companies and Borla taxi operators voiced their concerns, notably highlighting delays in payment and the problem of unregulated operators undermining formal services.

In a decisive response, Hon. Anyetei made several key commitments:

  • Streamlined Processes: The Assembly will work to streamline its payment systems to ensure timely compensation for services rendered.
  • Stricter Regulation: New measures will be introduced to regulate and bring all Borla taxi operations under a framework of efficiency and accountability.
  • Community Sensitization: The Assembly will intensify public education campaigns to encourage residents to practice proper waste disposal and segregation.

Charting a Path for a Sustainable Future

The discussion moved beyond immediate challenges to strategic, long-term solutions. Stakeholders explored proposals to:

  • Expand recycling initiatives within the municipality.
  • Increase the number of waste collection points for better accessibility.
  • Institute a robust system for regular performance monitoring and evaluation.

The MCE also reminded all operators of their obligation to renew their operating licenses promptly and to submit quarterly performance reports to the Assembly for transparency and planning.

A Unified Commitment

The meeting concluded with a clear and shared action plan. Waste management providers are expected to submit detailed reports on their operational challenges alongside their updated licenses and Q3 2025 performance reviews. Concurrently, the Assembly will launch a community-wide awareness campaign on proper waste management practices.

Hon. Anyetei closed the engagement by reaffirming his unwavering commitment to collaboration: “A cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable La Dade-Kotopon is achievable. It requires the dedicated effort of the Assembly, our trusted waste management partners, and every single resident. This meeting is a testament to our shared commitment to that vision.”

This strategic engagement marks a pivotal step in LaDMA’s holistic approach to sanitation, promising enhanced service delivery and a renewed focus on public-private partnership for the well-being of the community.

La MCE Meets Traders at Accra Mall Lorry Station to Strengthen Collaboration

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The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of La Dade-Kotopon, Hon. Alfredos Nii Anyetei, has held a meeting with traders at the Accra Mall Lorry Station to address key concerns affecting their trading activities and to strengthen collaboration for improved development.

In his remarks, the MCE commended traders for their efforts in maintaining cleanliness at the station by employing personnel to remove refuse whenever containers are full. He assured them that the Assembly’s Environmental Health Department would intensify supervision and step up waste management activities to complement their initiatives.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of registering all traders operating within the Accra Mall enclave. Hon. Anyetei explained that proper registration would enable the Assembly to better plan, allocate resources effectively, and extend developmental benefits to traders. He therefore urged all traders to comply fully with the registration process.

On revenue mobilization, the MCE reminded traders of the need to make prompt daily toll payments, stressing that such contributions are critical in supporting community development initiatives across the municipality.

Hon. Anyetei also announced plans to introduce a structured allocation system for temporary trading spaces. According to him, the initiative is aimed at promoting orderliness, enhancing safety, and ensuring smooth business operations at the lorry station.

In conclusion, the MCE expressed appreciation to the traders and stakeholders for their cooperation and contributions. He called for sustained collaboration and open communication between the Assembly and traders to achieve shared developmental goals for the municipality.

MCE Engages Unit Committee Members on Key Development Issues Within the Municipality.

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On Friday, September 5, 2025, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of La Dade-Kotopon, Hon. Alfredos Nii Anyetei, held a strategic meeting with unit committee members to strengthen collaboration on key development priorities within the municipality.

The meeting provided a platform to deliberate on practical ways of enhancing community participation in governance and driving sustainable development at the grassroots level. Discussions centered on three critical areas: clean-up exercises, revenue mobilization, and sanitation.

Participation in Clean-Up Exercises
Hon. Anyetei underscored the crucial role of unit committee members in supporting and participating actively in clean-up exercises organized by the Assembly. He stressed that their involvement is essential to fostering a clean and healthy environment for residents across the municipality.

Revenue Mobilization
Touching on the importance of internally generated funds, the MCE tasked committee members to sensitize residents on the need to fulfill their rate obligations. He emphasized that enhanced revenue mobilization is key to sustaining ongoing and future development projects within the municipality.

Sanitation
Addressing sanitation challenges, Hon. Anyetei urged members to work closely with the Environmental Health Department to ensure that sand and waste collected during clean-up exercises are properly cleared from gutters and public spaces. He noted that this approach will significantly improve sanitation and minimize public health risks.

In his closing remarks, the MCE commended unit committee members for their dedication to grassroots development and encouraged them to intensify their efforts. He further assured them of the Assembly’s continuous commitment to collaboration and partnership for the overall progress of La Dade-Kotopon Municipality.

Kɔla Cultural Festival: Reviving Traditions Ahead of La Homowo

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On Saturday, 9th August 2025, the vibrant Kɔla Cultural Festival was celebrated at La Manjaranɔ near Lomo We, marking a colorful prelude to the main La Homowo Festival.

The Kɔla Festival, deeply rooted in Ga tradition, is celebrated as a revival of old cultural practices and serves as an important reminder of the community’s heritage. It highlights traditional games such as Chaskele, Pilolo, and timeless Ananse storytelling, reconnecting the younger generation with the values and practices of their forebears.

The event showcased a wide range of activities, including:

  • Drumming and dancing to traditional rhythms.
  • Cultural displays from different performing groups.
  • An exhibition of local crafts.
  • A lively food bazaar that gave visitors a taste of authentic local delicacies.

The festival brought together students, community leaders, and tourists, fostering unity and celebrating the richness of Ga culture. Beyond entertainment, it created an atmosphere of cultural pride and communal bonding.

Importantly, the Kɔla Festival also serves as the final celebration before the Ban on Drumming and Noise Making, which precedes the grand La Homowo Festival. As such, it holds both cultural and spiritual significance, bridging the community’s past traditions with its present-day celebrations.

La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly Holds Staff Durbar to Address Staff Concerns and Strengthen Workplace Unity

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The La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) held a staff durbar aimed at strengthening internal communication, addressing staff concerns, and fostering unity within the institution. The session brought together staff from all departments to engage directly with management and share feedback on issues affecting their work.

The Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr. Daniel Nkrumah, welcomed all staff and expressed appreciation for their continued dedication and hard work. He emphasized the importance of teamwork and encouraged open dialogue throughout the session.

The Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Alfredos Nii Anyetei, also expressed heartfelt gratitude to all departmental heads, staff, and supporting personnel for their resilience, loyalty, and commitment to duty. He acknowledged that both visible and behind-the-scenes efforts have significantly enhanced LaDMA’s reputation in areas such as Public Financial Management.

Outlining his vision for the Assembly, Hon. Anyetei expressed his determination to transform LaDMA into a more efficient and productive institution. He noted that achieving this vision would require discipline, cooperation, and the professionalism of every staff member. He further stressed that indiscipline and acts of disrespect would not be tolerated and called for adherence to rules and regulations.

The MCE also addressed existing challenges such as the poor condition of the Assembly’s washrooms due to water shortages and other logistical issues. He assured staff that he had directed management to urgently address these problems.

During the open forum, staff members raised various concerns. A representative from the Education Office reported that floor tiles in their department were coming off and posed a safety hazard. The Coordinating Director assured him that the issue would be resolved as soon as possible.

A domestic staff member highlighted the non-payment of allowances for weekend duties. Another reiterated concerns about the condition of the washrooms, worsened by a lack of water. In response, Mr. Nkrumah stated that he had instructed the Estate Officer to expedite the drilling of a borehole to resolve the water issue. He also promised that all outstanding allowance payments would be addressed promptly.

Staff from the Transport Department expressed dissatisfaction with the number of broken-down vehicles, inadequate office space for drivers, and lack of promotions despite years of service. One driver mentioned having served for over twelve years without any advancement. The Coordinating Director responded that plans were underway to organize promotional interviews and establish a clearer structure to distinguish between junior and senior officers.

An Environmental Health staff member inquired about the enforceability of the Assembly’s bylaws. Deputy Director Mr. Henry clarified that while the bylaws are in existence, they are currently undergoing a review process for gazetting. He added that certain aspects are already enforceable and can be upheld in court.

Another staff member asked about their daily wage. The Municipal Finance Officer explained that the national minimum wage is GHS 19.97 per day, but Assembly staff currently receive more than that. The MCE further assured staff that additional allowances would be considered to support their welfare. The Coordinating Director added that a quarterly allowance structure already exists and instructed the Finance Officer to ensure its proper implementation.

A female staff member raised a question about the readiness of the municipal health facility to serve both staff and the general public. The LaDMA Health Director responded that the polyclinic is now well equipped and capable of handling a wide range of health services, including ENT and eye care.

A member of the Assembly’s task force also voiced concerns about the limited availability of uniforms and reflectors for security personnel. The MCE acknowledged the issue and assured staff that the Assembly would work on providing the necessary logistics to support their work.

The durbar concluded with a vote of thanks from the Coordinating Director, who expressed his appreciation for the honest and constructive feedback shared by staff. He reaffirmed management’s commitment to building a supportive and responsive working environment that prioritizes staff welfare and institutional efficiency.