News

Second Ordinary Meeting Of The La Dade Kotopon Municipal Assembly

The La Dade Kotopon Municipal Assembly held its Ordinary meeting of the of the Assembly meeting, where key decisions were made to promote efficacy and development within the municipality.

During the two-day meeting held at the Assembly’s hall on July 19th and 20th, 2023, several crucial issues were legislated upon, including enhancing sanitation, boosting administrative activities, initiating new developmental projects, monitoring ongoing projects, and improving the educational system.

The meeting was attended by the Municipal Chief Executive, the Municipal Coordinating Director, the Presiding Member, Assembly members, and Heads of Department.

On the first day of the meeting, Hon. Baah Nyarko, the Presiding Member, warmly welcomed all attendees, expressing his gratitude for their continual support in making astute decisions at the General Assembly.

The Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Solomon Kotey, presented the sessional address, highlighting the Assembly’s programs, projects, and activities. Under general administration, Hon. Solomon Kotey mentioned that significant strides have been made in service delivery.

She shared encouraging news regarding revenue mobilization and financial performance, with improved collections of business operating permits and promising developments in Property Rates Collection through the Ghana Revenue Authority (G.R.A).

In terms of infrastructure development, Hon. Solomon Kotey celebrated the completion and utilization of several infrastructure projects, including a classroom block with additional facilities at South La Estate School.

He informed the house that, new projects were underway, such as the construction of a 6-Unit Classroom Block with ancillary facilities (Phase II) at the La Salem

Regarding urban transport activities, he stated that ten out of twenty-four approved lorry stations in the Municipality have received the 2023 Route Permit, with the remaining fourteen stations set to receive their permits soon.

On the grounds of deepening community participation in governance, the MCE congratulated the Presiding Member for his leadership.

A Journey to Empowerment: LEAP Funds Bring Hope To The Municipality

In the vibrant month of August 2023, a significant event unfolded at the heart of the Municipality. This was no ordinary day; it was the eagerly awaited disbursement of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) funds, a beacon of hope for vulnerable households striving for a brighter future.

As the sun painted the sky with hues of gold, beneficiaries of the LEAP program gathered with anticipation at the Access Bank Cantonment Branch. The air buzzed with excitement, echoing the shared sentiment of empowerment and positive change. The LEAP initiative, a testament to the government’s dedication to poverty alleviation, was about to make a tangible impact on the lives of those who needed it most.

Access Bank Cantonment Branch stood as a symbolic hub of empowerment—a place where financial inclusion met community-centric values. The bank’s welcoming atmosphere provided more than just a transactional space; it became a stage for transformation, where individuals could access not only funds but the promise of a more secure and hopeful future.

Amidst the familiar hum of banking activities, LEAP beneficiaries stepped into the branch, each with a unique story and a shared aspiration for progress. The funds they received weren’t just numbers on a balance sheet; they represented an opportunity to break free from the chains of poverty, to enhance access to education and healthcare, and to build a foundation for sustained well-being.

As LEAP beneficiaries left the Access Bank Cantonment Branch, the impact extended beyond the walls of the banking hall. Their stories intertwined, forming a narrative of resilience, community support, and the unwavering belief in a better tomorrow.

The August LEAP disbursement was not merely a financial transaction; it was a collective journey toward empowerment. The funds received were more than currency—they were a promise of hope, a catalyst for positive change, and a testament to the power of community collaboration. Looking ahead, the LEAP program, in partnership with Access Bank, continues to script stories of empowerment. It’s a story where every individual, armed with the support of their community and the LEAP initiative, can script their narrative of resilience, growth, and a future filled with promise. In the Municipality, the journey to empowerment is not just a single event; it’s an ongoing saga of transformation, and each disbursement is a chapter in a narrative of hope.

Empowering Communities: La Dade Kotopon Champions World Breastfeeding Week

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

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

Commitment to Success: Planning and Collaboration

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

Activities Carried Out: A Tapestry of Engagement

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

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

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

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

Conclusion: A Resounding Success Despite Challenges

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

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

Municipal Chief Executive Tours B.E.C.E Examination Centres

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the La Dade Kotopon Municipal Assembly embarked on a tour of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (B.E.C.E) centres within the municipality.

The MCE’s visit aimed to assess the conduct of the ongoing B.E.C.E and interact with the candidates, invigilators, and supervisors. He encouraged the students to remain focused and confident, assuring them of the assembly’s support in their academic pursuits.

The MCE’s visit aimed to assess the conduct of the ongoing B.E.C.E and interact with the candidates, invigilators, and supervisors. He encouraged the students to remain focused and confident, assuring them of the assembly’s support in their academic pursuits.

During his tour, the MCE commended the examination officials for their professionalism and dedication to ensuring a smooth examination process. He also expressed satisfaction with the adherence to examination rules and COVID-19 safety protocols at the centers. The MCE’s tour is part of the assembly’s commitment to improving education standards within the municipality. The La Dade Kotopon Municipal Assembly wishes all B.E.C.E candidates success in their examinations

CANE WEAVERS MEET WITH CANADIAN HIGH COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVES AND LaDMA

The La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly recently held a productive meeting with the Canadian High Commission and local cane weavers to address environmental concerns. The key agenda was to confirm the cane weavers’ compliance with a relocation agreement.

The High Commission proposed initiatives like a temporary police post and waste management. The Assembly emphasized collaboration for spatial reorganization. Long-term solutions, including a permanent space for the weavers, were discussed. A collective cleanup day was suggested, with the Assembly providing support. The meeting concluded successfully, fostering cooperation for a cleaner and safer environment.

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.

La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly Takes Action for a Cleaner Cantonment: Engaging Cane Weavers for a Sound Environment

In a proactive move to eliminate hawkers and address environmental concerns within the La Dade-Kotopon Municipality, the Honorable Municipal Chief Executive, along with key officers of the Assembly, recently took significant steps. The focus of their efforts was on engaging with cane weavers in the cantonment area, particularly those located around the official residence of the Canadian High Commission. This initiative aimed not only to tackle the issue of street vendors and ‘street boys’ but also to respond to the concerns raised by both local residents and the Canadian High Commission.

Recognizing the importance of maintaining a clean and orderly environment, the Municipal Chief Executive led a delegation to actively engage with the cane weavers. The objective was twofold: to address the immediate challenges posed by street activities and to foster a collaborative approach to ensure a sound and clean municipality.

The decision to target the cantonment area, notably near the Canadian High Commission’s official residence, was strategic. This location has been a focal point of concerns raised by residents and the High Commission alike. By addressing these concerns, the Assembly aims to enhance the overall quality of life for both the local community and diplomatic entities.

During the engagement, the Assembly officials listened to the concerns of the cane weavers and discussed potential solutions. This inclusive approach ensures that the voices of all stakeholders are heard, contributing to a more effective and sustainable resolution.

The efforts of the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly reflect a commitment to creating a harmonious and clean environment. By actively engaging with specific communities, such as the cane weavers in cantonments, the Assembly is taking proactive steps to address immediate challenges while fostering long-term solutions for a vibrant and thriving municipality.

La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly Pulled Down Over 15 Illegal Structures.

Over 47 illegal developers, developing within the Tse-Addo enclaves of the La Dade-Kotopon Municipality in the Greater Accra Region has been served with the final warning notices by the Assembly, while over fifteen temporary structures at the La beach and fence walls erected within drains at Tse-Addo were pull down.

The exercise was led by the Municipal Works Engineer, Mr. Richard Ben Debrah together with the Assembly’s Task Force.

Responding to questions from the residents, the Engineer said that prior to the demolition exercise, warnings and notices were served to the affected property owners instructing them to remove their illegal structures.

He continued that the Assembly’s mobile announcement van had created awareness for days while the Information Services Department officer had also sensitized the public using Latenu Radio Station for a number of days on the Assembly intended demolition exercise. He furthered that residents cannot take the law into their own hands to be irresponsible and negligent.

According to the Municipal Works Engineer, for some time now, unpatriotic citizens and developers have flouted the bye laws of the Assembly and are destroying the environment. He said none of the affected owners had permit from the Assembly. He stated that more demolition exercises would take place to deter others and advised residents to seek for building permits from the Assembly whenever they want to build, mount a structure or renovate a structure to prevent such happenings.

The Works Engineer said that the Assembly’s mandate is to ensure that the right things are done in the Municipality to circumvent ruin. He said building without a permit in the Municipality cannot be tolerated and mentioned that the Assembly holds the right to supervise and check all projects in its jurisdiction.

He therefore cautioned developers to abide by the Assembly’s development planning process or face the law.

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.

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

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

Aims and Objectives: Focused on the Littlest Lives

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

Week-Long Activities: Weaving a Tapestry of Care

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

Key Activities and Initiatives: Seeds of Knowledge and Care

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

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

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

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

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

Challenges and Recommendations: A Roadmap for Future Celebrations

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

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