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Sessional Address Delivered By The DCE, Hon. Simon Peter Kofi Ofosu, On The Occasion Of The 3rd Ordinary Meeting Of The 4th Session Of The 3rd Assembly
Hon. Presiding Member,
Hon. Member of Parliament, Akatsi North Constituency,
Hon. Assembly Members,
Heads of Decentralized Departments,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
2023 Annual Action Plan
Hon. Presiding Member, the level of implementation of activities in the 2023 Annual Action Plan as at 30th September, 2023 was about 46.09%. This as a result of the inability of the Assembly to received funds to execute the projects as envisaged. For instance, it is in our plan to construct a market shed at Ave Xevi, construct police station at Ave Dzalele, drill 8 mechanized boreholes with polytank storage across the district, complete the slaughter house at Ave Dakpa and procure additional 300 dual desk and 150 pieces of KG furniture for our schools in 2023. But unfortunately, the Assembly has not received any amount for the execution of these projects. These projects are carefully selected to positively affect the lives of our people in the district. The DACF budget for the year is GH¢2,969,379.98 and as at August 2023, the Assembly receive only GH¢450,515.84 representing 15.17%.
Hon. Presiding Member, the IGF budget for the year is GH¢240,223.67 and as at September 2023, we are able to collect GH¢136,243.00 representing 56.71%.
Hon. Presiding Member, the inability of the Assembly to receive inflows from its revenue sources envisaged (DACF, DPAT and IGF) have affected our plans for the year.
The detailed performance of the Third Quarter 2023 Annual Action Plan in respect of specific programmes, projects and activities implemented under the various Development Dimensions of the National Development Framework –Agenda for Jobs; creating prosperity and equal opportunities for all carried out during the year is presented in the table below.
| S/No. | Development Dimension | 3rd Qtr. 2023 | |
| Plan | Exec | ||
| Economic development | 19 | 10 | |
| Social development | 50 | 21 | |
| Environment, Infrastructure and Human Settlement | 24 | 12 | |
| Governance, Corruption and Public Accountability | 31 | 14 | |
| Emergency Planning and Response | 2 | 1 | |
| Implementation, Coordination, Monitoring and Evaluation | 2 | 1 | |
International Day Of The Girl Child Celebration – Zemu D/A Basic School
The International Day of the Girl Child is celebrated annually on October 11th with the aim to promote and empower girls and young women all around the world. This year, the theme for the day was “Invest in the Right of Girls, our leadership, our well-being.”
A program was organized in Zemu D/A Basic school to celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child. The school children participated in a march on the streets of Zemu. The students were carrying cards with different inscriptions related to the importance of girl child education. The march stopped at the chief’s palace and proceeded to the Zemu CHPS Zone, where a health talk was arranged. The health talk focused on two main topics; the importance of girl child education and teenage pregnancy.
The talk aimed at creating an awareness among the children, particularly the girl child, about the consequences of getting pregnant at an early age and the importance of education in shaping one’s future. The speaker highlighted the fact that when a girl is educated, she has a better chance of being financially independent, making informed decisions, and positively contributing to the development of her community.
The children also spoke out on the importance of girl child education. They carried cards with beautiful handwritten messages applauding the need to educate girls. The messages included “Avoid Teenage pregnancy, Encourage Your Child to become President, Ministers, and Police; Send your Girl Child to School.” These messages were accompanied by the name and class of the student who had written the message. The girls were also taken through how to prepare doughnut(Blofot) as they went back.
The International Day of the Girl Child is a crucial occasion that promotes gender equality, advocacy, empowerment, and education for girls. The activities in Zemu D/A Basic school on this day aimed to create an awareness among the children about the importance of girl child education and the adverse consequences of teenage pregnancy. The promotion of girl child education is essential for the development of a nation. It is, therefore, imperative that we educate and empower our girls to become future leaders who can bring positive change to their communities.
School Children, Teachers and Health Workers
School children Receiving Health Talk
Doughnut Preparation
Ave Dakpa Pregnancy School
Pregnancy School is a critical program aimed at providing educational classes to expectant mothers and fathers. It is an important intervention that promotes healthy pregnancy, childbirth, and infant development. In this report, we will discuss the Pregnancy School program in Ave Dakpa Health Centre with a total population of 8276, women of fetal age 1986 ( 24% of total population), and 5 midwives who manages the maternity unit. The report will also cover Pregnancy School enrolment and its impact on maternal and infant health.
In Ave Dakpa Health Centre, there are 14 communities under its catchment area with the population of 8276. The centre has the following units:
- General OPD
- Reproductive and Child Health(RCH) Unit
- Maternity unit
- Laboratory
- Pharmacy
The Pregnancy School program under the maternity unit has enrolled 33 expectant mothers. This represents 1.6% of the women in their fetal age in the Catchment area. The low enrolment may be attributed to various challenges, including lack of awareness about the program and inadequate resources to undertake the program.
The program provides educational classes on prenatal care, nutrition, childbirth preparation, breastfeeding, parenting skills, and postpartum care. The classes are conducted by 5 midwives who have been trained as facilitators.
On the 4th September, 2023, the pregnancy school featured influential and prominent personalities in the health sector, including the Regional Public Health Nurse, the Queen Mother, the Paramount Chiefs Spokesperson, the District Director of Health Services, and several midwives. These individuals were present to offer support and guidance to expectant mothers, address their concerns and answer any questions they may have regarding pregnancy and childbirth.
Regional Public Health Nurse:
The Regional Public Health Nurse offered professional insight on proper nutrition, personal hygiene, and the importance of the routine medications. She also emphasized the importance of regular prenatal checkups and recommended that all expectant mothers adhere to a well-balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, and proteins.
Queen Mother:
The Queen Mother encouraged the pregnant mothers to take care of themselves and their unborn babies. She reiterated the importance of a stress-free environment and rest, stating they were crucial for the health and wellbeing of the expectant mother and her baby. The Queen Mother also advised that a positive mindset and a relaxed body could help make childbirth easier since pregnancy is not a disease.
Paramount Chiefs Spokesperson:
The Paramount Chiefs Spokesperson spoke on the significance of family support during pregnancy and childbirth. The spokesperson stressed the importance of male involvement, communication between partners and urged family members to offer their assistance to expectant mothers in every way possible.
District Director of Health Services:
The District Director of Health Services discussed the importance of proper medical care throughout the pregnancy process. The Director explained that regular prenatal checkups could help detect complications early and increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy. The Director also noted the importance of giving birth in a hospital with skilled professionals present and urged stakeholders to come on board to champion this noble cause.
Midwives:
Finally, the midwives discussed the process of support system amongst expectant mothers and how to foster unity and share experiences among themselves. They also emphasized the importance of following the advice given by healthcare professionals and taking medication prescribed for them
Impact on Maternal and Infant Health
The Pregnancy School program has had a positive impact on maternal and infant health in the District. Pregnant women who attended the classes have reported increased knowledge of prenatal care, nutrition, and childbirth preparation. They also reported the ability to manage their pregnancy-related symptoms effectively. The program has encouraged women to attend antenatal care visits regularly, leading to early detection and management of any pregnancy-related complications.
Infant health has also improved as a result of the Pregnancy School program. Mothers who attended the classes have reported practicing exclusive breastfeeding, which is critical for infant growth and development. They have also reported improved parenting skills, providing a supportive and nurturing environment for their infants.
In conclusion, Pregnancy School is an important intervention that promotes healthy pregnancy, childbirth, and infant development. Enrolment in the program is low in the District, attributed to lack of awareness, and inadequate resources. The program has had a positive impact on maternal and infant health, improving knowledge, and healthcare-seeking behavior. The District should invest in promoting Pregnancy School awareness and allocate more resources towards improving implementation to enhance its impact on maternal and infant health.
Expectant mothers having their lessons with the Head Midwife
DDHS Recognising Some Graduates of Pregnancy school
Pregnancy School and the Team
Ave Crocodile Resort Set to Reopen Following Safety Measures
After being closed down by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) since 2021, the Ave Crocodile Resort is preparing to welcome tourists once again. The closure came after a tragic incident when a tourist ventured into the site without the guidance of a tour guide, leading to the implementation of vital safety measures to ensure such incidents are prevented in the future.
As part of the efforts to ready the resort for its long-awaited reopening, the staff of the Akatsi North District Assembly arrived at the site on Thursday, August 3rd, to initiate a thorough cleaning and restoration process. The cleaning exercise was led by the District Chief Executive (DCE), Hon. Simon Peter Kofi Ofosu and the District Finance Officer, Mr. Elikplim Amegashie.
The Ghana Tourism Authority, in collaboration with other relevant agencies, has meticulously outlined a series of recommendations to be enforced before the resort can resume operations. These measures include enhanced visitor safety protocols, rigorous training for staff members, and the establishment of clear guidelines for guided tours.
“We are devoted to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our visitors. The closure has provided us with an opportunity to reevaluate our existing procedures and make the necessary changes. Our primary focus is on preventing any similar unfortunate incidents from occurring in the future,” stated by Hon. Ofosu. He used the opportunity to thank the staff of the Assembly for their support.
The forthcoming reopening date of the Crocodile Resort is eagerly awaited by enthusiasts and adventurers alike. With the dedication and hard work demonstrated by the Akatsi North District Assembly staff, coupled with the adherence to the GTA’s safety recommendations, the future of the resort shines bright. The District Finance Officer assured the public.
Payment Points
We wish to notify the general public that the Akatsi North District Assembly has opened three payment points in the district:
- At the Akatsi North Central Market
- At the District Police Station
- At the Office of the Akatsi North District Assembly
Please note that failure to pay your taxes to the Assembly is an offence.
Thank you.