INAUGURATION AND INDUCTION CEREMONY OF ASSEMBLY MEMBERS OF THE JOMORO MUNICIPAL
Following the Local Government Act 2016 (Act 936), the Jomoro Municipal Assembly has confirmed the newly-elected Assembly Members for the Ninth Session of the Assembly. The ceremony took place at the concourse of the Assembly on Monday, 12th February 2024. Attendance In attendance were Hon. George Mireku Duker, Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources and MP for Tarkwa Nsuaem Constituency, Awulae Annor Adjei III, Paramount Chief of Western Nzema Traditional Area and Board Chairman of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation, Hon. Dorcas Affo Toffey, Member of Parliament for Jomoro Constituency, Hon. Louisa Iris Arde, Municipal Chief Executive for Jomoro Municipal, Mrs. Joyce Akosuah Angmorteh Miezah, Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr. Frederick Agyemang, Chief Director of the Western Regional Coordinating Council, Hon. Ernest Koffie, the immediate past Municipal Chief Executive of Jomoro Municipal, Hon. Martin Y. Ackah, former District Chief Executive for Jomoro District, Nananom, Heads of security services, Constituency Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress(NDC) and immediate past Hon. Assembly Members. Welcome address by the Municipal Chief Executive The Municipal Chief Executive Hon. Louisa Iris Arde welcomed the gathering and mentioned that the inaugural meeting marked the beginning of a new era, a new chapter in the history of the Municipality. She added that in unity the Municipal would forge ahead on a path of progress, where transparency, accountability, and dedication to public service would be the hallmarks of positive endeavors. She urged the newly elected Assembly Members to remember that their duties extend far beyond the confines of the Assembly because they have been entrusted with the sacred responsibility of building not just infrastructure, but also fostering an environment of inclusivity, empowerment, and the deepening of grassroots democracy hence their decisions and actions would shape the well-being of the communities for generations to come. She appealed to put divisive tendencies, acrimony, and partisanship behind and uphold the interest of Jomoro first before any other consideration. She was optimistic that during the tenure, Hon. Assembly members would transcend political differences and embrace a spirit of collaboration, and work towards a common vision of a prosperous Jomoro, where every individual can flourish and thrive. She urged them to constantly engage the people in their respective Electoral Areas to listen to their voices to enable them to understand their needs and aspirations. She said it is through such meaningful engagements that will unlock the potential of the Municipality and build a brighter future. She extended her deepest appreciation to the gathering for their presence and acknowledged their unwavering dedication towards the progress of the communities and was confident that in unity Jomoro Municipal Assembly would be a benchmark for exemplary local governance in the country. Address by the Member of Parliament The Member of Parliament for Jomoro Constituency, Hon. Dorcas Affo Toffey in delivering an address at the ceremony extended warmest felicitations to the newly elected Assembly Members on their elections to the high office of Assembly Member. She stated the functions of the Assembly as provided for under sections 12, 1, and 13 of the Local Governance Act,2016(ACT 936) which include the formulation and the execution of plans, programs, and strategies for the effective mobilization of resources for the overall development of the Municipality. She used the opportunity to outline some developmental projects and advocacies she had executed since she assumed office and emphasized her commitment to work closely with Assembly Members in the 9th session as an ex officio member. Inaugural address by Minister for Lands & Natural Resources Hon. George Mireku Duker, who represented the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Addo Danquah Akufo Addo said he was pleased to join the nationwide inauguration of District Assemblies, following the successful conduct of the District Level Elections in December last year and congratulated all the Elected Assembly and Unit Committee Members for their success at the polls He said the occasion marked an important milestone towards deepening decentralization as stipulated in Article 35 Clause 6(d) of the 1992 Constitution. This Article enjoins the state to promote decentralization and popular participation in governance by affording all possible opportunities to the citizenry to participate in decision-making at all levels of government He said It is an honor and privilege to be elected or appointed to serve the residents of your localities. He entreated them to build good working relationships with colleague Assembly Members, the Hon. District Chief Executive, Member (s) of Parliament, Staff of the District Assembly, and the people they represent. He also admonished them to establish strong partnerships and collaborate with the local structures particularly, the town, zonal and area council, the unit committees, and traditional authorities as well as other identifiable groups to facilitate the work of the Municipal Assembly. He said it is through these partnerships and collaborations that the ideals of local governance are optimized for the benefit of the people. Noting the critical part District Assemblies play in the governance structure and processes he entreated Hon. Assembly Members to work closely with the MCE to advance the implementation of the Government’s Coordinated Programme of Economic and Social Development Policies (2022-2025): Agenda for Jobs II: Creating Prosperity and Equal Opportunity for all. He appealed to them that in their deliberations, planning, and decision-making for development, they should ensure that they localize these national development priorities into their action plans and support the government to deliver on its programs and projects to the benefit of the people. Nomination and Election of Presiding Member The 9th Assembly followed up to execute the task in fulfillment of Article 244 Clause 1 of the 1992 constitution of the Republic of Ghana to set in motion the 9th Session of the Jomoro Municipal Assembly. Two Hon. Assembly Members, Hon. Augustine Yankey and Emmanuel Nvojo were nominated to contest for the Presiding Member post. At the end of the voting, Hon. Emmauel Nvojo was elected as the presiding member for the Jomoro Municipal Assembly and was sworn in by the District Magistrate. He had
HON. MCE INSPECTS A PROPOSED LANDFILL SITE AT SOWODADZEM
As part of efforts to prudently dispose of solid waste in the Jomoro Municipality, the Jomoro Municipal Assembly led by the MCE, Hon. Louisa Iris Arde on 17th January 2024 engaged with the traditional leaders of Sowodazdem to inspect a proposed landfill at Sowodadzem. Addressing the traditional authorities and community members at the community centre, the Hon. MCE held that filth has engulfed the Jomoro Municipality as a result of the high increase in the human population and its associated increase in economic activities causing major environmental problems in the Municipality. She revealed that the unavailability of waste disposal sites in the Municipality has become a major concern to the Assembly hence, the resolve to seek a location where waste collected would be properly disposed of to minimize the possibility of spreading diseases and maximize the rate of decomposition. She urged the traditional leaders to raise awareness among the community members and develop attitudes related to proper waste management to make the community clean. She was accompanied by the Municipal Coordinating Director, Mrs Joyce Akosua Angmorteh Miezah, Hon. Ebenezer Paul Angovi, Assemblyman-Elubo West and Hon. Thomas Kwaw, Assemblyman-Sowodadzem
THE OVERALL MUNICIPAL BEST FARMER – 2023
Unlike other youth who migrate from rural areas to seek white-collar jobs in the urban areas, the Municipal Overall Best Farmer moved from the city of Accra where he managed a clothing shop to the village with the intention of farming. His unquenchable thirst for more knowledge in agriculture led him to seek as much information from Agricultural workers and experienced farmers within his community, especially how to artificially pollinate his cocoa to enhance fruiting and now does that for other farmers. The journey was tough and weary but he did not relent in investing the little capital he had saved from his toil in the city and just as the saying perseverance leads to success, he stood tall as the Overall Municipal Best Farmer for the 39th Municipal Farmers’ Day Celebration held @ Tikobo No. 2 on 24th November, 2023. He believes this achievement will encourage the youth to venture into agriculture seriously. His name is Akuffo Addo Solomon from the Anweafutu community. He is a thirty- five (35) year-old teacher married with two (2) children. He has employed Sixteen (16) permanent workers and Thirty-Two (32) casual workers. As part of his corporate social responsibilities, he supports: • market women in his community with soft loans • the needy in his community in cash and in-kind • in fundraising to build Primary and Junior High School Classroom Blocks AYEEKOO!!! TO OUR GALLANT FARMERS AND FISHERMEN. AYEEKOO!!! TO MR. AKUFFO ADDO SOLOMON
WESTERN REGIONAL MINISTER ATTENDS KUNDUM FESTIVAL AT TIAPOUM (COTE D’ IVOIRE)
The Western Regional Minister, Hon. Kwabena Otchere Darko-Mensah on Friday, October 27, 2023, joined the people of Tiapoum in Cote D’Ivoire to celebrate the Kundum festival. He paid a courtesy call to the paramount Chief of the Tiapoum Traditional area, Awulae Kuluchie IV at his palace. The Chief linguist of the Awulae addressing the Regional Minister disclosed that Kundum has lost its unique celebration and as part of frantic efforts by the Awulae to revive it to its past glory, leaders, individuals and groups who have in-depth knowledge about Kundum are invited to polish the celebration to make it more attractive to be able to raise funds for development. He highlighted some challenges Ghanaians in Cote D’Ivoire go through at the Jaway Wharf Border when entering and from Ghana and urged the Minister to help address them. He expressed deep appreciation and thanked him for his consistency in honouring their invitations and urged the Minister to extend invitations to them anytime he organized festivals to enable them to replicate the same gesture in many folds. The Hon. Minister on his part expressed delight for the warm reception he had received from the Awulae. He said his invitation to the Kundum celebration was in order because Nzemas in Ivory Coast and Ghana are one people who share the same cultural values and aspirations irrespective of the artificial border. More so Kundum is celebrated among some communities along the coast of the Western Region, i.e. from Ahanta to Grand Bassam in Ivory Coast, hence as the Minister for the Region, during such festivals it is proper for him to partake in the celebrations. He added that the formation of ECOWAS should have naturally triggered the free movement of people, goods and services but it is rather unfortunate that there are impediments that make it difficult for people and goods to move freely. He pledged to discuss the matter at the cabinet to see how it could be addressed to ensure that the basic human right of free movement enshrined in both country’s constitutions is protected. He said he would extend an invitation to Awulae and his elders during next year’s Kundum celebration and appealed to them to join him in December to celebrate this year’s popular Street Carnival at Sekondi-Takoradi. He urged residents of the community who desire to explore tourist attractions to come to Ghana and visit the Ankasa Forest, Nzulezo silt, Mahaa Beach Resort, Takoradi Mall, etc. and admonished the elders to send the school children and university students to Ghana on excursions to the tourist sites to help deepen the bond and ensure peaceful coexistence. The Regional Minister was accompanied by MMDCE’s Hon. Louisa Iris Arde, Jomoro, Hon. Bonzo Kaku, Ellembele, Hon. Dorcas Amoah, Nzema East, and other NPP officials.
BEGINNING OF SISTER CITY RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN JOMORO AND ATLANTA
On Tuesday, June 20, 2023, Hon. Louisa Iris Arde (Municipal Chief Executive) for Jomoro had the opportunity to sit in the council meeting (General Assembly) at Union City. She observed proceedings and had the chance to do a short presentation to sell Ghana and Jomoro to be precise, highlighting the economic opportunities. Tourist attractions like Ankasa Forest Conservation Area and Nzulezo Stilt village were marketed. Prior to her meeting, she had a great discussion with Hon. Mayor Vince Williams and his council members. The message was well received, and we are looking forward to receiving a reciprocal visit in the near future.
JOMORO MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY DONATES DESKS TO THE GHANA EDUCATION SERVICE DIRECTORATE (GES) IN HALF-ASSINI
On Tuesday, August 8, 2023, Hon. Louisa Iris Arde, Municipal Chief Executive for Jomoro, led the assembly to donate six hundred and twenty (620) desks to the Ghana Education Service (GES) directorate in Half-Assini The desks comprised of Five Hundred Dual desks and One Hundred and Twenty Mono desks which will serve a total student population of One Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty (1120) to help reduce the furniture deficit in the Municipality. She urged the directorate to ensure that schools within the Municipality that currently need these furniture are prioritised whilst the Assembly works towards bringing more to solve the problem confronted with by other schools. The education directorate thanked Hon. Louisa Iris Arde for the donation, which they said is timely and would go a long way to help the schools to deal with the furniture challenges they are currently faced with
MUNICIPAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE VISITS BECE EXAMINATION CENTERS
The Municipal Chief Executive for Jomoro Municipal Assembly Hon. Louisa Iris Arde on Monday 7th August 2023 visited Seven (7) out of the Nine (9) Basic Education Certificate Examination Centers (BECE) across the Municipality. She was accompanied by the Municipal Coordinating Director, Mrs. Joyce Akosua Angmorteh Miezah, the Municipal Education Director; Mrs. Edith Mary Hagan and other Municipal Assembly and Education Directorate officials. Data available from the Municipal Education Directorate indicate that a total number of Two Thousand, Nine Hundred and Forty-Eight (2,948) candidates made up of Thousand Five Hundred and one (1,501) Boys and Thousand Four Hundred and Forty-Seven (1,447) Girls are writing this year’s BECE. Hon. Louisa Iris Arde encouraged, inspired and wished all the candidates well and admonished them to give out their very best to benefit from the Free Senior High School policy introduced by the government and assured them of her support in their future endeavours.
THE MUNICIPAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE VISITS FLOOD VICTIMS
The Municipal Chief Executive for Jomoro Municipal Assembly, Hon. Louisa Iris Arde on Wednesday 5th July 2023 led the management of the Assembly and officials from Ghana Gas Company Limited to visit residents of Nzulezo who had been affected by the flood to commiserate with the victims. Her visit follows a downpour on 25th June 2023, leaving several homes inundated by flood waters. Addressing the residents, the MCE said she had been touched by the plight of the victims and had embarked on the visit to commiserate with them and to use the opportunity to solicit first-hand information on the havoc caused by the floods and offer support to restore the damaged areas and provide relief items to sustain them in the interim until things get better.
GHANA NATIONAL GAS COMPANY HANDS OVER RENOVATED CLASSROOM BLOCK TO THE MUNICIPAL EDUCATION DIRECTORATE
Ghana National Gas Company has officially handed over a rehabilitated 6-unit classroom Block to the Jomoro Municipal Education Directorate in Half Assini. At a brief ceremony held at Half Assini Catholic School premises to inaugurate the facility, the Municipal Chief Executive for Jomoro, Hon. Louisa Iris Arde impelled the school authorities to keep the facility in a pristine stage and pleaded with Ghana Gas to rehabilitate the JHS block which has deteriorated and impeded teaching and learning. Present at the ceremony were Nana Ayebie Amihere, Chief of Half Assini, officials from Ghana Gas led by Mr Joseph Ehoneah, Community Relations Officer, Rev, Nii Noi Dawuna, Local Manager, Mrs Joyce Akosua Angmorteh Miezah, Municipal Coordinating Director, Parents and Teachers of the school.
JOMORO MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY DONATES ROOFING SHEETS TO RE-ROOF AMOAKWASUAZO TEACHERS’ QUARTERS
On the 15th of May, 2023, a rainstorm swept across various communities in the Jomoro Municipality and left a trail of considerable damage to the roof and electrical wirings of Amokwawsuazo Teachers’ Quarters. With a sense of urgency, Hon. Louisa Iris Arde, the Municipal Chief Executive for Jomoro Municipal Assembly, donated 40 pieces of roofing sheets to support the re-roofing of Amokwawsuazo teachers’ quarters. The donation was in response to a clarion call by the headteacher through the Assemblyman to the Municipal Assembly to help re-roof the teachers’ quarters. In handing over the items to the head teacher of the school, the MCE commended the community for initiating the self-help project of putting up a building to accommodate the teachers. She assured them of her readiness to ensure that the teachers get a benefitting accommodation to motivate them to stay and teach the children. In addition, the MCE vouchsafed to pay for the cost of rewiring the building and other costs that would be incurred. The headteacher of the school, Mr Samuel Ebo Asare expressed gratitude to the Assembly for the prompt intervention and urged the Assembly to come to their aid anytime the school called for support.