ECOWAS CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION PROGRAM FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A YOUTH RESOURCE CENTRE AT ELUBO IN THE JOMORO MUNICIPALITY
The Municipal Chief Executive for Jomoro Municipal Assembly, Hon. Louisa Iris Arde on 11th May, 2023 led officials of the National Youth Authority (NYA), headed by the Western Regional Director, Mr. Edwin Amponsah to inspect a site earmarked for the construction of a Youth Resource Centre at Elubo. According to a research conducted by the National Youth Authority, it has been identified that there are a lot of crime related activities in Elubo including drug trafficking and illegal mining. Recently, there have been cases of human trafficking where Ghanaians and other foreign nationals were arrested for attempting to traffic young girls to Cote D’Ivoire for prostitution. Ghana has been losing thousands if not millions of cedis to smugglers who are mostly unemployed youth at various unapproved routes at Elubo.The causal factors include:lack of access to youth resource centresLack of support systems and business opportunitiesInadequate psycho-social counsellors.Inadequate knowledge of SRH issuesweak institutional linkagesPer the research, it is evident that there is the need for the establishment of a youth resource centre in Elubo to address these challenges. Taking cognisance of the vital ingredients that go into the establishment of such centres, strategic partnerships should be built to ensure their functionality.The project goal is to provide youth friendly services and economic empowerment opportunities to the border communities of both countries. The project aims to construct a well-equipped youth resource center where young people can have access to ASRH information, psycho-social counselling, job opportunities and business support services. Volunteers will be recruited through NYA’s National Youth Volunteer Program to execute this project. The multi-purpose center will have the following facilities: General office, Counselling center, Language center, Commerce and trade center (AfCFTA office), Migration secretariat, Health/Screening center, Conference room and 2 dormitories. PROVISION OF YOUTH-FRIENDLY SERVICESThe Youth Resource Centre will be run by resource persons and professional volunteers that will provide services like Sexual and Reproductive Health care for young people, psychosocial counselling for drug addicts and at-risk youth.Also, an AfCFTA Secretariat at the center will provide business support services and opportunities to young traders and entrepreneurs. To tackle the issue of the language barrier, a center will be established for the youth to access the services of interpreters.Per the psychology of the youth, the centre will be youth-friendly, and beneficiaries will be accorded the necessary privacy and confidentiality, as well as ample attention.PARTNERSHIPSNYA will directly implement the project with the support of Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) such as the Ghana Immigration Service, AfCFTA Secretariat, Ghana Enterprise Agency, NCCE, Ghana Police Service, Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service, the Food and Drugs Authority, Mental Health Authority, the National Drugs Authority (NDA), NACOB, the Department of Social Development, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, Religious bodies and Traditional Authorities.The project is anticipated to commence after assessment of the site and approval by the Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority, Hon. Pious Enam Hadzide and will be completed and inaugurated in September 2023.
JOMORO MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY AND GHANA SHIPPERS AUTHORITY INAUGURATE ELUBO ARTICULATOR TERMINAL.
The Jomoro Municipal Assembly in collaboration with Ghana Shippers Authority yesterday 28th January, 2022 Inaugurated the Elubo Freight Park popularly known as Elubo Articulator Terminal. The Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Louisa Iris Arde in her remark expressed her profound gratitude to the Board and CEO of the Ghana Shippers Authority for the support and commitment to the construction of the Terminal. She extended her appreciation to all and sundry who had contributed to the successful completion of the project. She acknowledged the exemplary collaboration between the two chiefs of Elubo and the Security Agencies and all stakeholders. She emphasised the critical role the facility project would play in terms of revenue mobilization for the government because Elubo has been the Economic heart-beat of the Jomoro Municipality. The Hon. Municipal Chief Executive said that the objectives of the construction of this terminal is to reduce the human and vehicular traffic congestion at Elubo, to help promote Local Economic Development on the border enclave and also reduce the inconveniences that transport drivers and operators go through while in transit on the border. The Hon. Chief Executive pledged to ensure that there would be high quality maintenance culture in the management of the facility. The Chairperson of the Ghana Shippers Authority, Madam Stella Wilson, reminded the gathering of the Authority’s mandate to ensuring effective and efficient protection and promotion of the interest of shippers in Ghana’s commercial shipping sector and for Ghana’s international trade value-chain. She was of high expectation that more trade volumes would be moved across the border with the introduction of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA), hence, the promptitude of the Freight and Logistics Park at Elubo. Nana Affikah Anwomiah Kpanyinli who represented the Chief of Elubo thanked the Jomoro Municipal Assembly and Ghana Shippers Authority for the collaboration and asked for unity among them to expand the faciity in the years ahead. He also urged the management of the facility to ensure proper usage of the facility to keep it in a pristine condition. The Assistant Commissioner and Sector Commander of Elubo Customs, Rev. Joseph Gyan Mensah spoke on behalf of the security agencies and assured the gathering of their readiness to provide adequate security to the facility and any other services that would aid in the effective and efficient operation of the terminal. The facility boosts of a 40 articulator truck parking capacity, 20 seated water closets, 20 washroms, laundry, resting place, mosque and a hostel than accommodate 16 persons.
HON. MCE SUPPORTS SOME PERSONS WITH DISABILTY IN THE JOMORO MUNICIPALITY
A total of 43 Persons Living With Disability (PWDs) in the Jomoro Municipality have received items and financial support from the Municipal Assembly Disability Fund. The items presented included: refrigerators, sewing machines, bags of rice, hair salon equipment and cash amounts ranging from GH₵ 1000.00 – Gh₵ 2000.00 under the auspices of the Department of Social Development of the Jomoro Municipal Assembly. The Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Louisa Iris Arde, who presented the item,s said it was the government’s top priority to keep extending support to persons living with disabilities to alleviate their predicament. She urged the beneficiaries to take good care of the appliances and make judicious use of the money disbursed to them.
THE MUNICIPAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE FOR JOMORO INSPECTS THE ELUBO BORDER AFTER THE REOPENING OF THE NOE BORDER.
The Republic of Côte D’Ivoire officially reopened the Noe border which had been closed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to growing coronavirus cases, the Noe border was closed on 22 March 2020. Almost three years later, it has reopened to allow movement to and from neighbouring countries. The reopening came into effect on 15 February 2023. On Thursday, February 16, 2023, the Municipal Chief Executive for Jomoro Municipal Assembly, Hon. Louisa Iris Arde led a team from the Assembly to inspect the Elubo border. The Hon. MCE was briefed by the Sector Commander of Ghana Immigration Service, the 2ic of Customs Division of GRA and other security officers. They assured the Hon. Municipal Chief Executive of their adequate preparedness to deal with any threat that would disturb the peace and security of the country. The Hon. Chief Executive thanked them for remaining vigilant during the period of the closure and appealed to them to tighten the security at the various unapproved routes to avert any attack on the citizens and block all illegal activities that would otherwise deny the state revenue. She said Assembly would support them to help discharge their assigned duties. She observed traders crossing to and from the borders to transact businesses and said she was optimistic that the life of the residents would be invigorated since the reopening would boost trading activities and help the Municipal Assembly to generate enough revenue to undertake developmental projects in the area. She used the opportunity to inspect a diseases control centre facility constructed at the border by UNDP, a Wash facility and the GLS Scan site at Elubo.
CLEAN-UP EXERCISE HELD IN HALF ASSINI
Following the outset of the rains and their attendant effects in some flood-prone areas identified in the Municipality, the Jomoro Municipality Assembly yesterday 24th March 2023 in collaboration with the Christian Council of Churches, undertook a cleanup exercise in Half Assini. The exercise was led by the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Louisa Iris Arde and had in attendance officials from the Jomoro Municipal Assembly, Security Services, and Community members. The MCE in addressing the gathering after the exercise advised the citizens to avoid indiscriminate littering as they end up choking the gutters which engenders the flooding situation experienced in some of the areas. She also underscored the need to keep our surroundings clean at all times. She finally thanked all and sundry for partaking in the exercise.
JOMORO MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY REWARDS A VOLUNTARY “ROAD CONTRACTOR ” MR. KAKU KABENLA
The 66th Independence Day Celebration of Ghana was commemorated at the Half Assini Senior High School, popularly known as HASCO Park, in a colourful and well-attended ceremony. The event brought together traditional authorities, government officials, security agencies and members of the general public to reflect on the nation’s journey and celebrate acts of patriotism and service. The occasion was graced by Awulae Annor Adjaye III and Awulae Obaahema Nda Bozoma II, President of the Western Nzema Traditional Council and the Queen Mother of the Western Nzema Traditional Council, respectively. Also in attendance were chiefs and queen mothers from across the municipality, security officers, members of the clergy, teachers, students, pupils and other distinguished guests. As part of the celebration, several awards were presented to individuals whose contributions have had a positive impact on the municipality and the nation at large. One award that drew significant attention was presented to Mr. Kaku Kabenlah, a native of Takinta. For over two decades, this patriotic son of Jomoro has voluntarily dedicated himself to patching potholes on roads within the area, demonstrating exceptional commitment to community service and public safety. In recognition of his long-standing selfless service, the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Louisa Iris Arde, announced that Mr. Kabenlah had been placed permanently on the Assembly’s payroll. This appointment entitles him to a monthly salary as well as Social Security and National Insurance Trust contributions until his retirement. Hon. Arde commended Mr. Kabenlah for his dedication, selflessness and unwavering commitment to duty. She further used the opportunity to encourage residents, especially the youth, to emulate his exemplary conduct and contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities and the nation as a whole. The celebration not only marked Ghana’s independence but also highlighted the importance of patriotism, volunteerism and collective responsibility in nation building.
JOMORO MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY OFFICIALLY HANDS OVER TIKOBO NO 1 MARKET FOR PAVEMENT
As part of the Jomoro Municipal Assembly’s long-term vision to modernise market infrastructure across the municipality, the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Louisa Iris Arde, on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, officially handed over the market pavement project to E.K Construction Company Limited to commence work. The project, which seeks to improve the trading environment and enhance safety and accessibility within the market, will be executed in phases. This approach is intended to minimise disruption and avoid undue hardship for traders who rely on the facility for their daily livelihoods. In her address, Hon. Louisa Iris Arde appealed to all stakeholders, particularly traders and residents, to cooperate fully and bear with the contractor throughout the duration of the project. Ahead of the commencement of construction works, the Chief of the community, Nana Namoah Ackah Arizi III, performed a libation on Friday, February 10, 2023, to formally bless and pave the way for the successful execution of the project. The first phase of the pavement works is expected to be completed within three months. The project underscores the Assembly’s commitment to improving market infrastructure and promoting local economic development through sustainable and well-planned interventions.
PETROLEUM HUB DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ENGAGES WITH THE CHIEFS AND PEOPLE OF JOMORO
On the 23rd January 2023, The Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC) Mr Charles Owusu led his Operations and Technical Team to engage with the Chiefs and people of the Jomoro Municipality. The engagement forms part of the Corporation’s periodic engagements with the people to update them on the progress of work done in preparation for setting up Africa’s first Petroleum and Petrochemical Hub in the Jomoro enclave. In attendance was Awulae Annor Adjei (Paramount Chief of Western Nzema Traditional Council), Hon. Dr Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah (Western Regional Minister), Hon. Louisa Iris Arde (Municipal Chie Executive, Jomoro Municipal Assembly), Mr Charles Owusu (Chief Executive Officer, PHDC), Nana Ama Tima Boakye (Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Technical and Operations) Mrs Joyce Akosua Amgmorteh Miezah (Municipal Coordinating Director), the Chiefs and Queen Mothers. The her welcome address, the MCE, Hon. Louisa Iris Arde said that she was pleased that the Board and management of Petroleum Hub Development Corporation scheduled this meeting in the first month of the year to show how dedicated they are to getting this project underway. She said upon completion of the project, the country will reduce the cost of importing petroleum and other related products which will subsequently help boost the economy and create jobs as well. She disclosed that during the last meeting in August 2022 which was meant to update the stakeholders on the project, she made it known that the Western Regional Coordinating Council together with the board would continue to engage affected farmers and land owners to complete the compulsory acquisition which would enable the commencement of the project and reported that steady progress had been made in that regard. She added that His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo is very much interested in the project and for this reason, the project has been pencilled down as one of the priority projects under the Ghana Beyond Aid Charter and when completed would reduce the unemployment rate in the region and the country. She divulged that the hub is expected to cover 20,000-acre land in the Domunli enclave in the Jomoro Municipality of the Western Region of Ghana. She stated that when the hub is completed, it would have the potential to create employment for over 780 teeming youth in the Nzema enclave in particular and the country. She said the Western Region is blessed and fortunate to have this project situated in the region because it would position the region for many economic opportunities and further open it up for new businesses. The MCE reminded the gathering that, in the past, the siting of the Ghana National Gas Company (Ghana Gas) was earmarked for the municipality but ended up in the Ellembelle District and this time, the Petroleum Hub should not slip through the fingers and that the Assembly is committed to the cause and will get it done. She said she believed as stakeholders, they need to put in maximum efforts to get the project done as soon as possible so that the dream of becoming the Petroleum Hub in the West African Sub-Region would become a reality and urged all participants to dispassionately bring their ideas to make the forum a success. Awulae Annor Adjei, the President of the Western Nzema Traditional Council and Chairman of the Board of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation in his remarks rallied support for the project and declared that the project had come too far to fail and that there were several attempts in the past for the establishment of the petrol chemical industry, but it did not materialise. He said with the current progress and commitment, the project needs the support of all to ensure that it takes off and gets completed to benefit the people. He noted that the government had gone through the processes for the land acquisition and stakeholder consultations and debunked the rumour that monies have been paid to the chiefs or individual landowners for the 20,000 acres of land allocated for the project. The Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, commended the chiefs and people for their commitment to ensuring that the project succeeds. He said the government had gone through the process to acquire land for the project to the take-off. He said the people whose lands are part of the area of interest have been contacted and would make sure the best story of the petroleum hub is told when all is done. He urged the youth to sharpen their existing skills and acquire more technical skills in readiness for jobs during the construction phase and actual commencement of the project. He commended the company for the regular interactions and the update towards the operationalisation of the hub, which would create another growth pole in the Region for the country. He stated that as a Region that produces a chunk of the country’s resources, the time has come for the indigenes to start owning the projective assets in the Region and support the development of the country. Mr Charles Owusu, the CEO of PHDC emphasized the Government’s commitment to ensuring that the estimated $60 Billion investment sees the light of day. He recounted several operational activities that have been completed in the acquisition of the 20,000-acre land required for the project. He indicated that all the necessary documentation required has been submitted and is pending the cabinet’s approval and issuance of an Executive Instrument to complete the land acquisition processes from the chiefs and the people. Mr Owusu further explained that the Corporation is at an advanced stage in discussions and negotiations with an investor to sign phase one for the project to commence. He assured the people that deserving compensations as per the constitution would be paid to affected farmers, landowners, and communities after the process of compulsory land acquisition is fully completed. He entreated the people of Jomoro, especially communities directly affected by the project to keep being optimistic and support the project to succeed. The Operations and Technical team, led by the Deputy CEO, Nana Ama Tima Boakye took time to explain the project phases and the implementation plan highlighting the different project components coming up in the petroleum hub – petroleum refineries, petrochemical plants, storage facilities, jetties, port and other ancillary infrastructure.
JOMORO MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY COMMISSIONS NEW OFFICE COMPLEX
The commissioning of the new office complex has brought significant relief to both staff and residents of the Jomoro Municipality, marking an important milestone in the Assembly’s efforts to improve administrative efficiency and service delivery. The office complex, which had been partially completed and abandoned for over seven years, remained unused despite several attempts to engage the original contractor. These efforts proved futile, as the project was initially awarded by the central government, leaving the Assembly with limited control over its completion. Determined to prevent the waste of state resources, the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Louisa Iris Arde, took a bold and strategic decision to complete the facility for immediate use. The completion of the complex is intended to create adequate office space for departments currently operating outside the Assembly, thereby promoting closer collaboration and a stronger sense of unity among staff working towards a common goal. Additionally, offices previously occupied by staff within the township will be converted into residential accommodation to address staff housing challenges. The office complex was officially commissioned today by the leadership of the Local Council of Churches, following a joint morning devotion with the management and staff of the Assembly. During the ceremony, prayers were offered to commit the staff and people of Jomoro into God’s hands for a successful and productive 2023. Hon. Louisa Iris Arde expressed her profound appreciation to the Local Council of Churches for their spiritual support and prayers, and reaffirmed her commitment to initiatives that enhance efficiency, unity and development within the municipality.
PRESS STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE MUNICIPAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF JOMORO MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY, HON. LOUISA IRIS ARDE IN CONNECTION WITH THE CANCELLING OF “KING KAKU AKA NEW YEAR CELEBRATION, HUMANITARIAN AID AND FUN GAMES DAY 2023”.
It has become necessary for me to convene this Press Conference to explain to you the circumstances leading to the cancellation of the “KING KAKU AKA NEW YEAR CELEBRATION, HUMANITARIAN AID AND FUN GAMES DAY 2023” in Half Assini on Monday, 2nd January, 2023 so as to debunk any allegation making the rounds in the public domain concerning the said event. I will also take this opportunity to state the position of the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) on this matter. On Thursday, 8th December, 2022 I received a letter dated 30th November, 2022 from “Nzema Koyele Eku” inviting me to “KING KAKU AKA NEW YEAR CELEBRATION, HUMANITARIAN AID AND FUN GAMES DAY 2023” slated for Monday, 2nd January, 2023. On 14th December, 2022 a counter letter was received from Nana Ayebie Amihere opposing the KING KAKU AKA NEW YEAR CELEBRATION, HUMANITARIAN AID AND FUN GAMES DAY 2023. Let me be clear on this, the Jomoro Municipal Assembly is not against individuals and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) giving humanitarian assistance to the needy, vulnerable in society and widows. In furtherance of this, the Municipal Assembly lauded the effort by Nzema Koyele Eku to give humanitarian aid to some needy people in Jomoro Municipality. On August 26th 2022, I celebrated the one-year anniversary with the Hope of Widows Association at Half Assini, a recognised widows association. This goes to emphasize that, I am not against any kind of support extended to vulnerable groups in Jomoro especially widows. However, the organization of the programme under the auspices of King Kaku Aka posed a serious security threat to Jomoro Municipality as revealed by assessment of the security situation on the ground based on available intelligence. In view of that, the Municipal Assembly in a letter dated 14th December, 2022 with reference number JMA.01/10/24 advised the organisers (Nzema Koyele Eku) to terminate all arrangements towards the King Kaku Aka new year celebration to enable the Municipal Assembly carry out further consultations with MUSEC and other relevant stakeholders on the proposed celebration. In order to sustain the peace and security in the Jomoro Municipality, in a letter dated 21st December, 2022 with reference number JMA.01/10/25, the Municipal Security Council invited representatives from Nzema Koyele Eku, who are officials from King Kaku Aka’s office, Half Assini Chief and his Elders to an emergency MUSEC meeting on Friday, 23rd December, 2022 at the Municipal Assembly Hall, Half Assini. At the meeting both factions took entrenched positions Nana Ayebie Amihere VI and his Elders declared their intentions to prevent the programme from taking place whether King Kaku Aka attends the programme or not contrary to MUSEC’s recommendation that the event could take place but without King Kaku Aka in attendance. On the other hand, the programme organisers also vehemently vowed to ensure that King Kaku Aka attends the event by all means contrary to MUSEC’s advice not to allow him to attend. In view of the foregoing, MUSEC took a decision to suspend the programme indefinitely and a letter to that effect was sent to all parties involved. I must admit that this decision was imperative in averting potential chaos. I therefore crave your indulgence to draw your attention to these facts relative to the programme: This development implies that any attempt to go ahead with the programme before the Court determines the case would clearly be in contempt of the Court. In addition, on 30th December, 2022, the Regional Police Command through an Ex-Parte application secured an order from the Sekondi High Court (MOTION NO. 06/2023) prohibiting King Kaku Aka, Dr. Francis Appoh and Nzema Koyele Eku from holding the King Kaku Aka new year celebration humanitarian aid and fun games day. Our friends from the media, in spite of the security implications the organizers still decided to go ahead with the programme on 2nd January, 2023 in breach of MUSEC directive. MUSEC was therefore compelled to call for a backup from the Regional Police Command and National Security to beef up security in the Municipality at the time. In the process the security operatives deemed it strategic to stop the programme altogether instead of allowing it to degenerate into full blown conflict between the factions. Let me please reemphasize that the decision to cancel the King Kaku Aka new year celebration was aimed at ensuring the maintenance of peace and public safety and was in the best interest of the people of Jomoro. This has nothing to do with me personally, it was simply security experts acting on explicit intelligence by taking preemptive action. I would like to ask these questions for us to ponder on: As a Chief Executive, my mandate and aim is to ensure peace and development for the people of Jomoro. I am not here for any chieftaincy dispute neither do I belong to any chieftaincy faction. When finality is brought to any protracted chieftaincy issue in court and supported by the relevant documents and brought to the attention of the Assembly, I will pay homage to the said chief. On that note, thank you for the audience in addressing this issue.