INTRODUCTION

The forum was scheduled for 3^rd and 4^th July, 2024 by the Right to Information Unit of the Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly. It was aimed at educating the students on their fundamental right to access information from public institution and the processes to request for Information under Article 21 (1) f of the constitution and Act 989 of the RTI law.

As part of Government’s effort to promote and implement the Right to Information Act 989, (Act 2019)

The Right to Information Unit of the Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly (ACMA) in collaboration with the Access to Information division (ATI) of the Information Services Department (ISD), Ministry of Information on Wednesday, 3rd July 2024 and Thursday, 4^th July 2024 educated the Accra Technical Training Center (ATTC) and Harvard College on the Right to Information Law.

The sensitization Education started with a welcome address from the Right to Information Officer of Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly Mr. Abebreseh Terry Abray who indicates the purpose of the education saying that “The RTI law Act 989 is a sunshine legislation. The law helps us to enjoy our fundamental freedoms, makes institutions more transparent and accountable in providing factual information to the public and encourages public participation in matters that concern them.

Facilitators of the training Mr. Senanu Nyadroh and Mr. Israel Dentor from the Access to Information Division (ATID) took time to expound on the topics of the Background, application process, Exemptions and the decision of the Commission on the Right to Information Act.

The sensitization Informed the students about the details of the  implementation as stated in the constitutional right to Information held by public institutions, subject to the exemptions that are necessary and consistent with the protection of public interest in a democratic society.

The Education also saw an interactive session where the students had the opportunity to ask questions and make contributions to the conversation.

In conclusion, the forum was successful and saw students actively engage Resource Persons on the RTI Law.

TERRY ABRAY JNR.

RIGHT TO INFORMATION OFFICER

AYAWASO CENTRAL MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY

The Ayawaso central municipal assembly on the 17th June,2024 engaged in skills training for some community members in liquid soap making, parazone, after wash, and also baking of cake, meat and fish pie, chips, banana cake, polo , and others pastries and this activity saw a total number of male= 5/ female= 28

The Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly has inaugurated 12 unit committees and 2 Zonal councils.

The Alajo-Pig Farm Zonal Council comprises Alajo North, Alajo Central, Pig Farm, Nii Nortey Agbo, Quaye Mensah and Kotobabi Electoral area, while the Mallam Atta Zone include, Nkansah Djan, Aryee Diki, Mallam Atta, Akoa Ndor and Kokomlemle East and West.

At a ceremony held on its forecourt at Kokomlemle in Accra on Wednesday, 29^th May 2024, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Archibald Cobbina in a speech read on his behalf, urge the councils to perform their duties diligently to improve the living conditions of the people. He also reiterated that Unit Committee members are the first point of call when there is a problem in the community, so they must be also committed to their work.

Also according to him, the Zonal Council was backed by Law aimed at ensuring full involvement of local communities in the decision making process, adding that “the success of the initiative would depend on the values and performance of their duties”.

The MCE charged the Councils to play a significant role in the education of their communities, organize communal labour to ensure environmental cleanliness, double efforts to mobilize revenue through lorry parks and stations etc.

“Hon. Archibald Cobbina assured that the Assembly will support all sub-structures by building their capacities to help develop the area.

“We have been given the opportunity to adopt strategies to develop the Municipality; we need your support to implement policies”

Skills training on Fabric beading organised by Korle Klottey National Youth Authority in collaboration with Ayawaso Central municipal assembly with students from ATTC, second Image international school and Fashion Designer from Korle Klottey.
The purpose of this training was to equip students and Fashion Designer to acquire more knowledge and new skills in designing their garments with bead, showcase stylish beadwork and adding elements to any outfit.
These are some pictures for your perusal

Fifteen (15) schools participated in this year’s 67th independence day parade held at the Quaye Mensah Memorial Park in Alajo with Kotobabi 1&2 GK/Primary school being adjudged the best school in the March past. The Municipal Chief Executive of the Assembly, Mr Archibold Cobbina in his address urged the youth to promote peace and unity within their communities and resist being used to foment chaos during the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections.

“My appeal to all political parties, and the general public is that we should endeavour to conduct our campaigns without the use of temperate languages on our airwaves in a political season, we must discourage such acts and uphold the democratic credentials we have made over the years” he charged. To the Electoral commission, MCE urged them to heed the call of His Excellency President Akufo Addo and also acknowledged that, a lot of responsibility lies on the Electoral commission to put the necessary measures in place that will ensure Ghana have a credible election.

The Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly on February 12 inaugurated 12 Assembly members and 6 government appointees. The 12 Assembly members who were elected on the 19th of December were sworn into office by  the kotobabi district magistrate, Maame Yaa Kusi Mensah and in the presence of their electorates and other government dignitaries. Mr Hudu Ismail was officially declared the Presiding Member after18 members of the assembly voted in his favor.

The Municipal Chief Executive of the Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly, Mr Archibald Cobbina, further urged the government appointees to consider the assumption of their office as an honor and work hard to justify the confidence reposed in them by the president.

In a speech delivered by Stephen Asamoah Boateng: Minister for chieftency and religious affairs on behalf of the president, charged the newly elected assembly members to deepen local governance and decentralisation in their respective areas to enable the citizens have access to basic public services in their districts rather than demanding for such services from Accra.

The Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly in collaboration with the Judicial Service of Ghana, has inaugurated a District Court complex in Kotobabi, one of the  communities within the Municipality.  In her inaugural speech, the Chief Justice of the Republic of Ghana,Her Honor,Justice Gertrude Sackey Torkornoe expressed her great pleasure to be with the Assembly in the Greater Accra Region to inaugurate a new District Court for its residents and surroundings suburbs. “A purpose built Court is a necessary addition to the infrastructure for peace and stability of any community “she stated.

She said that, in recent times, much attention has been brought to the improvement of the national stock of physical infrastructure in which justice is dispensed in this country. She continued that,  it is heartwarming to see the expression of concern and solidarity that has come from members of the general public, who have appreciated this effort to provide befitting facilities not only for the well-being of those who work in these buildings,but also for the very concept and delivery of justice itself.

The Chief Justice emphasized that the challenge for the infrastructure is especially acute at the district level and we all know that lack of access to justice can lead directly to loss of confidence in the tools of justice.”Because of this, we must address any challenges of access to justice if we are to provide the necessary guarantees of peace ,security  and investor confidence that country needs, this is the only path to growth of the economy” she said .

Justice Gertrude Sackey revealed that the law makes three promises which are Order, Justice and Peace and these three bring prosperity.

She continued that there is no doubt that easy access to justice is a basic human right and means of upholding all other constitutionally guaranteed rights and freedoms, settlement of dispute and holding people accountable for their actions and inactions.  She therefore expressed her gratitude concerning the fact that the Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly has fulfilled section 12(3) (b) of the Local Governance Act, 2016(Act936) which mandates us to ensure ready access to Courts in the Municipality for the promotion of justice.

‘‘Bringing justice to the doorstep of the people and also providing equal  access to justice regardless of one’s social standing is a sure way of procuring social peace and security”.

The Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly has celebrated the 39^th National Farmers’ Day at the Quaye Mensah Memorial AstroTurf Park, Alajo in Accra.

Speaking at the programme, the Municipal Chief Executive for Ayawaso Central, Hon.Archibold Mac Amuasie cobbina, welcome all to the gathering and congratulated all farmers and actors along the Agricultural value chain for a wonderful work done throughout the year and for their selflessness, dedication and commitment in feeding the Municipality and the Country as a whole.

The MCE noted that the Farmers’ Day Celebration is significant to the people of Ayawaso Central municipal in many aspects which among others, it is the fourth to be observed in the Municipality and also the first under his stewardship as the Municipal Chief Executive.

He explained that farmers’ Day is a day set aside to be observed in the first Friday of every December to recognize our hardworking Farmers including all other Agricultural related workers and professionals in the Country for their immense contribution towards the feeding of our beloved Nation as well as ensuring socio-economic growth of our economy.  Hon.Archibold said, although agriculture is the backbone of the economy, about 80 percent of the total farmers are small scale farmers but with the potential to transform into commercially viable farmers if supported appropriately. “It is for this reason that the government is determined to support small scale agriculture through Agribusiness Development. The government of Ghana under the leadership of His Excellency President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has put in diverse measures through the introduction of ‘Planting for Food and Jobs’ policy to promote the agribusiness sector encompassing farming related commercial activities which seek to create food security and also to produce raw materials to feed our industries while creating jobs in the process’, he emphasized.

He continued that it is therefore not a coincidence that the theme for this year’s 39^th National Farmers ‘Day Celebration is focusing on Delivering Smart Solutions for Sustainable Food Security and Resilience. “It was deliberately couched to reflect the vision of His Excellency the President and to further his Planting for food and jobs agenda, he explained.

The MCE revealed that, Smart solutions for Sustainable Food Security as this year’s theme suggests, aims to combat the current and future challenges of food production and consumption which is brought about factors such as climate change, conflicts, malnutrition, biodiversity losses, water scarcity, natural disasters, food spikes among others.

He said Ayawaso Central may not be typical farming community, however through the Department of Agriculture and his office are ever ready to technically assist the youth and business minded persons who intend to venture into agriculture and related activities in the Municipality in order to succeed in earning decent livelihoods. The Municipal Chief Executive therefore encouraged people who have little space available on their compounds to effectively utilize it by undertaking Non-traditional agriculture such as vertical and container gardening, mushrooms, grasscutter, rabbit, snail and fish farming among others. “I assure you that my office is ever ready to assist you ’’, he stated.

The Municipal Agricultural Director of Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly, Miss Martina Mensah in her address commended farmers and all those involved in agricultural value chain for their persistent heroism and meritorious effort in making sure that food is always available on our tables. She said, Food Security is a complex socio-political concept which is more than just producing and supplying food. She continued that is a relationship between humans and nature that incorporates values and perceptions of food in the security of society (full brook 2010).

The Agric Director continued that, Food Security exist when all people at all times have access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life (World Food summit 1996). She stated that more than 800 million people go hungry every year, yet almost one third of food grown and produced is lost or wasted. “Meanwhile, conflict, Weather extremes and economics shocks are causing production and supply chain issue that leave food systems vulnerable and so by transforming how is food is grown, produced and consumed, we can create secure ,sustainable and resilient food systems” She explained.

Miss Mensah said that it is extremely gratifying that we as Ghanaians have deemed it worthy to honor our men and women who through discipline and hard work, have excelled in their various fields of endeavour. “We want you farmers and all these involved in the Agricultural value chain here in gathered to know that we appreciate your  endeavours, perseverance and  determination to succeed’’ she stated.

The Agric Director used the opportunity to thank all who have contributed in diverse ways to the success

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Day Planning Committee, she thanked all donors most sincerely and wished them great success in their business so that they could again demonstrate their support to the Municipality’s future programmes when they are called to do so.

She also expressed her gratitude to the Assembly for its staunch and unyielding support. “To the members of the Farmers’ Day Planning committee, I say Kudos for your hard work and commitment,’’ and to the Award winners, I say more grease to your elbows, keep your focus on higher laurels beyond the Municipality and never relent in your effort’’, she commended.

The Agric Director encouraged the Non-Award winners not to give up, but put the past behind them and press forward

Touching on the award winners, those who received award on the Municipal Best Organized Group were the Alajo marketers who trade in Alajo market and are dealers in all kinds of food items. They received 20 pieces of plastic chairs, wheel barrow, shovel and Disinfectants.                                                                                                  The best Agricultural Extension Agent was Linda Osei –Nti, a 29- year old single lady with one (1) child whose Educational background is Tertiary with 6 years working experience. She received a laptop, wire mash, cutlass, pesticides and weedicides. The Best Crop  Farmer was Sani Mohammed ,aged 35 and  married with four(4) children .He has 2 casual workers with established  business of 15 years .He deals in Exotic vegetables which are  carrots, lettuce, bell peppers, cucumber ,beetroot , Kale and broccoli including local vegetables  which are alefu , borkoborko ,  dandelion ,mint and basal leaves. He also have  fifteen  cattle’s .The Awards he received were  water storage Tank , pumping machine ,wheel barrow ,knapsack ,sprayer, Wellington Boots, spade and shovel, cutlass, Agro chemicals , personal protective clothing, wire mesh ,  weedicides, insecticides and Disinfectants. The best livestock Farmer was Israel Kojo Awuja, a 34 year old single man located in Alajo North .He owns 270 cockerels, 500 broilers, and 19 Turkeys.   Awards Received were water storage Tank, wheel barrow, knapsack sprayer, wellington Boots, spade and shovel, cutlass, wire Mesh, Disinfectants, wheat bran and  Grower Mash. The institution who emerged as the best in agriculture is Kokomlemle 2 Basic school located at Panama.  The school is only 2 years old with container Gardening of Tomatoes, coconut, cucumber, mango, Avocado pear, cocoyam and sweet pepper.  The awards  they received were water storage Tank , wheel  barrow , Knapsack sprayer , wellington Boot ,spade and shovel ,cutlass ,wire mesh , Agro chemicals , seeds, Disinfectants and weedicides. The Best woman poultry Farmer was Mrs. Gladys Nketiah Frimpong, a 64 year old located at Pig farm with two (2) laborers. Her Business is 3 years old with 500 broilers, 1200 layers, 15 Turkeys and 1 coconut tree. She received awards of water storage Tank, Deep freezer, wheel barrow , knapsack sprayer, wellington Boot ,spade and  shovel ,cutlass , mire mesh ,Agro chemicals , layer mash , wheat bran , personal protective Equipment (PPE) and 6 yards cloth.

The Overall best farmer in Ayawaso municipality for the year 2023 on the occasion of 39^th Farmers’ Day Celebration was no other person than Mr. Emmanuel Quao Aikins, a 45 year old married man with 3 children. He established his Business 5 years ago with 2 temporal workers. He has a home gardening with Lettuce, green pepper, cucumber, radish and spices. He also owns 145 rabbits, 650 layers, 100 Brahma, plantain, coconut and carrots.  He received awards of chest Freezer ,wheel barrow ,knapsack sprayer , wellington Boots ,spade and shovel ,cutlass ,Agro chemicals , Disinfectants ,Feed (grower/layer mash) Personal protective clothing ,wire mesh , wheat bran , insecticide , weedicide and  poly tank .

Report by

                                                                      Ivy N.A.A. Quansah

                                                                                        (Mun. information Officer)

The Gender Desk of Ayawaso Central Municipal Assembly on the 23rd November this year organized a sensitization workshop with learners of Accra New Town School. The exercise was on what gender-based violence was, their types and reporting their channels.
A total of 158 pupils were present, 69 being males and 89 being females. This exercise took place in one of their halls.