As part of collective commitment to foster sustainable development, transparency, and inclusivity, the New Juaben North Municipal Assembly in the Eastern Region has held its assembly meeting to reflect on the achievements and challenges of the municipality.The assembly meeting discussed achievements and challenges encountered since their last meeting on 27th June, 2024.
The report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of progress, highlighting key initiatives that have transformed communities and the challenges that continue to demand attention and action.
The Assembly has a staff capacity of 157. These comprise 77 (49%) males and 80 (51%) females. The maximum staff strength requirement for every municipality is 690.
The Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Dr. Edward Asante Antwi, at the meeting indicated the meeting by the assembly is to provide insight into developments and activities undertaken by the Assembly within the municipality.
He stated that the assembly has a cordial working relationship with other government departments and agencies operating within and outside the municipality.Below is the detailed report delivered by the Municipal Chief Executive at the second ordinary meeting of the first session of the third assembly of the new Juaben North Municipal Assembly.
ADMINISTRATIVE SET-UP AND HUMAN RESOURCE CAPACITY
Hon. Presiding Member, the Assembly has in place all key departments and units. The Assembly has a cordial working relationship with other government departments and agencies operating within and outside the municipality.The Assembly has a staff capacity of 157. These comprise 77 (49%) males and 80 (51%) females. The local government service maximum staff strength requirement for every Municipality is 690. This indicates that we have a staff gap of 533. Hon. Presiding Member, nineteen (19) staff were promoted to various grades within the period under review. Three (3) employees were posted to the Assembly.
One staff was posted out of the Municipality within the period under review.Inauguration of Zonal councils Hon. Presiding member, it is worthy of mention that, all the five Zonal Councils (Effiduase, Asokore, Jumapo, Oyoko and Akwadum) in the municipality have been duly inaugurated by management.
The required Sub-Committees were constituted and all Zonal Council Members were given orientation to equip them perform their duties. It is our expectation that the Zonal Councils will assist in the dissemination of policies and programmes in their area of jurisdiction and also assist the Assembly in revenue mobilization especially the collection of property rate and their ceded revenues.
This will help the Assembly’s effort to achieve its revenue generation objective.
FINANCE
Hon. Presiding Member, the following are the main sources of revenue for the Assembly: Internally Generated Fund (IGF),District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF)District Assemblies Common Fund-Responsive Factor Grant (DACF-RFG)The Constituency Development Fund otherwise known as MP’s Common Fund. It is gratifying to state that the Assembly is not relenting on its effort to increase its IGF base in order to meet the challenging demands of the Municipality.Internally Generated Fund (I. G. F.)Property RateHon. Presiding member, distinguished ladies and gentlemen as at the end of September, 2024, an amount of Two Hundred and Seventy-Four Thousand, Two Hundred and Nine Ghana Cedis, Fifty-Four Pesewas (274, 209.54) has been realized for Property Rates alone as against the budgeted figure of Two Hundred and Sixty Thousand Ghana Cedis (260,000.00) constituting approximately 105.47% performance.It is important to solicit the support of Honourable Assembly members in our quest to generate more revenue for the Assembly. I therefore call on all of you to lend us your support in this endeavor.Revenue PerformanceHon. Presiding Member, the Assembly as at 30th September, 2024, the IGF revenue performance stood at One Million, Three Hundred Thousand, One Hundred and Forty-Three Ghana Cedis, Sixty-Seven Pesewas (GHC1,300,143.67) as against an Annual Budget of One Million, Seven Hundred and Seventy-Two Thousand, One Hundred and Fifty Ghana Cedis (GHC1,772,150.00). This constitutes seventy three percent (73%) performance.
Expenditure Performance
The expenditure performance for the period stood at One Million, Two Hundred and Sixty-Eight Thousand, Nine Hundred and Seventy-Four Ghana Cedis, and Seventy Six Pesewas. (1,268,974.76) representing 71.6% of the Annual Budget of One Million, Seven Hundred and Seventy-Two Thousand, One Hundred and Fifty Ghana Cedis (1,772,150.00).MP’S Common Fund-RevenueHon. Presiding member, as at 30th September , 2024 the Assembly received an amount of Six Hundred and Forty-Nine Thousand, Two Hundred and Eighteen Ghana Cedis, Ninety-Six Pesewas (GHC 649,218.96) giving a percentage performance of 53.82% of the MP’s Annual Budget of One Million Two Hundred and Six Thousand, Two Hundred and Seven Ghana Cedis, Eighty-Nine Pesewas (GHC1,206,207.89).
MP’S Common Fund-Expenditure
As at 30th September, 2024 expenditure on MP’S Common fund for the period stood at Ten Thousand, Two Hundred and Twenty-Five Ghana Cedis. (10,225.00) representing 2.02 % of the Annual Budget of Five Hundred and Five Thousand, Six Hundred and Thirty-Nine Ghana Cedis, Fifty-Three Pesewas. (GH 505,639.53).
DACF (District Assemblies Common Fund)Revenue Performance
Hon. Presiding member, DACF revenue performance stood at Seven Hundred and Seventy-Nine Thousand, Nine Hundred and Four Ghana Cedis, Thirty-One Pesewas (GHC779,904.31) as at 30th September, 2024 against the Budgeted amount of Five Million, Two Hundred and Twenty-Five Thousand, Nine Hundred and Eleven Ghana Cedis, Ninety-Eight Pesewas ( GH ¢5,225,911.98) representing 14.92%.ExpenditureThe expenditure for the period stood at Nine Hundred and Thirty-Six Thousand, Nine Hundred and Fifty-Four Ghana Cedis, and Fifty-Five Pesewas. (GH¢ ¢936,954.55) representing 25.15% of the Annual Budget of Three Million, Seven Hundred and Twenty-Five Thousand, Nine Hundred and Eleven Ghana Cedis, Ninety-Eight Pesewas ( GH ¢3,725,911.98).
DACF-RFG (District Assemblies Common Fund-Responsive Factor Grant)Revenue Performance
Hon. Presiding member, DACF-RFG revenue performance stands at One Million, Eight Hundred and Forty-One Thousand, Six Hundred and Seventy-Six Ghana Cedis (GH¢1,841,676.00) as at 30th September, 2024 against the Budgeted amount of One Million, Eight Hundred and Eighty-Six Thousand, Six Hundred and Eighty-Six Ghana Cedis, Forty-Five Pesewas (GHC 1,886,686.45) representing 97.61%.ExpenditureExpenditure for the period stood at Nineteen Thousand, Six Hundred and Seventy-Eight Ghana Cedis, Forty-One Pesewas. (19,678.41) representing 0.64% of the Annual Budget of Three Million and Sixty-Three Thousand, Two Hundred and Fifty-Four Ghana Cedis, Eight-One Pesewas (3,063,254.81).
HEALTH
Hon. Presiding Member, I am glad to inform the house that, our health facilities and structures remain sound and able to provide our various communities with the necessary health support that is needed.
Polio Vaccination
Polio remains a significant concern globally, and we must remain vigilant. Fortunately, our Municipality has made commendable progress in recent vaccination drives aimed at eliminating polio. Our health directorate led a vaccination exercise in the month of September, targeting children less than five years. Community health workers, in collaboration with school authorities and health clinics, have played a vital role in raising awareness and facilitating the polio vaccination.
Tuberculosis Awareness
Hon. Presiding Member, Tuberculosis continues to pose a significant public health challenge in the country. Our Municipality has been proactive in addressing this issue. We have expanded our TB screening initiatives significantly. Early detection remains our strongest weapon against TB. For those diagnosed; our health services have established comprehensive treatment support programs. These include counseling, regular check-ups, and nutritional support to ensure treatment adherence. Management is in engagement with local organizations in our awareness campaigns about TB symptoms and prevention strategies. Our goal is to reduce stigma and encourage individuals to seek help without fear.
Measles Vaccination
Measles remains a highly contagious viral disease, but it is preventable through vaccination. Recent global outbreaks have highlighted the importance of maintaining high immunization rates. We have successfully undertaken measles vaccination in our various communities for children aged 9 months to 5 years. Health education programs in collaboration with schools and community organizations have significantly increased public awareness about the symptoms and dangers of measles. We must strengthen our surveillance systems to quickly identify and address any measles cases that arise, ensuring a rapid response to prevent outbreak in the municipality.I therefore take this opportunity to congratulate the Municipal Health Director and all health workers for their excellent service delivery.
EDUCATION
Hon. Presiding Member, I am glad to inform the House that, school enrollment has significantly increased in our Municipality. A total of Twenty Three Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety (23,790) pupils are enrolled in basic schools in the Municipality out of which Eleven Thousand Eight Hundred and Seventy Eight (11,878) 49% are males and Eleven Thousand Nine Hundred and Twelve (11,912) are females (51%). Five hundred and Ninety-Nine (599) 49% boys and Six hundred and Thirty-Six (636) 51% girls were candidates who sat for the Basic Education Certificate Examination in July 2024. The results of the BECE are currently being analyzed by the Municipal Education directorate and at the appropriate time the Municipal Education Director will present to the Assembly for further deliberations.Hon. Presiding Member, there are four Senior High Schools in the Municipality with a total enrolment of Thirteen Thousand Three Hundred and Sixty-Five (13,365) students. Four Thousand Two Hundred and Thirty-Nine (4,239) Senior High School Students sat for the WASSCE in September this year. These comprises Two Thousand, Two Hundred and Seventy-One (2,271) 54% boys and One Thousand Nine Hundred and Sixty- Eight (1,968) 46% girls
AGRICULTURE
Hon. Presiding member, agriculture remains the backbone of Ghana’s economy and for that matter this municipality. The estimated farmer population for the Municipality is 16,249 comprising of 13, 97 (86%) males and 2,272 (14%) females.The assembly through the department of agriculture carried out various activities in the period under review.
Planting for Export and Rural Development (PERD)
The PERD programme is a decentralized National Tree Crop Programmed to promote rural economic growth and improve households’ incomes of rural farmers through the provision of certified improved seedlings, support services and regulatory mechanism. The project of raising the oil palm seedlings, and distributing them to farmers in the Municipality has been on-going since 2019.A total of 7,000 oil palm seedlings were received by the Department of Agric and 6,960 was distributed to beneficiary farmers whiles out of the 4,000 coconut seedlings received, 3,964 were distributed to beneficiary farmers. Few seedlings got spoilt in the process of loading and offloading. Farmers are gratified and still demanding for more of such seedlings specifically the coconut.
Training of Farmers within the Municipality
Hon. Presiding Member, two demonstrations were conducted in crop production to educate farmers in modern technology. These technologies include using organic and inorganic fertilizer to cultivate maize and planting of improved cassava varieties (Bankye hemaa, Essam, Dudzi & Mena Yaa) to help improve cassava production within the Municipality.The second one was that, Farmers were trained on good livestock management practices.Gradually, farmers are adopting the following improved technologies; row planting in crop production, planting of improved varieties and provision of appropriate housing for livestock production.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Hon. Presiding Member, Infrastructure plays a key role in enhancing the socio-economic development of the Municipality. Four projects are currently on-going. These projects are at various stages of completion.
ON-GOING PROJECTS
District Roads Improvement Programme (DRIP)-2024
Hon. Presiding Member, Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the Government of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Ghana has embarked on a historic journey to transform road infrastructure management and improvement across the length and breadth of this country with the official launch of the District Roads Improvement Programme (DRIP-2024). This initiative by the Government of Ghana is set to empower Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) with the tools and resources needed to enhance road networks across the country.Hon. Presiding Member, I am happy to report that the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo launch the programme on the 31st of July, 2024 to mark the beginning of a new era in Ghana’s road infrastructural development. The initiative, a cornerstone of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s vision for national progress, was unveiled.The Regional Co-ordinating Council took delivery of the share of the region and subsequently handed over our share of the under-listed earth moving equipment to the New Juaben North Municipal AssemblyTipper track -2, Grader -1, Water bowser -1, Front and back hole loader – 1, Road roller-1, Concrete and mixer-2. DRIP-2024 provides the Municipality with state-of-the-art equipment and technical training, thereby improving the capacity for road maintenance and construction. By equipping local authorities with these vital resources, this program will ensure that our road projects are completed efficiently and to the highest standards. With DRIP-2024, Ghana is not just building roads; it is paving the way for a brighter, more connected future. The impact of this initiative will be felt for generations to come, as improved infrastructure lays the foundation for continued growth and prosperity.Street LightHon. Presiding Member, the Assembly has distributed a total of 103 street lights to Hon. Assembly Members to enhance the lighting system in their various communities.
DEVELOPMENT CONTROL
Hon. Presiding Member, the Assembly through the Physical Planning Department is mandated to prepare Spatial plans to guide the growth and development of our communities. In this regard, the Assembly within the period under review commenced work on two planning schemes (still at draft stage) for parts of Pipeline and Akwadum communities.Under the Street Naming and Property Addressing Exercise, the Assembly has tracked and digitized One Hundred and Sixty-Nine (169) new streets and digitized Seven Hundred and Twelve (712) properties within Oyoko community.The Department has received, vetted and processed Twenty-Eight (28) development applications for permit within the period under review. Twenty-five (25) applications were granted approval for development whereas the remaining three (3) were deferred for corrections.
DISASTER MANAGEMENT
Hon. Presiding Member, the Assembly takes keen interest in the safety of our citizens and properties in the Municipality. The NADMO Unit has done tremendously well in organising routine visitation to our various communities in the Municipality to monitor human activities that endangers people’s lives and properties.Public Education on Fire Outbreak The Assembly through the NADMO unit embarked on a house to house public education exercise on fire outbreak in the municipality. Zonal officers carried out this exercise to sensitize the public on the prevention of fire outbreak in their homes and workplaces. The public were advice to take all cautions in the use of electrical gadgets and other home appliances. The citizenry were advised on the use of proper electrical wires and domestic equipment to reduce the rate of disasters in our communities. Tree Planting Exercise NADMO undertook tree planting exercise in the Municipality to improve the environmental infrastructure and human settlement.
SOCIAL WELFARE AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Hon. Presiding Member, the Assembly through the Social Welfare services aim at improving the well-being and quality of lives of the residents in the municipality. These services focus on a range of social issues including poverty alleviation, healthcare, education, housing, and social protection.One of the key initiatives of government is the provision of social assistance programs for the most vulnerable citizens.
These includes support for elderly, support for the disabled, support for orphaned individuals and the less privilege in society. These programs help to ensure that all residents have access to basic necessities and are able to live with dignity. These are done through the government initiated policies such as the LEAP cash transfer programme and 3% Disability Fund disbursement.The Department collaborated with the various Non Profit Organizations (NPOs) and stakeholders to ensure the delivery of social services in the Municipality.The assembly through the department of social welfare and community development undertook the following activities in the period under review:Assisted in registration, renewal and replacement of NHIS cards for prison inmates.Supported fifty nine (59) qualified and registered PWDs with common fund to establish them in business.Organised mass meetings and sensitization programmes in five communities to sensitize people and good parenting, effect of child labour, child abuse, drug abuse, teenage pregnancy and child delinquency.Organised home visits in communities to sensitize people on human right issues, sanitation and other related issues.The Assembly is in the process of delivering items requested by the PWD’s to them. The items have been procured and will be handed over to them this week.
SECURITY
Hon. presiding member, safety and security of our Municipality is the foremost priority of this Assembly. We have increased collaboration with the law enforcement agencies in the Municipality through the provision of fuel and other logistics to the military Patrol to ensure timely responses to incidents and more visible policing in our neighborhoods.I am happy to report that the municipality is very calm and people are going about their normal activities in a conducive environment.
2024 General Election
Hon. presiding, as we approach the upcoming general election, the importance of peace and stability in our communities cannot be overstated. My role as the Chairperson of the Municipal Security Committee is pivotal, not just in governance but also in fostering an environment where democracy can flourish. I want to take this opportunity on behalf of the security agencies to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to maintaining peace before during and after the 7th December Presidential and Parliamentary Elections. It is essential that we cultivate a culture of dialogue among all stakeholders-political parties, civil society organizations, and Community Leaders. I urge Hon. Assembly Members and each member of our Municipality to engage in respectful conversations that prioritize understanding over contention. Let us remember that, irrespective of our political affiliations, we all share the same goals: the betterment of our community and the nation at large.The Assembly is actively collaborating with law enforcement agencies and local security stakeholders to ensure that measures are in place to maintain law and order. We are working to create a secure atmosphere that encourages voters to participate freely and without fear. Our security agencies will be visible and accessible to provide reassurance and support to all citizens.Hon. Presiding Member, the aftermath of elections can often be a period of tension and division. We must be committed to fostering unity within our communities regardless of the electoral outcome. We must remember that we are all part of a larger society where cooperation is essential for progress. I encourage everyone to come together in the interest of reconciliation and collective growth, putting aside differences for the common good. I urge our young people to become ambassadors of peace, using their voices to promote solidarity and understanding. In addition, the Municipal Security Committee will work closely with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) and community leaders to organize peace forums, workshops, and discussions that emphasize the importance of non-violence and constructive engagement.As your Municipal Chief Executive, my pledge is to work tirelessly to ensure that our electoral process is peaceful, fair, and democratic.
2025 ANNUAL COMPOSIT BUDGET HEARING
Hon. Presiding member, I am proud to inform the House that this Assembly was selected by the Regional Co-Ordinating 0- Council to host sixteen (16) Municipal and District Assemblies in Eastern Region for the 2025 Annual Composite Budget Hearing. The event which was held on 22nd October to 24th October was coordinated by the Regional Budget Analyst and Officials from the Ministry of Finance.
SENSITIZATION EXERCISE BY INFORMATION SERVICE DEPARTMENT
The information service department was tasked by the management to educate citizenry within the Municipality on the need to acquire temporal permit for containers, kiosks, bill-boards, and signboards. All Communities in the Municipality were reached out on this important exercise. A positive result in revenue mobilization was achieved. Hon presiding member, In conclusion, I want to emphasize the significant progress we have made together in our Municipality. The year has been marked by collaborative efforts, innovative initiatives, and a steadfast commitment to improving the quality of life for our residents. I wish to extend my gratitude to the Municipal Coordinating Director and the entire staff who assisted me in steering the affairs of New Juaben North Municipal Assembly. It is evident that the work of the Municipal Chief Executive and the Municipal Coordinating Director is essential in managing and overseeing the operations of this municipality.We have faced challenges, but our resilience and determination have enabled us to overcome them. As we look ahead, I urge each of you to continue fostering collaboration, supporting one another, and engaging our communities. Together, we can build on our successes and tackle the challenges that lie ahead with renewed vigor and optimism.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Solomon Nartey
