Oti Regional Coordinating Council - ORCC, Dambai, Kumasi (2026)

12/03/2026

ORCC ORGANIZE HANDING OVER CEREMONY FOR OUTGOING REGIONAL BUDGET ANALYST

A brief handing over ceremony was held today Thursday, 12th March, 2026, at the Oti Regional Coordinating Council to mark the official handing over of duties by the Oti Regional Budget Analyst, Dr. Samuel Darah. The ceremony provided an opportunity for management and staff of the Regional Coordinating Council to acknowledge his dedication, commitment, and exemplary service to the region.

The Handing Over
During the ceremony, Dr. Samuel Darah formally handed over documents and responsibilities relating to the Budget Unit to the Oti Regional Coordinating Director (Chief Director), Rev. Harry Nii Kwatei Owoo. The exercise signified the conclusion of Dr. Darah’s tenure as the Regional Budget Analyst.

In his remarks, Dr. Darah expressed gratitude to management and staff of the Regional Coordinating Council for the cooperation and support he received during his period of service. He noted that the collaboration among staff contributed significantly to the effective coordination of budget activities in the region.

Presentation of Citation
On behalf of the Oti Regional Coordinating Council, Rev. Harry Nii Kwatei Owoo presented a Citation of Distinguished Leadership and Exemplary Service to Dr. Samuel Darah in recognition of his outstanding contribution and excellence in service delivery during his tenure as the Oti Regional Budget Analyst.

Rev. Owoo commended Dr. Darah for his professionalism, dedication, and commitment to duty, stating that his contributions had significantly supported effective financial planning and budget implementation within the region. He further wished him success in his future endeavors.

The ceremony was attended by the following officials of the Oti Regional Coordinating Council: Rev. Harry Nii Kwatei Owoo – Oti Regional Coordinating Director (Chief Director), Seth Adomako Sarkodie – Oti Regional Human Resource Director, Francis Arthur – Staff Member and Banyibor Ezekiel Yaw - Oti Regional Public Relations Officer as well as Sarah Mawusi Ofori– Staff Member

The brief ceremony concluded with words of appreciation from management and staff who acknowledged Dr. Darah’s dedication and valuable contributions to the development of the Oti Region. The presentation of the Citation of Distinguished Leadership and Exemplary Service symbolized the Council’s appreciation for his commitment to quality service and professionalism.

02/03/2026

Lordina Foundation Commissions Maternity and Children’s Health Facility at Asukawkaw

The Lordina Foundation has commissioned a newly constructed Maternity and Children’s Health Facility at Asukawkaw in the Krachi East District of the Oti Region.

The facility was inaugurated by the First Lady of the Republic of Ghana and President of the Foundation, Lordina Dramani Mahama, fulfilling a commitment she made following a request from the Paramount Chief of the Akroso-Asukawkaw Traditional Area, Nana Odamu Gyamfi III. The project was fully financed by the Foundation with support from donors and partners.

The new facility brings to four the number of maternity and children’s wards constructed and handed over to communities and the Ghana Health Service by the Foundation. Similar facilities have previously been commissioned at Bole District Hospital, Nkoranza Health Centre and Abodom. The Foundation has also renovated and expanded the Hohoe Adabraka Health Centre.

Designed to deliver comprehensive maternal and child healthcare, the Asukawkaw facility includes maternity and children’s wards, a fully equipped operating theatre, delivery and sterilisation rooms, a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), consulting rooms and administrative spaces. It is fitted with modern medical equipment including electric beds, infant incubators, ultrasound machines, operating tables, C-section and delivery kits, ECG machines, phototherapy units and patient monitors. A hybrid power system combining the national grid and solar energy has also been installed to ensure reliable service delivery.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mrs. Mahama reiterated her commitment to reducing maternal, infant and child mortality, stressing that no woman should lose her life while giving birth and no child should be denied quality healthcare because of location. She urged health authorities and the community to maintain the facility to ensure it serves generations to come.

The Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, commended the initiative as a practical step towards safe and dignified care for mothers, newborns and children.

In recognition of her contribution to the development of the area, the Chief and elders of the Akroso-Asukawkaw Traditional Area enstooled Mrs. Mahama as Development Queen Mother with the title Nana Oseadeayo Odamwaa II.

26/02/2026

Contractors executing major road projects under Government’s Big Push agenda today paid a courtesy call on the Oti Regional Minister at the Oti Regional Coordinating Council to brief him on the progress of work across the Region.

The engagement brought together key firms responsible for the ongoing transformative infrastructure projects, including:
• Oti Bridge Construction at Maripoma – Maripoma Company Ltd
• Okadjakrom–Kwanekrom Road – LIMERICA GH. LTD
• Damanko–Nkwanta Road – China Jiangxi
• Nkwanta–Dambai Road & Dambai Township Roads – Eagle Star Enterprise Ltd
• Hohoe–Jasikan Road – Rolider Ghana Ltd

Particular attention was given to the Dambai Township Roads project. The Hon. Regional Minister urged the contractor to intensify efforts and accelerate the pace of work to ensure timely completion and reduce the inconvenience to residents and commuters. The Project Manager of Eagle Star Enterprise Ltd, Mr. Martin Abotsi, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering the project within schedule.

The meeting was productive and focused on ensuring quality ex*****on. The Minister emphasised the need for strict adherence to engineering standards to guarantee durability and prevent premature deterioration of the roads.

Government remains committed to providing resilient and impactful road infrastructure to enhance connectivity, stimulate trade, and promote socio-economic development across the Oti Region.

08/12/2025

ORCC's Economic Planning Officer Grabs GIP Award

The Regional Economic Planning Officer at the Oti Regional Coordinating Council (ORCC), Rev. Isaac Asante Wiafe, has been honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Ghana Institute of Planning (GIP) for his longstanding service, loyalty and active contribution to the planning profession.

The event also saw the launch of the Planning Ghana Magazine and a new policy brief series, initiatives designed to expand national discourse on planning and strengthen the country's development strategy.
The conference was held under the theme: "Shaping Ghana's Tomorrow: The Role of Planning in Driving Economic Growth, Job Creation and Sustainable Urban Development."

Speaking at the conference, the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, reaffirmed the government's commitment to the "No Plan, No Cash" principle, describing it as essential to ensuring accountability and value for money in local development.

He noted that public funds were repeatedly spent on decongestion exercises and other corrective interventions costs that could be avoided with rigorous spatial planning and effective development control.

Mr Ibrahim said that as part of reforms, the government would redirect expenditure towards proactive planning to prevent congestion, safeguard public spaces and promote orderly urban growth.

The Minister also announced that planning would feature as a stand-alone requirement in the next District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) Utilisation Guidelines. This is expected to compel Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to prioritise plan preparation and ensure stronger alignment between approved plans and funded projects.

Taking his turn at the event, the Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), Dr. Nii Moi Thompson, stressed the importance of long-term planning in achieving national transformation.

In his remarks, GIP President Pln. Percy Anaab Bukari (FGIP) expressed appreciation to the Minister, guest speakers and partner institutions for their support.
He reaffirmed the Institute's commitment to advancing evidence-based planning and deepening Ghana's decentralised planning framework.

There were renewed calls for planners to champion policies and strategies that could accelerate economic growth, create jobs and guide sustainable urban development nationwide.

05/06/2025

OTI RCC COMMEMORATES TREE PLANTING INITIATIVE

The Oti Regional Minister, Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong, on Thursday 5, 2025 led the staff of the Regional Coordinating Council and the Krachi East Municipal Assembly (KEMA) to commemorate the tree planting project dubbed “tree for life”, an initiative for reforestation to protect and promote the country’s ecosystem.

It is with great pride and a deep sense of responsibility that I welcome you all to this commemorative tree planting event, under the auspices of the “Tree for Life” (T4L) Reforestation Initiative. Today marks another important milestone in our collective efforts to green Ghana and to preserve the ecological heritage of our beloved country.

In his remarks, the Minister lauded President John Dramani Mahama for the brilliant and laudable initiative to protect depleting forest vegetation. He also commended management of the Forestry Commission for their continued leadership for providing the operational guidance for the successful implementation of this initiative.
To Hon. Gyapong, reforestation is not just about planting trees but also about protecting livelihoods, preserving biodiversity, mitigating the adverse effects of climate change, and securing the environmental future of generations yet unborn.

According to him, the "Tree for Life" initiative is a national call to action and a movement that requires the dedication and commitment of every citizen.

“We are proud to stand in solidarity with all other regions, Metropolitans, Municipalities, and Districts across the country as we observe this commemorative tree planting.

The exercise, he said is a symbol of unity, purpose, and unwavering commitment to the sustainable development use of forest resource through Tree for Life initiative.

He urged all Municipal and District Assemblies within the region to continue collaborate closely with their respective Municipal and District Forestry Managers to ensure that the implementation of the T4L initiative goes beyond symbolic planting.

“Let us commit to nurturing these trees, integrating traditional ecological knowledge, and promoting community participation in long-term tree care and forest regeneration,” he said.

He admonished the traditional authorities to get involved in the fight against deforestation and land degradation and invoke time-tested traditional modalities of environmental stewardship to give practical initiative.

Hon. Gyapong challenged the public servants, farmers, school children, and residents alike to plant a tree, care for a tree, protect a tree and own a tree to protect and preserve the environment against the harmful effects of climate change in the area.

Source: ORCC PR Unit

28/05/2025

KPASSA CHIEFS AND ELDERS PAY COURTESY CALL ON OTI REGIONAL MINISTER

A delegation of Chiefs and Elders from Kpassa Traditional Area led by Ubor (Dr) Tassan Nanja Konja VI, paid a courtesy call on Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong, the Oti Regional Minister at Oti Regional Coordinating Council today Wednesday May 28, 2025.

The courtesy call by the Ubor Konja VI and entourage was to discuss matters of concern in Kpassa Traditional Area and a way forward towards the development of Nkwanta North.

During the engagement, the Chiefs and elders reaffirmed commitment to government initiatives and policies as well as projects commenced under previous administration.

The Regional Minister reiterated the commitment of His Excellency the President of the Republic, John Dramani Mahama’s government resetting agenda in the region.

He recounted support of traditional authorities in championing the progress and development of the region and assured the chiefs and elders on government’s resolve to develop the country with support from chiefs and traditional leaders.

Hon. Gyapong announced to the delegation of the President John Dramani Mahama’s readiness to complete the Kpassa – Nkwanta Road, Agenda 111 hospital and E-block projects in Kpassa.

“I understand potable water is a challenge in Kpassa and plans are in the pipelines to revamp the dormant water treatment project in the area,” he said.

The Chiefs and elders pleaded the Minister for the Construction of a Nursing Training College in Kpassa; “given the population and other factors Kpassa is qualified to host the facility and my outfit will liaise with the Ministries of Health and Education to ensure the successful outcomes”.

In attendance were, Ubor Tassan Konja VI, Nana Owusu Nkuya, Nana Tokor II, Ubor Yalanjor sei, Ubor jayon Stephen, Ubor James Nikplikina, Nana Yussif Omari, Ubor Attah Nayina, Odikuro Talla Damanko and Konja Megi, the KOYA chairman for Kpassa among others.

28/05/2025

OTI REGION PMs CALL ON REGIONAL MINISTER

Presiding Members (PMs) of the Municipal and District Assemblies in the Oti region, today Wednesday May 28, 2025, made a courtesy call on Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong, the Oti Regional Minister.

The visit by the PMs was to introduce and seek for a collaboration between them, the Regional Minister and their respective MDCEs to enable them discharge their mandate and also congratulate and thank myself for a peaceful and collective unity for during the confirmation of MDCEs.

The PMs affirmed their commitment to work collectively with MDCEs to support and promote the resetting agenda of government in developing the Oti region.

The PMs lamented lack of logistics to carry out their duties despite the huge burden of responsibility on the assembly members.

They appealed to the to help see to the completion of projects commenced by the previous government ranging from roads, hospitals among others to boost infrastructural development in the region.

Hon. Gyapong admonished the PMs to work hard, cooperative and stick to their mandate and liaise with their various MDCEs for the development of the region.

He touched on the crucial role the Presiding Members play in the annals of local government and charged them to let their performance show and shine and not to cecum to the pressure, be dictated to or compromise with the MDCEs for a personal interest.

The Regional Minister averred that Presiding Members (PM) are the heads of their respective General Assemblies hence they must not allow themselves to be controlled, manipulated or compromised for individual interest but allegiance to the people they serve, and the Constitution that empowers them.

Presiding Members present were Anthony K. Ahiable, Kadjebi; John Nteleye Mpoebi, Krachi Nchumuru; Edward Yilengne, Nkwanta South; Kennedy Abotsi, Krachi West; Jones Mawuli Peni, Biakoye; Abubakar Alhassan, Nkwanta North and Jacuith Andrews, Jasikan.

Source: ORCC PR UNIT

23/05/2025

Oti Regional Minister urges unity of purpose among Queen mothers and chiefs

The Oti Regional Minister, Hon John Kwadwo Gyapong has made a clarion call to the Chiefs and Queen mothers to embrace unity of purpose for the development of the region.

He made the call when the executives of Buem State Queen Mothers called on him at the Oti Regional Coordinating Council today Friday May 23, 2025.

The executives were present to congratulate and welcome the regional minister into the region and also declare their support for him towards the development of the region where the Minister admonished them to embrace unity as Queen mothers to champion the cause of women in the Oti region.

He reaffirmed outfit’s readiness and commitment to provide necessary support for the traditional authorities including the Queen mothers at large.

“I have a lot of programme for Queen mothers as well as world Bank project for Queen mothers . I encourage you to canvas for peace and unity and play their supporting role of advising the chiefs on traditional governance,” he said.

The Queenmothers tasked the Minister to help address challenges on farming, portable drinking water, subsidised farming inputs, unemployment, poultry farming, promoting cultural heritage.

They charged the Minister to use his esteemed office to support the Queen mothers by organising workshops to educate and build their capacity on conflict resolution, peace building among others for the benefit of Oti region.

Hon. Gyapong announced to the Queen mothers that Biakoye and Krachi East districts in the region are been earmarked to roll-out 7200 hectares of land for implementation of the irrigation project.

He reiterated that President John Dramani Mahama’s led government aims15,000 youth are expected to be employed across all the regions in the country, and assured the Queen mothers that employment of youth is underway.

He reaffirmed the commitment of President John Dramani Mahama government to working with women to ensure gender equality and with the aim to rollout the women’s Bank initiatives to employ only women.
The delegation was led by the Paramount Queen Mother and Chairperson of Buem State Queen Mothers, Nana Apewbea III; others are Nana Okrebea II, Nana Buasumaa I, Nana Adzewaa II, Nana Boatemaa III, Nana Adjeibea Adjeibea, Nana Ochadebea II, Nana Gbadowea, Nana Bukawea II, Nana Okunubea, Okyemewaa Rose Danteh and Mrs Patience Smile Dane.

Source: ORCC PR Unit

23/05/2025

Oti Regional Lands Commission Board Inaugurated

The Oti Regional Minister, John Kwadwo Gyapong with support from the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources on Thursday May 22, 2025 inaugurated a 16-member board of the Oti Regional Lands Commission.

The members were administered three oaths such as oath of allegiance, oath of secrecy and the oath of office.

The board members were drawn from representatives of the nine Municipal and district Assemblies, Institute of Surveyors, Ghana National Association of Fishermen and Farmers, Regional House of Chiefs and Regional Lands Commission.

The board, the Regional Minister said is governed with a prescribed mandate to manage both private and public lands in the region.

This inauguration marks a milestone for the development of the oti region and commended President John Dramani Mahama for hearing the plea of the people of Oti region in giving them a regional lands commission office.

Hon. Gyapong cautioned the members against the use of their mandate to serve their parochial interest and the ministry will not hesitate to crack the whips on individual who may fall short to the laws.
He urged the board to hold stakeholders to promote sustainable land use and work to ensure lands are used economically.

The Regional Minister admonished the board to work tirelessly for a unity of purpose and ensure fair and equitable distribution of lands and spatial use in the region.

The Board chaired by Nana Mprah Besemuna III with other members including Yaw Acheampong Amoah, Gazekpo Emmanuel, Felix Kwamla Seloame and Nana Akoto Musakyi III.

Other members of the board are Cyril Gadegbeku, John Mark Bekoe, Anebo Philip Kwaku, Akoporwiah Nathaniel, Ladzi Emmanuel, George Grant Dogli, Nana Sampson Fordjour, Richard Opoku, Fankibi Joseph, Silas Atikpo Brownson and Musah Mumuni Basit.

Source: ORCC PR Unit

14/05/2025

Local Council of Churches Dambai Chapter leadership calls on Regional Minister

A delegation made of the Leadership of the Local Council of Churches Today Wednesday May 14, 2025 paid a courtesy call on the Oti Regional Minister Hon John Kwadwo Gyapong in his office in Dambai.

Leader of the delegation and Chairman of the Local Council of Churches, Rev. John Pang-Moot, said the move was to congratulate the regional minister on his appointment by the President of the Republic of Ghana as the Regional Minister for the Oti region.

“It’s our mandate as the executives of the Local Council of Churches in the region and it has been the routine with previous ministers in the region,” he said.

The council leadership lamented lack of hospital and the recent hike in typhoid in the area as a result of lack of good potable running water in the region.

For the regional minister, he encouraged the religious leaders to ensure inclusive in government affairs and ensure full participation of every church in consonance with the name of the changes of names of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious affairs.

He underscored the name for the change in the name of the RCC to include the Religious bodies to allow them participate in local governance.
This he said will afford the RCC with the opportunity to brief the council about the happenings in the Churches.

Time has come for Churches to partner with government to champion development as stakeholders in ensuring good governance in the region.

He said the religious bodies has a major role in fostering development and there is the need for religious leaders to stand up to let their efforts be counted in development.

“For me, if the church grows in oti region I’ll be happy. Churches need to adopt strategies to increase their congregation. In Oti Region 17 percent of the population are Muslims and 83 percent are Christians,” he said.

He said politics is religious adding that the Roman Catholic Church started politics by dominance hence the need for all churches to align themselves enhancing the faith of the people.

“You’re not visitors, you’re members of the ORCC, any time, any day you’ve a contribution you’re free to knock and you’ll be welcomed to share with us,” he assured.

Present were other executives Apostle Akakpo Sampson, Pastor John Kemeh, Rev. Elijah Ahianlni, Bishop Noah Adeti, and Senior Presbyter Kwadwo Dwamena.

Source: ORCC PR Unit

Oti Regional Coordinating Council - ORCC

12/03/2026

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26/02/2026

08/12/2025

05/06/2025

28/05/2025

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