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As part of efforts to support this year’s celebration of the Homowo festival, the Ningo-Prampram District Assembly (NiPDA) has donated assorted items to the Ningo and Prampram Traditional Councils. Each Traditional Council received packs of bottled water, packs of canned malts, crates of drinks, two gallons of palm nut oil, four bags of palm nuts, two bags of maize, schnapps and an undisclosed amount of money.

Presenting the items, the District Chief Executive, Hon. Jonathan Teye Doku assured the chiefs and elders of the traditional council’s, of the Assembly’s maximum support and wished them well as they embark on this year’s celebration. Homowo, meaning “hooting at hunger” is an annual festival celebrated in the month of August by the Ga people of Ghana. It is to commemorate the day their ancestors had victory over hunger and hooted at it with songs and dancing. During this season, the traditional meal for the festival, Kpokpoi is prepared and served to the gods as thanksgiving for seeing them through the period of severe famine.

Speaking on the activities during the festival, Nene Banahene Tetteh Asiameh of Ningo Traditional Council revealed that this year’s Homowo festival will be celebrated in the various family houses instead of the usual mass gatherings for the performance of festive rites. This he said is as a result of the president’s restrictions on public gatherings due to the surge in the third wave of the covid-19 pandemic. He expressed his gratitude over the donations. In the same vein, Asafoatse Omensu lll of the Prampram Traditional Council received the items and also appreciated the efforts of the Assembly towards the celebration. Other undesirable issues, such as the adverse effects of the activities of sand miners, especially during the time of the festivity and faulty streetlights amongst others were raised as major concerns bothering the community.

The DCE assured the chiefs and elders that proper measures are underway to ensure that things are put in place before and after the festival to ensure peace and tranquility in the district. The Homowo festival is one of the most patronized festivals in Ghana as many travel from far and near to join the celebration and learn more about the traditions.

I.S.D.

NINGO-PRAMPRAM

FRIDAY, 20TH AUG. 2021

The Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) Connexions, Ghana, in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Community Development under the Ningo-Prampram District Assembly (NiPDA) has organized a sensitization workshop on the Alternative and Kinship Care of vulnerable children for the stakeholders of Child Protection within the district. The rationale for the workshop is to promote the idea of de-institutionalization of child care, give alternative care to orphans and the vulnerable children in the family settings, which in effect would give them a sense of belongingness.

The workshop also sorts to identify OVC in the district and provide them a family as well as establish a reliable database on OVC for reference and decision making. Some of the potential beneficiaries to this programme would be abandoned/neglected, orphaned, trafficked, disabled and marginalized children in our communities. These children would be integrated into existing families for care, protection and general wellbeing, making institutional homes a matter of last resort. The workshop which came off on Monday, 16th, August 2021 at the Prampram Methodist Church, equipped participants with the necessary information and awareness to understand the importance of de-institutionalization of abandoned children to residential homes for absolute care and training. The President of OVC Connexions Ghana, Rev. David Kwodwo Ofosuhene explained that the OVC Connections is not against the operations of Orphanage homes. He acknowledged their contributions in Child Welfare but revealed that it is important to keep children connected in a family centered society as it allows the child to grow up staying connected to a family home which is in the best interest of the child.

According to the Deputy Director of Social Welfare and Community Development Madam Augustina Nartey, “In the year 2006, a committee on the Rights of Children on Ghana’s report recommended that State parties, Inter Alia provide active support for significant increase of the availability of family type of Alternative Care such as the extended family or fostering care in order to make institutional care a matter of last resort. In view of this, a Care Reform Initiative (CRI) was launched in 2007 with the goal of de-emphasizing the over reliance on care systems for vulnerable children based on institutions and move towards a range of integrated family and community based child care services. “This, she said offers the child a closer approximation to normal family living which plays an essential role in the child’s upbringing. She further stated that since the inception of the CRI, over 85 Orphanages have been closed down because most of them had not followed the right procedure for running the homes and about 80% of the children were there because their parents were poor and not because they are orphans. Madam Augustina Nartey further mentioned that as the children are reintegrated into the family care context, identified caretakers are to be supported by the various stakeholders such as the Church, Government agencies, Traditional authorities, NGOs, Community leaders, Opinion leaders etc to cater for them as the child’s welfare becomes the responsibility of the society as a whole.

The Deputy Director for the Assembly, Mr. David M. Tuglo emphasized on the need for extended family members to embrace such children as members of the wider extended family. They should play an influential role in ensuring that the child grows into a well-cultured and responsible individual in the society. He urged the participants to facilitate open dialogues within their communities to empower families and promote child concerns in the community. He advised the Director of the Social Welfare Department to take cognisance of this agenda and ensure expenditures related to this initiative is reflected in their budgeting so the assembly can as well support the success of the project. A planning committee was constituted, consisting of representatives from the various organizations present. They were tasked to plan and execute interventions which will enable the stakeholders and other benevolent members of the society to raise funds and support the initiative. Rev. David K. Ofosuhene urged all participants to give their maximum support and contribute immensely for the success of this laudable initiative.

I.S.D.

NINGO-PRAMPRAM

16th August 2021

The Minister, Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye, his Deputy and entourage paid a working visit to the District to inspect the progress of work on the sea defence project which commenced in 2019. At a meeting with chiefs and elders of the two traditional councils, the Minister told the traditional leaders how important the construction of the sea defence is to the government, he noted that the sod for the 5km project was cut in 2019 by His Excellency the President and it was prudent for him to be present to see the state of work.

He said the Country has a total of 550 coastal area, and two- thirds of it needs to be protected against sea erosion, he added that building a sea defence was a costly venture but the government is committed to construct them to protect the coastal areas including lives and properties.He called on the chiefs to help promote the benefits of the project for people to embrace the project to foster its completion soon. The GH₵ 300million Sea Defence Project which is 55% complete is meant to block the devastating effect of the high sea tides on the lives of people within the catchment area.

According to the Minister,the project is envisaged to be completed by December.The DCE Hon. Jonathan Teye Doku assisted the team to evaluate the project, the team was positive the project would be completed on schedule.

ISD-NINGO-PRAMPRAM

TUESDAY, 27TH JULY 2021

The Agricultural Department of the Ningo-Prampram District Assembly has distributed 2,500 mango seedlings and 1,000 coconut seedlings to 17 farmers and some institutions within 6 operational areas of the district to grow on a commercial scale. The gesture forms first part of the government programme dubbed “Planting for Export and Rural Development”. The DCE Hon Jonathan Doku, inaugurating the project, said the Programme is in fulfillment of the Government agenda, he said other tree crops such as cashew, palm tree were available however the coconut and mango seedlings are suitable for the area.

He urged the farmers to nurture the crops well so they grow to meet the objective of the project, noting that the district can only receive more crops if the first batch does well. He mentioned other projects such as the Rearing for Food and Jobs that will also be rolled out soon.

The District Director of Agric Prince Ofori-Boateng in a brief statement said the government intends to promote the planting of tree crops, which is directly linked to the 1D1F, he noted the District is the 4th among the 29 assemblies in Greater Accra to benefit from the programme, he urged the farmers to nurture the crops to grow to meet the objectives of the programme. He also applauded the effort made by the DCE for making the seedlings available early enough.

ISD-NINGO-PRAMPRAM

WEDNESDAY, 21ST JULY 2021

The Department of Social welfare and Community Development of the Ningo-Prampram District Assembly (NiPDA) supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has organized a one-day Community Sensitization Training for Child Protection Committee members in the district to build their capacity on the Inter-Sectoral Standard Operating Procedures (ISSOP) for Child Protection and Family Welfare. The training was held on the 1st of July, 2021 at the District Assembly Hall. The Government of Ghana supported by UNICEF developed the ISSOP for Child and Family Welfare to serve as a guideline for Child Protection and Family Welfare Case Management. The ISSOP provides a harmonized framework of agreed standards, principles and procedures for all Child Protection and Family Welfare stakeholders to understand each other’s role and responsibility.

According to the District Director of Social Welfare and Community Development, Madam Augustina Nartey, UNICEF is currently supporting the department to undertake various activities in the area of Child Protection and one of them is this training as every Child Protection Institution and organization have their own Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which are uncoordinated with respect to Child Protection Services. The ISSOP is to help the stakeholders to have a clear and common understanding of details regarding Child Protection and Family Welfare to better co-ordinate their work together, hence, the essence of the training. The training focused on the roles of key duty bearers of ISSOP and the legal framework for Child Protection in Ghana, taking into consideration the availability of Institutional arrangements. This is to equip the stakeholders with the appropriate forms, tools and guidelines to provide efficient and effective services to children in need of care and protection. The various stakeholders which include the Ghana Education Services (GES), Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU), Commission of Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Ghana Health Service (GHS), Civil Society Organizations, the Judiciary and two selected queen mothers from the two traditional areas in the district (Ningo and Prampram) were the second group to be trained as the first group of 25 participants were trained in December 2020.

The participants were taken through the Categories of Child Protection and Family Welfare cases, Case management, the Role of Case Managers with some Guiding Principles and important tips amongst other relevant information to assist them in handling cases with respect to Child Protection and a copy of the referral form of the Ghana ISSOP in Child Protection was provided for each of the participants to acquaint themselves with what it entails.

A staff of Community Development unit demonstrated the use of some tool kits provided by UNICEF to support their course in addressing the plight of children in vulnerable situations. The welfare of the child is a collective responsibility and as child abuse is relevant in all settings, the stakeholders were embolden to adopt interventions that are in the best interest of the child at any point in time. Participants were awarded certificates at the end of the training.

I.S.D.

NINGO-PRAMPRAM

IST JULY 2021

The centre for National Culture Ningo-Prampram District has held it’s 2nd Biennial Traditional Festival (TRATALFEST 2021) on Friday, 18th June, 2021 at the Prampram Education Directorate. “TRATALFEST” which is an abbreviation for Traditional Talent Festival came to light in 2019 to help identify and develop student talents through Arts and Culture.

The Culture Officer of Tourism and Culture for Ningo-Prampram, Madam Joyce Guddah in her speech stated that, Tratalfest was introduced to help young ones maintain and develop their culture and traditions and also aid in decreasing unemployment in the district by choosing talents pertaining to arts amongst the second cycle schools to be nurtured so that after school their interest will grow and develop.

This year’s Tratalfest dubbed “Identifying Student Talents through Art and Culture” came off with three second cycle schools in the district, Prampram Senior High, Ningo Senior High and Global Senior High showcasing their talents in traditional dance, drama, cook arts and craft work. Beautiful artifacts were exhibited amidst beautiful performances to mark the occasion. Addressing the students, the Chairperson for the program, Dr. Narh Hargue, a lecturer at the department of Dance Studies, University of Ghana and also an Artistic Director (Ghana Dance Ensemble, University of Ghana) urged them never to get tired because Arts to the African is a way of life and artist have a sacred duty to reflect life in all forms. He called on the Member of Parliament for the area to support students and youths who are artistically inclined for them to develop their skills and move the district forward.

At the end of the competition, Global Senior High with 88points came 1st in the traditional dance competition whiles Ningo Senior High and Prampram Senior High followed as 1st and 2nd runners up with 86 and 82 points respectively. With 73 points, Ningo Senior High came 1st in the drama competition whiles Global Senior High and Prampram Senior High took the 2nd and 3rd position with 72 and 66points respectively. Moving to the Cooking Arts and Craft Work, Global Senior High once again took the 1st position with 86 points followed by Prampram Senior High, 74points and Ningo Senior High 66points. Global Senior High School emerged as the overall winner and as part of the prize package; the students will undergo training with the University Of Ghana School Of Performing Arts. The Deputy Director for the Assembly, Mr. David Mawufemo Tuglo assured that the Assembly in collaboration with the traditional leaders and private organizations will continue to unearth the talents of young ones and support them to greater heights. The program was sponsored by Nene Tetteh Wakah III the paramount chief of Prampram traditional area and the Kingdom Books and Stationary Ltd.

ISD-NINGO PRAMPRAM

FRIDAY, 18TH JUNE 2021

The Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram Constituency Hon Samuel George has urged all residents of Ningo-Prampram to imbibe in them the habit of tree planting individually and institutionally, he said Parliament has attached a lot of importance to the day and therefore permitted all MPs to visit their various Constituencies to help plant a tree, in planting the seedling, the Hon. Member called for nurturing the seedlings to grow so by the next year it gives a shade.

The DCE Hon. Jonathan Teye Doku said the day was initiated by His Excellency the President for all to get involved to plant 5million trees, school children who were present were tasked to educate their parents not to cut down trees but continue to plant trees to improve the climate situation in our environment. He also called on estate developers to have a policy to green the area where they are building, and replant a trees that have been cut down.

The District Director of education, Sarah Adibroso also educated the children on the need to plant more trees and stop cutting them because the trees give us oxygen or good air to breathe.

The district has received 1,500 acacia and eucalyptus seedlings which will be given to individuals and institutions such as the Ghana police service, Ghana health service, electoral commission, and assembly member to plant in their communities.

ISD-NINGO-PRAMPRAM

FRIDAY, 11TH JUNE 2021

The management of the Ningo-Prampram District Assembly in conjunction with the Census Implementation Committee has launched the 30- day countdown to the 2021 Ghana Population and Housing Census (PHC) on Friday. The launch held at the Assembly Hall saw in attendance representatives of Civil Society Organizations, Assemblymen, Non- Governmental Organizations and Development Partners. The Population Census which normally takes place every decade as recommended by the UN could not take place in March 2020, since the previous one was in 2010 but for the COVID-19 pandemic which afflicted the global community last year, hence, postponing to this year. The Census slogan for 2021 is “You Count, Get Counted. The District Chief Executive, Hon. Jonathan Teye Doku, in an address said this year’s Census is the first fully digital Census to be conducted in the country as it will employ the use of tablets and the internet to capture and transfer information for the delivery of high quality and faster result to support the decision-making process.

This makes it very unique and different from the previous ones conducted. Giving the welcoming address, the District Coordinating Director, Mr. Mohammed Akape called on all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to fully support the Population Census programme as it will address the various data gaps needed for effective planning of sectorial programmes at the district level, help in planning for educational needs, allocation of health facilities and social expenditure and also help identify areas that need attention in the society. The Census programme, he said will provide an updated information on the population to help track progress made with regards to international, national, regional and global development goals. The District Census Officer, Mr. Christian Asare in his briefing on the Census explained that from the 13th of June to 20th June, enumerators will visit the various households and write serial numbers on the walls to identify the structures and from 28th June to 11th July, enumerators will visit households of the identified structures to collect information on all persons who spent the night of 27th June there.

On 27th June which is the Census Night, he said activities will be carried out in all communities, on social media platforms, TV and radio stations for all questions to be answered about the enumeration. It was revealed that the Census will cover all members of the society including the vulnerable and the disadvantaged members such as Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWD), orphans, Street families and the likes. He assured that information collected will be handled confidentially therefore urged all to cooperate with the Census officers and provide the necessary and accurate information for the enumeration. He also called on all political and religious leaders, business communities, the private sector, the media as well as the civil society to use their various platforms to support the Census process for the development of the district and the country as a whole.

ISD/NINGO-PRAMPRAM

FRIDAY, 28TH MAY 2021

A Member of the Council of State Hon. Enoch Teye Mensah has advised the Ningo- Prampram Assembly members to show tolerance and eschew divisiveness in their dealings in order to promote the development of the area. He was speaking at the 1st Ordinary Meeting of the 2nd Session of the 3rd Assembly.

Sharing some experiences from his days as a Member of Parliament for the Ningo-Prampram Constituency for 20 years, Hon. E.T. Mensah enlightened the Assembly that things go contrary to expectations when planning goes ahead of development instead of the other way round so there is the need for governments to plan development infrastructure ahead of the citizens in order to have well panned cities. The District Chief Executive Hon. Jonathan Teye Doku outlined many plans envisaged for the district going forward such as the construction of infrastructure on health, schools, markets and sanitation all in the effort to make the District better.

The Assembly deliberated on matters such as the Planned City Extension Project in Ningo-Prampram, a private led project which was adopted like the One District One Factory (1D1F) project to enhance the quality of living through the acquisition of affordable housing by lower and middle income groups with adequate infrastructure and services. The Project Coordinator, Mr. David Aidoo explained that the project has to do with the construction of 2 and 3 bedroom apartments which will be on a rent to own basis where an initial deposit of 3,000 Ghana Cedis will be made and remaining payments made up to a maximum of 25yrs. He revealed that site clearing is on-going for the commencement of the project. Addressing the water challenges within the district, the District Distribution Officer, Mr. Ebo Anaafi Bediako unfolded that lots of extensions have broken down and the water pressure is low so water cannot get to remote areas. He expressed a major concern about buildings on water lines especially in Ningo, noting it as a contributing factor to the water challenges in the area.

He therefore encouraged individuals in the district to adopt the habit of storing water to save them the struggle of getting water when there is water shortage while hoping for the situation to improve. He also called on the Assembly to provide poly tanks for various schools to store water. The meeting ended with several issues dispassionately discussed and recommendations made for a way forward.

ISD-NINGO-PRAMPRAM

THURSDAY, 29TH APRIL

The Ningo-Prampram District has recorded 478 confirmed cases of covid-19 since the rise of the pandemic in March 2020 in Ghana. For the year 2021, the District has recorded 188 covid cases. More importantly, the rate of infection has declined steadily with a zero active case as at Tuesday, 27th April 2021.During the vaccination exercise in March this year, a total of 1,013 community members and health workers were vaccinated with the AstraZeneca vaccine. The inadequate vaccines received were all exhausted even though public interest and participation was low. Disturbingly, adherence to the safety protocols has been ignored by a majority of the community members. The wearing of the nose mask, social distancing and frequent washing of hands have all been ignored. Local Ceremonies and traditional rites are being celebrated in large gatherings without adherence to the safety protocols. There is the need for an intense public re-sensitization on this subject matter to prevent a spike in infections. A continuous awareness creation on the effects of covid-19 and the cost involved in its treatment is recommended to help community members understand the need to protect ourselves. The District Health Directorate is urging the public to adhere strictly to the COVID- 19 safety protocols, so as to maintain the zero active case recorded.