Birim South District Assembly Annual Progress Report

BIRIM SOUTH DISTRICT ASSEMBLY

IMPLEMENTATION OF DISTRICT MEDIUM-TERM DEVELOPMENT PLAN (2014-2017)

ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT FOR 2014

PREPARED BY: MUNICIPAL PLANNING COORDINATING UNIT APRIL 2015 TABLE OF CONTENT

LIST OF TABLES: 2 1.0 INTRODUCTION: 3 1.1 THE KEY M&E OBJECTIVES: 3 1.2 PROCESSES INVOLVED AND DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED: 3 1.2.1 DIFFICULTIES AND CHALLENGES: 3 1.3 STATUS OF PROGRAMMES/PROJECT FOR THE YEAR: 4 1.4 IMPLEMENTATION OF CROSS CUTTING ISSUES IN 2014: 5 1.5 DDF PROJECTS IN PICTURES: 10 1.6 DACF PROJECTS IN PICTURES: 13 1.7 RENOVATION OF CLASSROOM BLOCKS: 17 2.0 UPDATE OF CORE DISTRICT INDICATORS: 18 3.0 UPDATE ON FUNDING BY SOURCES (GH₵): 19 4.0 UPDATE OF DISBURSEMENTS: 20 5.0 IMPLEMENTATION OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS: 21 SECTOR 1: AGRICULTURE: 21 SECTOR 2: ROAD: 23 SECTOR 3: WATER: 24 SECTOR 4: ENERGY: 24 SECTOR 5: EDUCATION: 26 SECTOR 6: HEALTH: 27 SECTOR 7: EMPLOYMENT: 28 SECTOR 8: VULNERABLE AND EXCLUDED: 28 SECTOR 9: ENVIRONMENT (SANITATION AND NATURAL): 30 SECTOR 10: TRANSPARENT AND ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNANCE: 32 5.1 PICTURES OF LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES: 35 6.0 UP DATES OF CRITICAL DEVELOPMENT AND POVERTY ISSUES: 36 7.0 PARTICIPATORY M&E: 36 8.0 THE WAYFORWARD: 37 8.2 RECOMMENDATION: 37

LIST OF TABLES

TABLE 1: SUMMARY OF PROJECTS IMPLEMENTATION: 4

TABLE 2: IMPLEMENTATION OF CROSS CUTTING ISSUES IN 2014 ACTION PLAN: 5

TABLE 3: THE STATUS OF THE DDF PROJECTS AS AT JANUARY 2015: 6

TABLE 4: THE STATUS OF THE DACF PROJECTS AS AT JANUARY 2015: 8

TABLE 5: SUMMARY OF PROJECTS INITIATED FROM THE 2014 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN: 9

TABLE 6: UPDATE ON CORE DISTRICT INDICATORS: 18

TABLE 7: UPDATE OF FUNDING BY SOURCES: 19

TABLE 8: UPDATE OF DISBURSEMENTS: 20

TABLE 9: LIVELIHOOD OPTIONS: 29

1.0 INTRODUCTION After the Successful implementation of the Ghana Shared Growth and Development Agenda One (GSGDA I) in 2013 the Birim South District prepared and started the implementation of the Ghana Shared Growth and Development Agenda Two (GSGDA II) in 22014. The GSGDA II is scheduled to run from 2014 to 2017. This report is on the Monitoring and Evaluation of the implementation of the GSGDA II. It is intended to access the extent to which the Implementation of the 2014 Annual Action Plan under the five thematic areas has achieved the objectives of the GSGDA II. A total of 98 carefully selected projects were earmarked for implementation including 20 (physical projects) in 2014. Out of the 98 projects, 91 were implemented while 7 projects were not implemented.

1.1 THE KEY M&E OBJECTIVES

• To provide a framework for measuring programmes or projects implementation from beginning to the end including degree to which the target groups are accepting and continuing to accept programmes and projects intervention in the District. • To ensure integration with budgeting, auditing and collaborate with development partners engaged in every stage of the District Development process

1.2 PROCESSES INVOLVED AND DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED The following processes were employed in the M&E activities during the period under review: • Quarterly meeting of District Planning Coordinating Unit to discuss progress made on projects and programme implementation • Quarterly meetings of Heads of departments • Undertake quarterly Project monitoring by the District monitoring Team

1.2.1 DIFFICULTIES AND CHALLENGES

The major challenges encountered during the period were as follows: • Untimely releases of funds and vehicle for quarterly monitoring of projects

• Low level of collaboration among departments of the District

• Inadequate funds for projects implementation leading to projects not completed on scheduled.

• Limited skills of most DPCU members in Monitoring and Evaluation

1.3 STATUS OF PROGRAMMES/PROJECT FOR THE YEAR

• The table (Table1) below shows the status of Programmes/Project for the Year for 2010

Table 1: Summary of Projects Implementation SECTORS NO. OF NOT PROJECTS IMPLEMENTED IMPLEMENTED ON COMPLETED GOING EDUCATION 17 7 10 - AGRIC 24 24 - HEALTH 8 2 6 - ENERGY 1 - 1 - ENVIRONMENT AND 7 - 7 - SANITATION TRADE AND 1 - - 1 COMMENCE WATER 3 1 2 - VUNERABLE AND 3 - 3 - EXCLUDED ROAD AND 3 1 2 - TRANSPORT EMPLOYMENT 3 - 3 - TRANSPARENT AND 26 8 14 4 ACCOUNTABILITY TOURISM 2 2 2 TOTAL 98 21 70 7

1.4 IMPLEMENTATION OF CROSS CUTTING ISSUES IN 2014 During the year under review, the Assembly was able to implement 27 crosscutting issues constituting 29.7 percent of all projects implemented. Table 2, shows the implementation of the issues ranging from vulnerable and excluded to HIV and AIDS Table 2: Implementation of cross cutting issues in 2014 action plan ISSUESS IMPLEMENTED NOT TOTAL PERCENTAGE (a) IMPLEMENTED OF (b) IMPLEMENTED PROJECTS [(a/91) *100] Gender 5 - 5 5.4 Local Economic 6 - 6 6.6 Development HIV/AIDS 3 - 3 3.3 Climate Change 6 - 6 6.6 Vulnerable and 7 - 7 7.7 Excluded Total 27 - 27 29.7

Table 3: The status of the DDF Projects as at January 2015 No Contract/ Contraction SOURC Contract Award Comm. Estimated % of Remarks Location Address E OF Sum Date Date Completion Completio FUNDIN (Gh Ȼ) Date n G 1 Construction of NUSLA DDF 133,548.09 24/06/14 03/07/14 16/12/14 75 percent Roofing and Teachers Quarters at PARADISE completed plastering At Akim Nsuansa COMPANY completed, LTD. frame fixing BOX KS 8943, and electrical KUMASI wiring in progress 2 Construction of 3-Unit BOBKISS DDF 137,012.14 24/06/14 03/07/14 16/12/14 65 percent Roofing Classroom Block with ENTERPRISE completed completed ancillary facilities for BOX 496, ODA Methodist Primary GHANA school at Akim Asawase 3 Construction of NUSLA DDF 128,982.94 24/06/14 03/07/14 16/12/14 100 percent One door Teachers Quarters at PARADISE frames is not At Akim Kroboase COMPANY properly LTD. fixed BOX KS 8943, KUMASI 4 Construction of SAMWAF DDF 126,915.70 24/06/14 03/07/14 16/12/14 65 percent Roofing Teachers Quarters at ESTABLISHME completed completed. At Akim Siawkrom NT LTD. BOX Work is 1080 SUNYANI, ongoing and B/A project is on course 5 Construction of 3-Unit SAMWAF DDF 142,385.83 24/06/14 03/07/14 16/12/14 40 percent Work is Classroom Block with ESTABLISHME completed. ongoing and ancillary facilities for NT LTD. BOX Lintel project is on Methodist Primary 1080 SUNYANI, Level course school at Akim B/A Bebianiha

6 Construction of 3-Unit WILLIMAC DDF 136,160.59 24/06/14 03/07/14 16/12/14 40 percent Work is Classroom Block with CONSTRUCTION Completed. ongoing and ancillary facilities for BOX 35 Work is project is on Methodist Primary school AKIM ACHIASE ongoing and course at Akim Swedru project is on course 7 Construction of 1 No. 3 M/S SILENT DDF 106,910.58 85,196.93 22/04/13 09/09/13 90% Finishing in Unite Classroom Block PARADISE ENT progress with ancillary facilities for D/A Primary School at Aperade Station 8 Construction of 1 No. 3 M/S DDF 105,462.95 62,611.15 26/04/13 09/09/13 85% Roofed and Unite Classroom Block OSOROMMOA plastered with ancillary facilities CONST. LTD for D/A JHS at Beposo 9 Completion of 1 No. 6 M/S SILENT DDF 109,710.48 109,755.4 14/12/12 17/07/13 95% Plastering and classroom with office and PARADISE ENT 8 painting store for D/A primary completed school at Atuntumirem 10. Construction of M/S GREEN DDF 114,989.61 82,381.18 10/04/12 30/10/12 100% Completed Administration Block for SUMMER Aperade SHS CONST. LTD

Table 4: The status of the DACF Projects as at January 2015

No Contract/ Contraction SOURC Contract Award Comm. Estimated % of Remarks Location Address E OF Sum Date Date Completion Completio FUNDIN (Gh Ȼ) Date n G 1 Construction of JAHAN AB DACF 193,000.0 24/06/14 03/07/14 16/12/14 90% DRILLING 10No. ENTERPRISE 0 ON GOING MECHANISED BOREHOLES IN SELECTED COMMUNITES 2 Construction of CHIP DACF 166,170.49 Aug.,2014 Feb.2015 12/2014 20 percent Super compound at Akim Structure Akosombo 3 Construction of CHIP DACF 166,389.94 Aug.,2014 Feb.2015 12/2014 Yet to Start - compound at Akim Apoli Ningo 4 Construction of 1no. DACF 348,240.00 Aug.,2014 Feb.2015 12/2014 20 percent Sub -Structure 6unit class room block at Akim Aperade Methodist primary 5 Construction of 1no. DACF 400,000.00 Aug.,2014 Feb.2015 12/2014 20 percent Sub - Structure 6unit class room block at Akim Awisa boarding 6 Construction of 10No. JAHAN AB DACF 193,000.00 24/06/14 03/07/14 16/12/14 91% MECHANISED ENTERPRISE BOREHOLES IN SELECTED COMMUNITES

Table 5: Summary of projects initiated from the 2014 annual action plan

FUNDING TOTAL PROGRESS SOURCE NUMBER Completed Ongoing Standstill Abandoned Terminated REMARKS PROJECTS IGF ------No physical project was initiated DACF 11 5 6 All standstill projects are old projects that were awarded between 2010 and 2012 MP(s) 4 3 1 - - - -

GETFund ------No project was initiated

DDF 10 1 9 - - - - • Investment

• Capacity Building

1.7 RENOVATION OF CLASSROOM BLOCKS

2.0 UPDATE OF CORE DISTRICT INDICATORS

Table 6: Update on Core District Indicators PRIVATE SECTOR COMPETITIVENESS 2017 Target 2014 2015 indicator 2016 2017 Indicator indicator level Indicator level level level 1. Percentage (%) increase in yield of selected crops, livestock and fish • Maize N/A 14,700 • Rice N/A 3,000 • Cassava N/A 13,800 • Cocoyam N/A 4,200 • Plantain N/A 8,600

2. Proportion/length of roads maintained/Rehabilitated - Trunk Roads (in km) - Urban Roads (in km) - Feeder Roads (in km) 3. % change in number of households with access to electricity 4. Hectares of degraded forest, Mining, dry and wet lands rehabilitated/restored; a. Forest b. Mining c. Dry and Wetland 5. % Increase in tourist arrivals 6. Teledensity/Penetration rate: 7. HIV/AIDS prevalence rate (% of adult 0.00% 0.41% population, 15-49 yrs. HIV positive) 8. Maternal Mortality ratio (Number of 0/100000 0/100000 deaths due to pregnancy and childbirth per 100,000 live births) 9. Under-five mortality rate (Number of 0/1000 0 deaths occurring between birth and exact age five per 1000 live births) 10 Malaria case fatality in children under five 0 . years per 10,000 populations. 11 Percent of population with sustainable 85 70% . access to safe water sources 12 % of population with access to improve 75 52% sanitation (flush toilets, KVIP household latrine) 13 Gross Enrolment Rate (Indicates the . number of pupils/students at a given level of schooling-regardless of age as proportion of the number children in the relevant age group) 12,601(58.7% 10,808 -Primary ) 4,227 -JHS 4430(43.2%) 3105 3310(42.4%) 54.7 -SHS 56.5% Net Admission Rate in Primary Schools (indicates Primary One enrolment of pupils aged 6 years)

14 Gender Parity Index (Ratio between girls’ 0.97 0.9 N/A . and boys’ enrolment rates, the balance of parity is 1.00)

15 Proportion of unemployed youth . benefiting from skills/apprenticeship and entrepreneurial training GOOD GOVERNANCE AND CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY 16 Total amount of internally generated - 287,867. . revenue 44 17 Amount of Development Partner and NGO - 731,535. . Funds contribution to DMTDP 87 implementation 18 % of DA expenditure within the DMTDP - - . budget (How much of DA’s expenditure was not in the annual budget?) 19 Number of reported cases of abuse NIL NIL NIL . (children, women and men) 20 Police citizen ratio .

3. UPDATE ON FUNDING BY SOURCES (GH₵)

Table 7: Update of Funding by Sources 2014 2015 2016 2017 TOTAL DACF 528,222.17 IGF 287,867.44 HIPIC - GOG GRANTS - DONOR GRANT 731,53587 MP's CF 50.000 TOTAL REVENUE 1,597,625.48

Comments on:

a) Release of funds: Untimely release of funds

b) Effort to generate funds: • The Assembly has revalued properties for upward adjustment in property rate • Revenue task force to be reconstituted for regular and better supervision of revenue collectors • Revenue Staff of the Assembly have trained in receipt writing and communication • The District Assembly has established a revenue database for the district. • One double cabin pick up has dedicated to monitoring of revenue collection activities.

c) Other challenges with regards to generating funds: There is difficulty in collecting new basic rates due to upward adjustment. To address this, series of meetings have been held with the communities to explain the new basic rates.

4. UPDATE OF DISBURSEMENTS

Table 8: Update of Disbursements

2014 2015 2016 2017 TOTAL ADMINISTRATION 66,509.75 SERVICE 260,034,38 INVERSTMENT - SOCIAL PROJECT 755,478.68 MISCELLANEOUS -

TOTAL EXPENDITURE 1,082,022.81

Comments a) Adequacy of funds Inadequate funds for effective projects implementation due to price fluctuations b) Utilization of funds in accordance with the budget Funds are disbursed in accordance with composite budget c) Other challenges with regard to disbursements Unexpected deductions at DACF office distort disbursement for a quarter.

5 IMPLEMENTATION OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

SECTOR 1: AGRICULTURE 1. Organize fora on Behavioral Change on HIV and AIDs A total of 109 campaigns on behavioral change and Stigmatization were organized for over 12000 farmers. More than half are females. 2. Organize capacity building for FBOs To strengthen and empower FBOs in the District, twelve (12) FBOs were trained in topics such as resource management, financial management, pricing, record keeping and book keeping. The FBOs were also trained on how to access credit from financial institutions. Currently 19 active FBOs are assessing credit from financial institutions. 3. Organize 10 demonstrations on timely application of fertilizers for crops Five demonstrations were organized on timely application of fertilizers for crops 852 males and 376 females attended. 55% target achieved 4. Carry out 10 demonstrations for 100 selected vegetable and fruits farmers More 100 vegetable farmers selected to participate in 12 demonstrations on fertilizer application. The purpose of the demonstration was to ensure increased production and production of wholesome vegetable for public consumption. Over 310 farmers including 115 females benefited. Some of the topics treated include Climatic Change smart Agricultural technologies 5. Educate and train 500 farm families on planning nutritiona```````````````````````1`lly adequate diets Over 200 farm families district wide were educated on the need for family planning and the preparation of nutritionally adequate diets. 6. Train 50 farmers on post harvest Technologies A total 30 farmers trained in post harvest lost technology. The content of the training preservation and handling of farm produce 7. Conduct vaccination for 30,000 livestock against PPR, rabies and anthrax using 1-2 vaccines During the year 10,000 livestock were vaccinated throughout the district against diseases. 8. Vaccinate 50,000 local poultry against Newcastle diseases using 1-2 vaccine by 2014 Over 20,000 local poultry were vaccinated during the year. Provide regular market information (deficit/surplus) to improve distribution of food stuffs Weekly market information was gathered. 15

9. Organize farm and home visit, monitoring and evaluation The seven Agric Extension Agents including one female organized 2376 farm visits to monitor and ensure good agricultural practices as well as offer technical assistance to farmers 10. Organize for 100 farmers on Sustainable Land Management (SLM) Four Fora on sustainable farm management was held at Akotekrom, Abadjan, Oforikrom and Osorase. The purpose of the training was to equip farmers to maximize the productivity of their farm lands to improve food security. MoFA facilitated the fora. Farmers were had the opportunity to ask questions and seek clarifications during the sessions. Total attendant was 138, males - 77 and females. - 61 so 100 percent target achieved. 11. Organize field days for 200 farmers 4 field days were organized to 120 farmers on adoption of improved technology 12. Determine Production Level through MRACLS (Crops and Livestock Census) SRID Has not be started due to lack of equipment and personnel 13. Organize 2 fora for 500 cassava producers, processors and marketers on value addition A total of 8 FBOs were trained in Post harvest Lost Technologies for sustainable food security in the District. The beneficiary FBOs which is made up of 35 males and 101 females are made up of: • One Gari Processors Group • Three Oil Palm Processors • Five Crop Producing Group 14. Organize RECL planning section About 12 RECL planning sections were organized 15. Organized educational campaign on animal health extension and disease surveillance To improve animal health in the District, the District Agricultural Development Unit organized 6 educational campaign were organized on animal health and diseases surveillance

16. Train 50 Farmer groups on effective agro-chemical usage Over 15 farmer groups from Osorase, Aperade Railways, Kokobeng Aperade, Yaakorte, Akotekrom Edinkrom and Jenney village were trained on effective agro-chemical usage. Target achieved 30%. 17. Train 300 farmers on the courses and prevention of bush fire MoFA in collaboration with the District Command of the Ghana Fire Service organized training for 210 farmers causes, prevention and fighting of bush fire 18. Train 7 fish culture Farmers on adequate and effective fish farming Technologies Seven (7) fish pond owners had been educated on effective fish farming technology. Target achieved is 20%. 19. Support intervention on Child labour on Cocoa Producing Areas Child labour intervention in 10 communities was carried out. Through Technical Support from MoFA, ILO-IPEC and CAYDNET distributed Seeds and Farming equipments to beneficiary parents. During the year, a total of 109 campaigns were organized on the prevention of Child Labour in Agriculture. During the campaign, 6024 females and 5626 males participated. 20. Use of FBOs to serve as inputs and Service Supply agents Through the support of ILO, four FBOs have been empowered to supply farm inputs and other services to communities. Currently capacity of 19 FBOs are built on record keeping, and good sanitation practices. 21. Train AEAs value Chain concept for agricultural commodities Two training sessions were organized for Agric Extension Agents on value chain addition. The training is intended to build the capacity of AEAs in reducing post harvest lost. 22. Build the capacity of cash crop farmers (500) to improve quality and productivity During the year, 11689 farmers including 5474 females were reached in improved farming technologies through series of activities. Some of the topics treated are mistletoe removal, crib construction, Fire belt construction, Bush fire management and plantain sucker multiplication.

SECTOR 2: ROAD 23. Reshaping of Amanfopong and Duokon Feeder Roader

With funding from the MPs Common Fund, the Amanfopong – and Duokon Feeder road was reshaped to ease movement of goods and services. 24. Reshaping of Osorase-Teshieman Feeder With funding from the MPs Common Fund, the Amanfopong – and Duokon Feeder road was reshaped to ease movement of goods and services. 25. Construction of Bridge at Adenkyensu As poor drainage resulting in difficulty in moving to the nearby communities during reason to and from Adenkyensu, the MPs common funded funded the construction of bridget for easy movement of goods and services.

SECTOR 3: WATER 26. Construction of 10.no Boreholes in needy communities To increase the coverage of portable water in the district, the Assembly started the drilling of 10.no boreholes, one (1) each in 10 needy communities. Community members and hydro professionals allocated suitable sites for the drilling. The District water and sanitation team advised the various communities to set up a committee to see to the management and maintenance of the facilities when they are ready. The boreholes are being drilled in the following communities: • Achiase Senior High School • Aperade Senior High School • Awisa Boarding • Achiase Fire Service • Swedru Poliice Station • Apaaso • Akim Swedru Senior High School • Adom Farms • Akenkensu • Apoli 27. Maintenance of Boreholes

Out of a total of 142 boreholes in the district, a total of 27 boreholes are not functional because of one fault or the other. The DWST monitored and inspected the repairs of boreholes by pump care takers in the following communities: • Duokon • Bieni • Nsuansa • Swedru • Siawkrom • Aperade

28. Train and retrain WATSAN The District Water and Sanitation Team organized training workshops for the various WATSAN committees. The training was intended to build the capacity of the community level water management teams and pump care takers to ensure proper management and maintenance of the facilities. Letters were sent to the various WATSANs to inform them of the upcoming training. Presentations, brainstorming and practical examples were used in the training. Areas such as facility maintenance, what management, book keeping and resource mobilization were discussed. About 10 WATSAN committees were formed and trained in addition; female industry training was organized for 23 females at Awisa. 29. Organize Refresher Training for DWST The District Assembly sponsored four DWST members including the District Technician Engineer, Community development officer, and two Environmental Health Officers to take a- four day refresher training at Koforidua Community Water and Sanitation Regional Office.

SECTOR 4: ENERGY 30. Rehabilitation of Street Lights in across the District The District Assembly procured 100 street bulbs to improve security in the communities. The bulbs were distributed to Assembly Members to install in their respective electoral areas. The District Assembly placed an order for supply from an external source. The supply unit produced a receipt advice and letter of acknowledgement of receipt was prepared and attached to the store receipt advice which was sent to the administrator of Common Fund for further processing.

SECTOR 5: EDUCATION 31. Conduct mock exams The Birim South District Directorate of the Ghana Education Service with support of the District Assembly organized mock examination for all final year JHS students in the District. The District Chief Executive, the District Director of Education, all staffs of the District Assembly and the GES staff went to communities that scored zero percent in the previous year’s exams to discuss with the school communities their preparation towards the mock exams and the actual exams. Roles of all stakeholders such as teachers, parents, pupils, community leaders, and District Assembly were discussed. Parents agreed to provide the material support and the environment for their wards to prepare adequately for the exams. A total of 1429 pupils including 659 females and 770 males participated in the exams. 32. Provide feeding for selected primary schools The District coordinator of the School Feeding Programme, personnel from the District Environmental Sanitation Unit, Birim South Basic Education Coordinator, Assembly and Unit Committee Members visited selected beneficiary and non-beneficiary schools. The purpose of the visit was to: • Ascertain the possible inclusion of additional schools into the programme • Monitor the activities of contractors. • Ensure that contractors used wholesome ingredients in the preparation of food • Inspect the sanitary and hygienic conditions of school kitchens. • Inspect conditions under which school pupils are served 33. Support S.T.M.E programmes in schools During the year under review, 12 females selected from the basic schools in the district participated in the Science Technical Mathematics Education in Koforidua. 34. Support for District sports A total of 166 pupils participated out of which 85 were males and 81 females. The Athletics and soccer competition was organized for all basic schools in the District. The Assembly the supported the District Education Directorate by helping providing awards for the schools.

35. Support culture program The GES organized culture (singing, peom recital and drama) competition for all the basic schools in the District Akim Swedru. A total of 402 pupils participated including 206 female and 196 males

SECTOR 6: HEALTH 36. Immunization The District Assembly supported the District Health directorate with money and fuel to under immunization exercise throughout the district. The immunization programmes are preceded with public announcement through the radio, community information centers, community volunteers, and community announcers. Nursing staff, community health assistants and volunteers rolled out to the communities to undertake the exercise. Various vaccination exercises included: Vaccination of all children aged 0-59 months (under years) with trivalent Oral Polio vaccine (OPV) and Vitamin A supplement to all Children aged 6 to 59 months. A total of 21,193 children were vaccinated exceeding the District’s Target of 19,297. 36. Support Malaria Eradication Programme The District Assembly supported the District Health Directorate by providing fuel through malaria prevention programme. Over 72, 022 Long Lasting Insecticide treated Nets (LLINs) were freely distributed to the populace. As part of the control programme, household were registered by health volunteers, followed by free distribution of bed nets to registered household at agreed centers in all the communities. Post exercise campaign aimed consistent night usage of LLINs. 37. Support HIV and STD infection Programme The District AIDS Committee met with local NGOs namely Child Aid and Youth Development Network and New Frontier and Farmers Association to review their Activities on responding to the HIV infections. The District AIDs management Team embarked on monitoring exercise in the 10 communities where the two local NGOs are operating. The monitoring exercise was to access the extent by which peer educators in the various communities were under taking behavioral change activities such as one on one and small groups' discussions. The team members interviewed some community members about the activities of Peer educators.

The district Assembly in collaboration with the District health Directorate and Herald Foundation organized the celebration of the world AIDS Day at the Roman Catholic Health Center at Swedru. Ten Junior High Schools and two (2) Senior High Schools participated in the celebration. There was education on stigmatization. The use of condoms was promoted as some condoms were distributed to some community members. HIV Testing and counseling was conducted.

SECTOR 7: EMPLOYMENT 38. Identify, organize train and monitor the activities of women engaged in income generating activities The Department of Community Development and Department of Cooperative through support from CAYDNET and ILO-IPEC Cocoa villages Projects identified and trained 300 adults including 231 females in employable skills such as soap making, palm oil extraction, and vegetable cultivation and baking. These individuals were selected from 10 communities in the district. 39. Form and Train youth Groups into Cooperatives The income generating groups have been organize and registered into 11 different cooperative societies. The Departments of community Development and Cooperative have been visiting these groups to offer technical advice. 40. Recruit Disaster Volunteer Groups The NADMO Directorate in conjunction with the Assembly Members and the Traditional authority recruited and trained 23 Disaster Volunteer Groups. The Volunteer groups were intended to help in disaster prevention, offer relief and rescue services and reduce the effects of disaster. Announcement was made through traditional authorities and Assembly Members.

SECTOR 8: VULNERABLE AND EXCLUDED 41. Empowerment of FBOs The District Assembly in connection with Child Aid and Youth Development Network and Cooperatives empowered FBOs by organizing, training and linking them to Financial Institutions in the District. Financial Institutions that were present included South Akim Rural Bank and the Bosome Rural Bank.

42. Training of Women The Child Aid and the Youth Development Network in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Community Development Organized Durbars in ten communities to explain the need to eliminate the worse forms of child labour in the District. Parents of beneficiary families which were selected by the various Community Child protection committees were grouped and trained in economic empowerment skills such as soap making, pastries, palm oil production and wini mix (flour made of fried rice, beans, groundnuts, wheat and maize) production. The beneficiary communities are supported programmes by providing labour and building materials such as sand, gravels, wood for the construction of production centers. A total of 300 participants were trained different income generation activities (59 females and 69 males). The table below shows the number of beneficiaries and alternative livelihoods: Table 9: Livelihood option Livelihood Option Number of Beneficiaries Male Female Total Baking (bread and Pasteries) 3 62 65 Soap making (Laundry and Liquid soap) 11 131 142 Palm Oil Extraction 6 19 25 Vegetables Cultivation 49 9 58 Petty Trading 0 10 10 Totals 69 231 300

43. Registration of People living with Disability The Department of Social Welfare and the District level Ghana Foundation For the disabled made public announcements through religious bodies, community information centers, traditional authorities and information on the registration of people living disability Exercise. The public was encouraged to help in identifying such people and also to encourage people living with disability to come out and register. Nine (9) persons with disability were registered represent four (4) males and five (males)

44. Monitoring of Early Childhood Developments Centers The Department of Social welfare visited and monitored 3 Private Early Childhood Development Centers to access the conditions and suitability of the center for children. Out of the Total number of 336 pupils enrolled, 167 were boys and 169 were girls

SECTOR 9: ENVIRONMENT (SANITATION AND NATURAL) 45. Recruit Disaster Volunteer Groups The NADMO Directorate in conjunction with the Assembly Members and the Traditional authority recruited and trained 23 Disaster Volunteer Groups. The Volunteer groups were intended to help in disaster prevention, offer relief and rescue services and reduce the effects of disaster. Announcement was made through traditional authorities and Assembly Members. 46. Slaughter Slab The Leadership of the Achiase Community was informed of the Assembly’s intention to construct slaughter slab to ensure the delivery of wholesome meat under very hygienic conditions. The Community Leaders including the Assembly member led the Environmental Health Officer, District Planning Officer and District Works Engineer (DWE) to allocate a suitable site for the project. The DWE encourage members of the community to follow progress on the construction and also to channel and concern to the Assembly. 47. Conduct Health Education The District Environmental Health Office organized a District wide health Education Campaign and Screen Exercise. The purpose of the exercise was to ensure healthy living and reduce the rate of disease outbreak in the district. Communities were informed through announcements while other opinion leaders such as Assembly members were invited. The community members prepared the various venues for the exercise. 48. Provision of improved sanitation and fumigation services in communities The district environmental health directorate fumigated six (6) communities against the mosquitoes and spread of diseases such cholera and diarrhea. 49. Procurement of 3 Skip off Containers The District Assembly procured three skip off containers to improve sanitation in the district. The procurement unit and the environmental health unit initiated a memo to the DCD/DCE for approval. After the approval, letters were sent to the intended suppliers. Based on the quotations

received, an evaluation was carried out by the procurement unit. Award letters were sent to the successful contractor (Zoom lion Ghana Limited) for delivery after which payment was effected. The containers were located in Achiase and Swedru. 50. Leveling of dumpsite The District Assembly through the Environmental Health Directorate leveled final dumping sites at Nyankomase and Aduasa. 51. Fumigation of needy communities To improve solid waste management, the District Health environmental unit, fumigate final disposal sites and gutter throughout the District. The unit also fumigated the communities against insects and also to prevent outbreak of diseases. 52. Reforestation of degraded forest The District Assembly in connection with NADMO with the help from the forestry commission embarked on tree planting exercise to plant trees in forests in Apoli Ningo, Mensakrom, Akortekrom, and Oforikro. Some community members, traditional authorities and the Disaster volunteer groups. The purpose of the exercise was to rejuvenate degraded forest as a result of chain saw operators and galamsay operators. NADMO also planted ornamental trees in the offices of the District Assembly at Awisa and Swedru to serve as wind break. The National Disaster Management Organization nursed and distributed 10000 seedlings to organizations and communities for onward planting. 53. Organize Public Education on proper land use The town and country planning department of the Birim South District and the statutory planning committee, organized public education in Swedru, Achiase, Awisa and Aduasa. Letters were sent to community leaders and the churches in the mentioned communities. The team went to churches on Sundays and Saturdays to educate community members on the following topics: • Requirements for Permit acquisition

• How to apply for building permits

• Penalties for defaulting planning regulations

• The relevance of street naming.

SECTOR 10: TRANSPARENT AND ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNANCE 54. Resourcing the office of the DT and CP officer Ahead of the Street Naming and Property Identification exercise, the District Assembly has resourced the offices of the Town and country planning department with computers, pieces of furniture and other relevant accessories. The items were procured to the supplies and procurement unit of the Assembly. 55. Conduct monitoring and evaluation / programmes and projects of Assembly The District monitoring team, made up of the District Budget Officer, Internal Auditor, Technician Engineer, District Finance Officer and District Planning Officer undertook quarterly monitoring exercise in the year to inspect progress of projects in the various communities and monitor the works of contractors. 56. Refresher training for revenue staff and District Assembly Staff To improve efficiency and effectiveness of Assembly staff, the District Assembly built the capacity of officers in the all the departments such as budget, planning, administration, works, procurement unit in relevant subjects in Accra, Koforidua or Swedru. Training was also organized for revenue staff in order to improve Internally Generated Funds. A workshop on fee fixing was held for budget committee members on Fee Fixing and Composite Budget. 57. Register all Birth and Death A Birth and Death registry has been established. Records are kept for all birth and deaths in the District. 58. Data Collection and Base Map As part of the implementation of the Street Naming and Property identification Exercise, a street naming team has been formed and a consultative meeting with Assembly members, chiefs and opinion leaders including the clergy was organized. The Physical Planning department has scanned and geo-referenced layouts of Akim swedru. Digitization and vectorization of the layout is ongoing. 59. Establishment of Revenue Database 60. Preparation of District Medium Term Development Plan, 2014 -2017 The DPCU has prepared the 2014-2017 Medium Term Development Plan, draft copy of the plan has been submitted to the National Development Planning Commission through the Eastern Regional Coordinating Council. During the preparation of the plan, the DPCU sought views of

community members, the three town and area councils as well as inputs from various departments and agencies in the Districts. 61. Preparation of District M&E Plan, 2014-2017 The capacity of four members of the DPCU (including the District Planning Officer, the District Directors of Education, Health and Agriculture) has been built on basic monitoring and evaluation skills. The DPCU has submitted a work plan for the preparation of the Monitoring and Evaluation Plan to the Management of the Assembly for approval. 62. Street Naming and Property Identification The Street Naming Team has completed the Street Naming Pilot Project in a Section of Akyem Swedru. Before names were selected for the identified streets in the pilot area, the Street Naming Team, met with community leaders including Assembly Members and Traditional Authority to decide on the appropriate names for the streets. A total of 15 sign post have been erected in Swedru. 63. Train 3 Sub- District Council Members on Planning Process The District Planning Officer with support from DPCU organized one day training workshop for each of the three Area Councils namely Swedru, Apirede and Achiase. The purpose of the workshop was to introduce members to the development planning process as outline in the guidelines. Over 48 area council Members participated including the 9 females. 64. Formation of Building Inspection Task Force A six member building inspection taskforce has been formed by the assembly to see ensure that community members follow due process in their quest to develop their lands. The taskforce is made up of: • The District Building Inspectors (2) • Environmental Health Officer • Physical Planning Officer • Police Officer • Development Planning Officer

65. Farmers’ Day Celebration Farmers’ Day was organized at Akyem Akekensu. About 1000 people attended. About 22 farmers were awarded under different categories. The overall best farmer award went to Mr. Emmanuel Duah of Akyem Swedru and Madam Gladys Afful was the recipient of the Best

27 woman in Agric award. The Best FBO award went to the Fa Ma Nyame Farmer’s Based Organization. Mr Kwame Agyei of Akyem Swedru received the best Disabled farmer.

5.1 PICTURES OF LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES

Skills Training in Vegetable Cultivation Skills Training in Soap Making

Skills training in baking

6.0 UP DATES OF CRITICAL DEVELOPMENT AND POVERTY ISSUES The Birim South District is predominantly rural with farming being the major occupation of the people. The development and poverty issues relate to multi faceted factors including low Agricultural Productivity, limited access to credit and farm inputs, limited access to electricity, high literacy rate of farmers, poor roads networks especially in the hinterlands and inadequate potable water. Another critical issue is access to land for development project which sometimes affect the proper sitting of Development projects. The income levels of the majority of the people are below poverty line of One US Dollar a day. Below are some interventions to reduce vulnerability and increase opportunities: 1. SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAMME - A total of 4221 pupils from 23 Basic Schools are benefiting from the School Feeding Programme. Some of the Challenges include- delay in the release of funds; the amount (GHC 0.5) allocated for a child per day is inadequate; and non availability of Kitchen Facilities. 2. LESDEP - Over fifteen people have been registered for various modules such as transport, construction, beauty care, fabrication etc. The main challenge at LESDEP is the non availability of spare parts to service LESPED vehicles as a result of ban on the importation of customized LESPED spare parts. 3. CAPITATION GRANT - the capitation grant is implemented for all pupils in all basic schools in the district.

7.0 PARTICIPATORY M&E The district Assembly considers Monitoring and Evaluation as a critical tool in its Development Planning Processes. The below mechanisms are being put in place to check the implementation of development projects; • Functional District Planning Coordinating Unit – The DPCU meets quarterly to measure the progress of District plan implementation • District Project Monitoring Team – Seven member team has been constituted to undertake routine project monitoring • Quarterly Departmental Meeting – At such meetings, departmental heads are offered the opportunity to brief the district on their indicative targets and levels of performance.

8.0 THE WAYFORWARD 7.1 Key Issues to be addressed: The district intends to undertake the following developmental projects in the ensuing year. • Collaborate with Development Partners to construct more socio economic infrastructure • Complete the construction of offices for some Sub District Councils in order to strengthened the sub-district structures • Evacuate all unapproved refuse dumps in the District • Complete the construction of D/A Bungalows to ease the increasing pressure on staff accommodation • Ensure the implementation of composite budget • Continue to build staff capacity for improved service delivery

8.2 RECOMMENDATION The below measures are recommended to chart the way forward • The Management of the District Assembly should make funds available for the preparation of the monitoring and evaluation plan. • The district to restructure the revenue mobilization system in order to increase revenue base. • District to lobby for more development projects aimed at solving the district basic socio economic-problems. • The district to build staff capacity in project management, records keeping, data collection, work planning and reporting and monitoring and evaluation • The District should resources and logistics available for the DPCU ensure effective monitoring of development projects. • The district to adopt formal project management processes to ensure good results and value for money.