BONGO DISTRICT ASSEMBLY

DISTRICT MEDIUM-TERM DEVELOPMENT PLAN (DMTDP) UNDER THE GHANA SHARED GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT AGENDA (GSGDA) 2010-2013

BONGO DISTRCT ASSEMBLY P.O. BOX 1 BONGO UPPER-EAST REGION TEL: 072-22 01 9 Email: [email protected] Website: www.bongo.ghanadistricts.gov.gh

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BONGO DISTRICT ASSEMBLY

MEDIUM TERM DEVELOPMENT PLAN

FOR

(2010 -2013)

(A FINAL PRESENTATION)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

List of Tables...... 6 List of Graphs...... 7 List of Acronyms...... 8 Executive Summary...... 10 CHAPTER ONE ...... 1.0 Review of the previous MTDP 2006 -2009 12 1.1 Introduction...... 12 1.2 Problems encountered in the Implementation...... 12 1.3 Lessons for the current Plan...... 12 DISTRICT PROFILE/CURRENT SITUATION...... 21 1.4 Location and Size...... 22 1.5 Topography and Drainage...... 22 1.6 Climate and Vegetation...... 24 1.7 Geology and Minerals...... 26 1.8 Soil Characteristics...... 27 1.9 Ecological Zone...... 28 1.10 Land Use...... 29 1.11 Land Management and Land Tenure System...... 30 1.12 The Environmental Situation...... 31 1.13 Impact of Human Activities...... 31 1.14 Soil Erosion...... 32 1.15 Environmental Challenges...... 33 1.16 Demographic Characteristics...... 33 1.17 Growth and Size...... 34 1.18 Spatial Distribution of Population...... 34 1.19 Household Size...... 34 1.20 Population Density...... 35 1.21 Broad Age Groups...... 37 1.22 Sex Distribution by Age...... 37 1.23 Dependency Ratio...... 39 1.24 Religious Composition...... 39 1.25 Ethnic Groups...... 39 1.26 Labour Force...... 40 1.27 Occupational Distribution...... 40 1.28 Child Labour/Working Children...... 41 1.29 Key Issues on Population...... 42 1.30 Housing...... 42 1.31 Migration Trends...... 42 1.32 Culture...... 43 1.33 Traditional Knowledge...... 46 1.34 Religious Composition...... 46 1.35 Festivals...... 46 1.36 Negative Cultural Practices...... 47 1.37 Witchcraft...... 47 1.38 Conflicts...... 48 1.39 Spatial Analysis...... 48

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1.40 Hierarchy of Settlements...... 48 1.41 Scalogram for Bongo District...... 50 1.42 Surface Accessibility to Services...... 52 1.43 Production and Marketing Centres...... 54 1.44 Local Economic Development (LED)...... 55 1.45 Promotion of Local Economic Development...... 56 1.46 Shea butter Processing...... 58 1.47 Basket Weaving...... 59 1.48 Guinea Fowl Rearing...... 60 1.49 Household Income and Expenditure...... 63 1.50 Major Economic Activities...... 64 1.51 Road Network...... 67 1.52 Banking...... 68 1.53 Communication...... 68 1.54 Revenue and Expenditure Status...... 69 1.55 Sources of Revenue...... 69 1.56 Inter/Intra Trade...... 73 1.57 Food Security...... 74 1.58 Governance...... 75 1.59 Decentralised Departments...... 76 1.60 Sub-District Structures...... 77 1.61 Functions of the Assembly...... 78 1.62 Traditional Authority...... 78 1.63 Accountability...... 79 1.64 Participation of the Citizenry...... 80 1.65 Security...... 80 1.66 Disaster Management...... 82 1.67 Social Services...... 82 1.68 Gender Parity...... 88 1.69 Health Care...... 88 1.70 Incidence of Diseases...... 89 1.71 Availability of Insecticide Treated Nets(ITN)...... 99 1.72HIV/AIDS...... 99 1.73 Guinea Worm...... 91 1.74 Availability of Health Professionals and Infrastructure...... 91 1.75 Status of the District Health Insurance Scheme...... 92 1.76 Access to Health Facilities...... 92 1.77 Infant Mortality...... 93 1.78 Maternal Mortality...... 93 1.79 Supervised Deliveries...... 93 1.80 Water and Sanitation...... 94 1.81 Waste Management...... 98 1.82 Needs Assessment of Sanitation...... 101 1.83 Vulnerability Analysis...... 102 1.84 Information and Communication Technology(ICT)...... 108 1.85HIV/AIDS...... 108 1.86 Opportunistic Infections and STI...... 109 1.87 Gender...... 110

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1.88 Linking Harmonised, Identified Development Problems/Issues to the GSGDA 2010- 2013...... 114 1.89 Harmonisation of Community Needs and Aspirations with Identified Development Problems/Issues of GPRS II...... 121 CHAPTER TWO...... 2.1 Harmonization of community needs and aspirations 122 2.2 Prioritised Issues...... 130 2.3 Application of POCC...... 133 2.4 Conclusion on the POCC analysis………………………………………………………… 145 CHAPTER THREE...... 146 3.0 District Development Focus...... 146 3.1 District Goal...... 146 3.2 District Objectives under GSGDA Thematic Areas...... 147 3.3 Summary of Objectives, Strategies and Activities...... 149 CHAPTER FOUR...... 170 4.0 District Composite Programme of Action (POA)...... 170 CHAPTER FIVE...... 248 5.0 Annual Action Plans...... 248 5.1 Implementation of Annual Action Plans...... 248 -378 CHAPTER SIX...... 379 6.0 Monitoring and evaluation...... 379 6.1 Introduction...... 379 6.2 Objectives for Monitoring and Evaluation...... 379 6.3 Identification and Analysis of Stakeholders...... 379 6.4 Assessing needs, Conditions and Capacities for M&E...... 381 6.5 Data Collection and Collation...... 399 6.6 Data Analysis and Use of the Results...... 399 6.7 Reporting...... 399 6.8 Dissemination of the Reports...... 399 6.9 M&E Calendar...... 400 6.10 Evaluation...... 402 CHAPTER SEVEN...... 403 7.0 District Communication Strategy/Plan...... 403 7.1 Introduction...... 403 7.2 Dissemination of DMTDP...... 403 7.3 Communication Strategy/Plan...... 404

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LIST OF TABLES

Household Size Comparison of Population density with other districts in Upper East Region Broad age Groups Sex Distribution by age Occupational distribution Household by type of dwelling unit by the district Hierarchy of settlements Scalogram for Bongo District Financial Performance 2007 Financial Performance 2008 Financial Performance 2009 Breakdown of institutions Enrolment level in Primary Schools Enrolment level in Junior High Schools Availability of Teachers/Teacher Population BECE Performance Malaria Control Water Supply Sources Water Point Functionality level Conditions for access to water Water coverage rate by Area Councils Refuse tools & equipment Public toilets Storm water drainage Sullage conveyance Major types of waste & Percentage Liquid waste management Solid waste management Vulnerability analysis HIV Prevalence–UER 2004-2008 PMTC site in the region & the district -2007 to 2009 Summary of PMTC in the region Estimated TB cases Vs. Achievement Indicators of Development of the district Economic groups in the district

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LIST OF GRAPHS

Age, Sex structure for the district Approved Budget 2007 Actual expenditure 2007 Approved Budget 2008 Actual expenditure 2008 Approved Budget 2009 Actual expenditure 2009 3 Years Approved Budget 2007, 2008 & 2009 3 Years Actual Expenditure 2007, 2008 & 2009 Economic groups/ gender composition in the district

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LIST OF ACRONYMS

AEAs Agricultural Extension Agents AIDS Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome AVR Antiretroviral BECE Basic Education Certificate Examinations BODCU Bongo Civic Union BONDA Bongo District Assembly CAPs Community Action Plans CBOs Community Based Organizations CBRDP Community Based Rural Development Projects CHPS Community Health Planning & Services CHRAJ Commission on Human Rights & Administrative Justice CIC Community Information Centre CSM Cerebral Spinal Meningitis CSOs Civil Society Organizations CWDs Children With Disabilities CWSP II Community Water & Sanitation Project Phase Two DA District Assembly DACF District Assembly Common Fund DADU District Agricultural Development Unit DDF District Development Fund DHMT District Health Management Team DMTDP District Medium-Term Development Plan DMTDP District Medium-Term Development Plan DPCU District Planning Co-ordinating Unit DWAP District Wide Assistance Projects DWST District Water & Sanitation Team EPA Environmental Protection Agency EU European Union FBOs Farmers Based Organizations GAIT Government Accountability & Improves Trust GES Ghana Education Service GETFUND Ghana Education Trust Fund GFS Ghana Fire Service GHS Ghana Health Service GPRS II Growth & Poverty Reduction Strategy Two GSGDA Ghana Shared Growth and Development Agenda HIPC Heavily Indebted Poor Countries HIRD High Impact Rapid Delivery HIV Human Immunodeficiency Virus IGF Internally Generated Fund ILO International Labour Organization JHS Junior High School KG Kindergarten

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CONTINUATION OF LIST OF ACRONYMS

KVIP Kumasi Ventilated Improved Pit MDGs Millennium Development Goals MOE Ministry of Education MOFA Ministry of Food & Agriculture MSHAP Multi-Sector HIV/AIDS Programme MTDP Medium-Term Development Plan NADMO National Disaster Management Organization NBSSI National Board for Small Scale Industries NCCE National Commission for Civic Education NGO Non-Governmental Organization NYEP National Youth Employment Programme OFZ Oncho Freed Zone OPD Out-Patients Department OVCs Orphans & Vulnerable Children PLWHAs People Living With HIV/AIDS PWDs People With Disabilities SADA Savannah Accelerated Development Authority SHS Senior High School STI Sexually Transmitted Infection STWSSP Small Town Water Supply System UER Upper East Region UNICEF United Nation Children’s Fund VRA Volta River Authority WATSAN Water and Sanitation WC Water Closet WHO World Health Organization

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The District Medium-Term Development Plan (DMTDP) was prepared as per guidelines provided by the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC). By this, the Plan reflects the goal and objectives of the national policy framework for development.

In order to identify the current situation of the district in terms of development, the District Medium-Term Development (DMTDP) for 2006-2009 was reviewed at a District performance review meeting.

In addition to the review of the last MTDP a data collection exercise was conducted at the community level which culminated into the preparation of Community Action Plans (CAPS), and was later harmonized at the Area Council level. These Plans showcases community needs and aspirations as well as their priority areas.

There were also District Stakeholders Meetings to identify district key issues, priorities as well as the Potentials, Opportunities, Challenges and constraints (POCC) of the district. This led to the formulation of the goal, objectives, strategies and activities which formed the composite Programme of Action for the district, which was also put into Annual Action Plans from 2010-2013.

The Assembly has also developed a monitoring and evaluation frame based on NDPC guidelines to monitor and evaluate the Plan for the period 2010-2013.

It is very important that all those who have a stake and role to play in the implementation of the Plan are aware and abreast with the contents of the Plan. Hence a Communication Strategy has also been developed to disseminate the Plan through out the entire district.

In sum the contents of this document can be summarized as follows, to begin with chapter one focuses on the review of performance under the previous MTDP 2006 -2009 the outcome of which shows that more than 75% of all activities stipulated in the said document were implemented, it also revealed that as a result of inadequate funds coming into the District and some unplanned for activities during the period total implementation of the document could not be achieved. The District profile has also been updated from the previous plan document.

Chapter two focuses on the prioritized issues of the District under the various thematic areas such as Accelerated Agriculture Modernization and Agro Based industrial Development, Transparent and Accountable Governance, Developing Human Resource for National Development, Expanded Development of Productive Infrastructure etc. The application of POCC on various developmental issues has also featured in this chapter

Chapter 3 on the other hand examines the District Development Focus, Goal, clearly defined Objectives under the various thematic areas, and a list of activities and strategies to be adopted in achieving specific objectives amongst others.

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Chapter 4 examines the District Composite Programme of Action that covers all sectors as prescribed by the guidelines provided, whilst chapter 5 consist of the suggested Annual Action Plans to be implemented over the period under consideration while indicating the various collaborators and stakeholders that shall in one way or the other contribute in the implementation of the stipulated activities, Chapter 6 considers the Monitoring and Evaluation aspects of the implementation of the document, it also considers the needs, condition s and capacities for M&E activities. Finally chapter 7 examines Dissemination of the DMTDP – communication strategies to be adopted to ensure full participation of all involved in the future implementation of this document.

CHAPTER ONE 1.0. REVIEW OF THE PREVIOUS MTDP 2006 -2009 1.1. INTRODUCTION A review of the previous District Medium-Term Development Plan DMTDP (2006-2009) was undertaken to give way for the preparation of the new Medium-Term Development Plan - . 2010 -2013

Below is the performance review on the implementation of projects in the previous Medium-Term Development Plan under three thematic areas; Private Sector Competitiveness, Human Resource Development and Good Governance & Civic Responsibility. In addition, the report also captures deviations from planned targets and remarks to explain deviations. 1.2. PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED IN IMPLEMENTATION There were no significant problems encountered during implementation of the last plan. Nevertheless the issue of funding remained a major factor that hindered progress of planned projects. The review revealed that almost 75% of planned activities were carried out. 1.3. LESSONS FOR THE CURRENT PLAN It was identified that inadequate funding coupled with lot of activities led to the inability to implement all the activities stipulated in the previous MTDP 2006 -2009 . Therefore, in the drawing of the new MTDP prudent measures have been taken to ensure that only prioritized projects are considered alongside revenue generating activities. The need to increase the locally generated revenue IGF also need to be given the desired attention as a way of further improving the situation of inadequate funds.

There is also the need to make plans reflect the availability of funds to effect implementation of available plans in the future.

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DISTRICT PERFORMANCE REVIEW (2006-2009) DISTRICT OBJECTIVE PERFORMANCE 2008 2009 THEMATIC AREAS 2006 TARGET ACHIEVEMENT 2007 TARGET ACHIEVEMENT TARGET ACHIEVEMENT TARGET ACHIEVEMENT REMARKS Private Sector Competitiveness Agric

Train 800 farmers on Animal 800 802 Traction 800 farmers 685 farmers 800 farmers 620 trained farmers 715 farmers 900 farmers farmers Technology trained 85% Men trained trained 92% Need to encourage more 80% Men 15% Women 75% Men Men women for training 27% 20% Women 25% Women Women

Train 50 farmers on post harvest 52 technologies 50 farmers All 50 farmers 50 farmers 55 farmers Train 60 50 framers Train 60 farmers

were men were trained & farmers were trained farmers trained & 2% of them Need to encourage more 5 were women were 3% were women for training

women women

Conduct 50 on farm demonstration on improved varieties 50 on farm 40 on-farm 50 on-farm 44 on-farm 50 on-farm 42 demos 60 on-farm 44 demos With additional logistics flow much demonstrations demos were demonstrations demos were demos established demos established more could be done

established established

Train 500 farmers on improved 500 technologies 500 farmers 368 farmers 500 farmers 258 farmers farmers 392 farmers 500 farmers 645 farmers Need to encourage more on irrigated Agric 5% of them all men trained (7%) were (12%) female women for training were women women

Crop productivity (MT) The abysmal performance Sorghum 14,000 12,655 14,000 3,222 14,000 11,149 14,000 16,142 in Millet 8,000 5,579 8,000 1,538 8,000 4,498 8,000 8,851 2007was due to the floods in the 3 Northern Maize 0 0 100 50 100 90 300 748 Regions Rice 3,000 1,382 3,000 3,746 5,000 2,766 5,000 10,995

Groundnut 20,000 18,125 20,000 5,573 20,000 7,480 20,000 14,258

Tomato 400 228 400 187 400 270 400 558

Onion 5 2 5 5 5 10 20 35

Pepper 5 1.5 5 0.8 5 3 5 6 Soybean 100 59 100 23 100 135 200 520 Cowpea 3,000 2,240 4,000 1,031 4,000 6,430 6,000 6,705 Total 48,510 40,272(83%) 49,610 15,376(31%) 51,615 32,829(64%) 53,925 58,820(79%)

Livestock Train 800 farmers on improved 800 farmers 520 framers Trained 800 552 farmers 800 613 farmers 800 farmers 694 farmers

techniques in farmers Need to encourage more supplementary feeding (11%) female farmers trained (10%) Trained (12%) (15%) female women for training trained female female

Train 500 farmers on Primary 500 Animal Health 500 farmers 325 farmers 500 farmers 394 farmers farmers 402 farmers 500 farmers 442 farmers Need to encourage more trained, trained(3%) trained(5%) (15%)female women for training

no female female female

Train 50 farmers on improved Guinea fowl 50 farmers All 50 farmers 50 farmers 52 farmers 60 farmers 56 farmers 100 farmers 87 farmers production trained, trained trained trained Need to encourage more no female (5%) female (12%) female (15%)female women for training

Vaccinate 5,000 Small 5,000 5,000 Much more could be Ruminants against PPR Ruminants 3,540 Vaci- 5,000 Rumi- 3,320 Vacci- Rumi- 4,010 Vacc- 5,000 Rumi- 4,122 Vacc- achieved in future nated nants nated nants nated nants inated

Vaccinate 3,000 Cattle & Pigs 3,000 Much more could be against anthrax 3,000 Cattle 1,920 Vacc- 3,000 1,324 Vacci- Cattle 4,220 Vacci- 3,000 Cattle 1,250 Vacc- achieved in future inated nated nated inated

Vaccinate 500 dogs against Much more could be rabies 500 dogs 359 Vaccinated 500 dogs 125 Vaccina- 500 dogs 482 Vaccina- 1,000 dogs 2,103 Vaccina- achieved in future ted ted ted

Promote the consumption of nutritionally 240 women 210 women 240 women 299 women Train 240 All 240 wom- 240 women 421women balanced local foods by training 240 women leaders trained. trained and women men trained leaders trained Much more could be achieved in future leaders They in they in turn and they in and they

turn trained trained 600 turn trained in turn trained

625 other other women 1,125 women 4,027 other women women

Rehabilitate Dams 2 Dams All 2 dams same same same same same same rehabilitated

Activities not undertaken Develop 3 Tourist Sites ------due to inadequate funds

Human Resource Development Health

OPD Attendance - - Expanded Programmes on Immunization Polio 3 - - 90% 119% 90% 102% 90% 91% Much more could be Penta 3 - - 90% 106% 90% 92% 90% 92% achieved in future

Measles - - 90% 113% 90% 95% 90% 87% Yellow Fever - - 90% 110% 90% 89% 90% 97%

HIV/AIDS Community sensitization No. of HIV positive cases - - - - - 33% - - /education are key No. of Pregnant women selected measures to adopt and tested - - 5,000 4,210 5,000 3,512 4,000 2,473

No. of HIV positive Pregnant Education and women - - 13 - 5 - 16 - sensitization are key measures to adopt No. of HIV Positive cases receiving ARV Therapy - - 13 13 7 7 13 13

Malaria Control Figures could rise In Total Out Patient visits - - 38,552 - 58,118 - 70,827 - future Attendance due to malaria cases - - 38,552 20,027(52%) 58,118 28,197(48.5%) 70,827 35,751(50.5%) Figures could rise in future Malaria Admission - - 3,638 1,300(35.7%) 3,815 2,045(54.6%) 3,961 2,215(56%)

Malaria Deaths - - 61 30(49%) 115 59(57.3%) 136 64(47%) Supervised Deliveries - - 50% 49.30% 50% 55% 50% 55.60% Much more could be done Postnatal Services - - 60% 80.2 60% 84.50% 60% 79%

Maternal Mortality Ratio - - 1.6/1000 12.3/1000 1.6/1000 19.9/1000 1.6/1000 5.3/1000 Could be reduced in Still Birth Rate - - 1.50% 1.50% 1.50% 1.10% 1.50% 1.20% future Could improve in Family Planning - - 40% 31% 100% 34% 100% 42% future No. of Stunted Children - - 828 8.80% 725 3.20% - - Adequate data is required in future No. of Wasted Children - - 828 7.30% 725 6.10% - - Much has been achieved in this No. of Functional CHPS 13 7 13 9 13 12 13 12 area

Water & Sanitation The issue of fluoride still No. of boreholes drilled 35 30 25 19 10 5 15 13 remains No. of Hand-dug wells ------No. of Hand-dug wells with pump ------No. of Small Town Water On going in some system - - 5 1 1 on-going 1 on-going areas No. of water & sanitation board formed - - 3 1 - - - - No. of WATSAN Committee Much more formed 40 30 ------remains to be done Sanitation No. of Household Latrine Much more need to be constructed 500 454 150 120 - - 55 50 done

No. of Institutional latrine constructed - - - - 10 5 2 on-going

No. of Public latrine constructed ------No. of Artisans Trained - - - - 10 5 - -

Environmental Health & Sanitation Unit Dislodge all filled septic tank latrines - - 7 0 unexpected rainfall at the time of dislodging

Increase coverage of premises lack of means of transport inspection - - 4,885 2,433(54%) 5,000 3,752 3,029 3,029 hampers Carry out School Health education - - 21 schools 10 schools wide coverage on inspections

Facilitate the construction of household toilets - - - - Funds not available to DWST for programme

14 Much more need to be Organize Hygiene Education - - communities 8 communities done

To advocate on the promotion of the use of Much more need to be iodated salts in homes visited - - 243 243 done.

Conduct regular meat inspection ------Animals Absence of Slaughter slaughtered houses for public

consumption inspected

Collection of Data for implementation of District DESSAP - - - - Wide 100% - - Document available

Monthly Evacuation of solid All 7 100% Lack of land for final waste Councils disposed sites

Purchase of sanitary tools/equipment - - - - nil - nil Lack of funds

Procurement of 6 motorbikes for the unit - - - - 5 1 Motorbike issued was not in good condition

Acquisition of land ------Yet to be given attention

Solid waste collection & 100% disposal ------All 7 Councils D.A tractor broken down

Siphoning of Six toilets ------6 3 (50%) Lack of land for final disposal sites

Much more need to be School Health Education 28 Schools 10 Schools done

Some progress has been Monitoring of Ceramic filters 30 communities 100% achieved

Monthly Supervisory visits to the zones ------

Preparation of DESSAP Draft Document ------Document Document available ready

Acquisition of land for final disposal sites ------

Education Kindergarten Teacher population 100 82 30 26 - - 70 58 Could be improved Increasing figures are Pupil enrolment 4,200 4,476 4,600 4,836 5,200 7,437 8,000 5,555 possible

Primary Teacher-Pupil Ratio 40:01 45:01 40:01 62:01 40:01 54:01 40:01 57:01 Could be improved Pupil enrolment 22,000 23,452 23,000 22,126 23,000 21,706 22,000 20,849 Could possibly increase

JHS Could still increase in JHS enrolment 4,500 5,026 5,500 5,870 6,000 6,261 6,300 6,156 future Teacher-Pupil Ratio 35:01 33:01 35:01 32:01 35:01 32:01 35:01 32:01 Quite better

DISTRICT PROFILE/CURRENT SITUATION 1.4. LOCATION AND SIZE The Bongo District is one of the nine Districts in the Upper East Region and shares boundaries with Burkina Faso to the North and East, Kassena-Nankana West and East Districts to the West and Bolgatanga District to the South.

It lies between longitudes 0.45o W and latitude 10.50o N to 11.09 and has an area of 459.5 square kilometres. It lies within the Oncho-cerciasis-freed zone.

The location and size of the district has implications for development, especially in a situation where the district share borders with Burkina Faso. Thus amongst others it has the potential of enhancing economic activities between the district and its neighbours in Burkina Faso. Already in existence is a vibrant market at the Burkina side of the border known as Yelwongo where citizens in the district do brisk business with their neighbours. This

trade interaction has brought about increase in household incomes which has a direct influence in the standard of living of the people of both countries.

On the other hand, it also poses some health risk on the people of the district and beyond with regard to the spread of HIV/AIDS. As a result of the brisk trade and interaction in the area, it predisposes the people to some health risk such as HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases. There is also pressure on the few health and educational facilities in the district because people come from the Burkina side to access these facilities in the district more so with the former.

The district has also been under siege by Fulani herdsmen who come to the district through the border with Burkina Faso which has resulted into so many vices such as cattle rustling, armed robbery as well as rape. The few trees in the district are also been cut down by these Fulani herdsmen for fuel wood and as feed for their cattle. Above all their activities also have adverse effects on farmlands which adversely affect productivity and output of crops on these lands, so that with a vast majority of the people in the District engaged in Agriculture their incomes and living standard is likely to be affected adversely in the long run if steps are not being taken to check the situation – such as the need to embark on tree planting, controlling the movements and activities of these fulanis amongst others.

Currently in the District proposals from both individuals and groups are been forwarded to the Regional EPA for consideration to embark on tree planting and alternative livelihood support schemes with funding from CIDA. Apart with the District been selected for piloting in the LED – Local Economic Development by the NDPC it is believed that the situation may begin to change in the short to long run all things being equal.

1.5. TOPOGRAPHY AND DRAINAGE The relief of the area is related to the geology. The topography is generally flat and low lying with outcrops of granite and Birimian rocks, which are mainly phyllites quartz- serrate schist and grey wacke. Areas occupied by granites are generally of low, gently rolling relief 90–300 meters above sea level. Exceptions to these are inselbergs near Bongo (1,086ft), which abruptly rise to heights of 92–122 m above the surrounding lands.

The hills have steep craggy slopes. Sheet and gully erosion are widespread in the district especially in the intensively farming areas in the vicinity of Bongo. This can developed for Tourism purposes, as can be observed from the occasional climbing of these hills by foreigners who visit the District, this if developed could also serve to generate employment for the many of the youth who are less busy especially during the dry season.

Stream bank erosion is also prevalent along many of the major and minor streams of the area. The many hills in the area also serve to speedup the erosion process, it is hoped that with the Decentralization coming into effect next year more resources’ shall be made to the Decentralized Departments especially MOFA to enable them check some of these occurrences.

The district comprises the Atankuidi Yaragatan-Atanure and the Red Volta drainage basins. These areas are drained by the Red Volta River and endemic to the River blindness disease which in recent times has been controlled, there by enabling farmers to cultivate crops in these basins. These rivers out flow their banks in the main rainy season (April–October) and dry up soon after the season leaving disconnected pools of water in their beds, separated by dry stretches of sand and rock.

During the rainy season the streams and rivers are liable to sudden fluctuations in water level, suggesting that there is considerable surface run-off within their catchments during heavy rainfall. The district has one huge dam at Vea, and small dams and dug-outs located in Bongo, Zorko, Balungu, Adaboya, Akulmasa, Namoo and Soe-Yidongo. Gorogo and Balungu dams are being rehabilitated whiles feasibility studies are yet to be done on Apaatanga Dam for reconstruction. However, there is the need to construct more dams in the district to enable more farmers do all year farming which can result in an increase in the income levels and standard of living of the people, apart such a venture can also serve to collect excess water during the rainy season to curb the occurrence of floods and reduce the effects of erosion on the land.

The topography and drainage of the district have serious implications for development. The rocky nature of the district makes it difficult for farming activities to be carried out on large acreages of farmland. The rocks occupy almost forty percent (40%) of the land size and this has reduced drastically land holdings for farming activities hence reducing agricultural production in the district. However, the rocks if exploited for quarry for the construction industry will serve as a pool of employment for the teeming youth in the district. This would go a long way to increasing household income in the district and improvement in the general standard of living of the people of Bongo.

Because of inadequate vegetation cover, flooding and erosion are severe, the occurrence of sheet and gully erosion in the district also has negative effects on agricultural production. The fertile soils are usually carried away by the erosion thus leaving the land bare thereby making it not suitable for crop production, which will further exacerbate the situation.

The district is lucky to be drained by both the Red and White Volta basins since these can improve the vegetation and general outlook of the river beds. However, the activities of some farmers along the river banks are defeating this laudable natural purpose. They farm very close to the river banks and this has caused siltation in these river basins and also affecting the vegetation in and around the basins. It is also responsible for the flooding of these rivers after a heavy down pour. With more resources being allocated to Decentralized Departments especially MOFA, it is hoped that extension workers shall be empowered to reach all corners of the District to educate and sensitize farmers on the adverse effects of some of their practices.

1.6. CLIMATE AND VEGETATION The climate of the district is similar to the ones experienced in other parts of the Upper East Region as well as the Upper West Region. Mean monthly temperature is about 21oC. Very high temperatures of up to 40oC occur just before the onset of the single rainy season in March. Low temperature of 12oC can be experienced in December when desiccating winds from the Sahara dry up the vegetation. During the dry season ideal conditions are created for bush fires, which have become an annual phenomenon of the environment. For Agricultural purposes the critical factor is the one rainy season, which occurs in the whole of the Upper East Region. The district has an average of some 70 – rain days with rainfall ranging between 600mm and 1400mm. The rains fall heavily within short periods of time and are prone to flooding fields and eroding soils into rivers, which dry up soon after the rainy season. This situation implicitly requires that irrigation farming be developed and intensified in the District so as to keep majority of the people in the District to be engaged in productive activities. Furthermore alternative livelihood schemes are also necessary as a means of improving the income earning capability of the people. The Dams that shall result can also serve as a means of watering local livestock during the dry season.

Plans are far advanced to fully establish the Rural Enterprises Project(REP) and the Intermediate Technology Facility (ITF) in the District as a means of training and equipping many of the unemployed and under employed youth in employable skills and trades The high temperatures in the dry season especially in March are a good source of energy for the district which is presently under utilized due to the lack of appropriate technology. The use of solar energy in the district and for that matter many parts of Northern Ghana could serve as a sustainable source of energy if exploited, indeed this practical alternative could serve to relieve the the national grid of power originating from both the Akosombo Dam and the thermal plants located in the southern part of the country. If developed much more power could be exported for more foreign exchange for the country in the future. This could also reduce the cost of producing mechanical energy.

Currently, many communities in the district are not connected to the national electricity grid and whenever they are connected payment of bills can be a stumbling block to most people acquiring electricity. This buttresses the point that alternative and less expensive sources of energy such as solar and wind are better alternatives for this part of the country since patronage can be higher and the benefits that shall result much more spread over the communities.

Relative humidity figures are usually high in the rainy season, which spans from July to September (92%) and low in the dry harmattan period from December to March (15%).

The vegetation consists of short deciduous trees often widely spaced and a ground flora composed of different species of shrubs of varying heights. Very little of the vegetation exists in its original form owing to population pressure, annual and periodic bush fires also occur, which further accelerates the rate of land degradation and loss of soil fertility. Intervention in this area is very crucial if the socio economic development of the people in the District is to sustained if not improved in the long run.

Many areas of the district consist of degraded savannah with many of the trees are resistant to fire. In the very densely settled areas of the district, tree populations are sparse as a result of tree felling for fuel wood, building and for other domestic purposes. The few indigenous tree species left are mainly those of economic value and includes Adonsonia digitata (Baobab), shea and dawadawa trees. These trees especially the shea and dawadawa have high nutritional value and are being exploited, processed and sold as an income earning activity by women. In recent times women groups are being encouraged and assisted with some intermediate technology to refine some of the processes involved in the processing of the sheanuts this has served to improve the quality of the shea butter produced and external markets are being sought both within and outside the country as an incentive for mass production. For the sustainability of this industry it may be very expedient to begin the process of encouraging plantation farming of the shea tree in the District and many parts of Northern Ghana.

The recently established Sheanut Development Board by the present Government is a step in the right direction, and it is hoped that steps shall be taken in this direction.

There is a Red Volta Forest Reserve which supports wildlife namely baboons, monkeys, rats, mice, grass cutters, rabbits, dwarfs, buffalos, antelopes and guinea fowls. However, this forest is been depleted due to the activities of fuel wood dealers and some farmers. This further explains the effects of increasing population on both the environment and on the reserves. It is hoped that interventions designed to improve tree population in the District shall yield good results.

The composition of grassland in the district varies according to soil type, location and conditions of burning and grazing. Large areas of exposed land carry only a thin cover of Heteropogen contortus. Imperata Cylindrical and Pernisetum Polystchyon occur on arable soils. The latter is valued highly as a fodder grass. On waste of degraded land, the common grasses include Dactyloctinium aegytium, chloris spp and Aristida kerstins.

1.7. GEOLOGY AND MINERALS Granite rocks under lie the entire Bongo District. The rocks have out crops, which are visible throughout the area. They have well-developed fractures, which makes boreholes and drilling of wells possible. The granite rocks, which obtrude all over the landscape, could be a source of material for the construction industry. These granite rocks are coloured pink, coarsed grained and potassium rich. Hornblende and a little biotite are some of the constituent primary minerals. The granite has a rectangular joining and weathers into large upstanding masses and blocky-perched boulders. The hill near Bongo rises several hundreds of meters above the surrounding land with steep and craggy sides. The rocks could be a source of tourism attraction in the district which could bring revenue to the Assembly and an income earning activity for some people who may be trained as tourist guides

It is expected that a stone quarry company shall soon commence work in the District to take advantage of the large amount of raw materials in the area , this will serve to create employment avenues for the many of the unemployed people in the District and also bring some revenue to the Assembly.

1.8. SOIL CHARACTERISTICS The Bongo group of soils is developed over Bongo granites. They are characterised by numerous groves of baobab trees.

The parent materials of the soils have been known to be very productive due to the high potash and phosphate content of the parent rock. Human population densities on these soils are high. Owing to long periods of intensive farming accompanied by mismanagement of the land, soil exhaustion and erosion are prevalent. Over wide expanses, very severe erosion has resulted in the formation of lithosols.

The series of soils are moderately well drained coarse texture soils occupying larger tracts of land on middle and upper slopes and less frequently on summits lower slopes soils comprise Yorogo and Zorko series. The Yorogo series are ground water laterites consisting of shallow, pale coloured and very coarse sand (colluvia) overlying gritty iron- pan. The Zorko series are poorly drained, eroded lithosols occupying near valley edges and usually expose partly weathered rock on round surface.

Generally, the Bongo soils consist of about 3 inches of very slightly human stained, crumbly coarse sandy loan overlying reddish brown, fine blocky, very coarse sandy loan containing occasional incompletely weathered feldspar particles. It grades below into red, mottled pink and yellow coarse sandy clay loan of partially decomposed granite.

The soils are well drained, friable and porous and possess good filth. Consequently, they have good water capacity, They are inherently fertile but for the most part farmed more or less continuously so that they are lacking in organic matter nitrogen. This has affected crop yield in the district. The soils are rich in phosphate and support crops like millet, sorghum, rice, maize, groundnut, cowpea, bambara beans and vegetables.

However, the pressure of population and farming activities on the land have rendered the carrying capacity of the soil very low resulting into low soil fertility, low water holding capacity and susceptible to sheet erosion during the rainy season, and this has adversely affected crop yield in the district.

This further explains the need for alternative livelihood support schemes to be introduced in the District as a means of creating other income earning activities for majority of the people in the District who presently have little to do during the off season some of these could be bee keeping, tye and die making, guinea fowl rearing which is being given a boost in recent times with the intention of providing a hatchery to farmer groups to boost their productivity and output, mushroom farming etc.

As explained earlier plans are far advanced to establish the Rural Enterprises Project in the District as a means of achieving this objective.

1.9. ECOLOGICAL ZONE The district lies within the Northern Savannah Zone with one rainy season in a year. The amount of rainfall in the district is offset by the intense drought that precedes the rain and by the very high rate of evaporation that is estimated at 168 cm per annum. The vegetation is that of the Guinea Savannah type. Rivers and streams dry up during the dry season and the vegetation withers. Farming activities are halted and livestock starved culminating into severe loss of animal weight, which in turn affects household income.

1.10. LAND USE The soils of the district exert great influence on the pattern of land-use. The soils are those derived from granites, sandstones and greenstones. The population in the district is high compared with its land area. This could be interpreted to mean that one person is occupying 0.01sq km of land.

The pattern of farming is therefore fixed (compound subsistence farming). In cultivating the soil located in the stony areas, the stones are shifted into control heaps against which terraces are formed. Land is basically allocated for farming, grazing, forest reserves, settlements, road network, dams and dug-outs.

The district has about 91.2 km of roads comprising gravel roads (44.9) and earth road (46.3km). Although the district has an entry point from Burkina Faso at Namoo, which is highly patronised, the road linking Namoo to Bongo and Bolgatanga is deplorable.

The poor road network in the district has adversely affected economic activities especially at the Namoo entry point. Farmers in the district also find it difficult carting foodstuff from the farm gates to the market.

Thus the development of Feeder roads in the District is very crucial since this has the potential of boosting socio economic activities in the District, apart when such roads are developed it will serve to open up the communities to potential investors.

Due to declining soil fertility in the district, people have resorted to using unorthodox methods of farming and has also encroached forest zones and farming very close to river banks. This way of land use in the district has caused the siltation of river basins such as the Red and a White Volta basin which does not only have negative consequences on the district in particular but the nation as a whole. A very typical example is the energy crisis that the nation has been experiencing over the years.

There is therefore the need to strengthen the staffing capacity of MOFA and to resource it adequately to enable them aggressively embark on the education and sensitization of farmers along the river banks. The District Assembly is also considering passing some byelaws to curb this undesirable situation.

However with the implementation of the Decentralization policy of Government it is expected that the Area Councils shall be resourced and made functional so that they are better positioned to curb these problems.

1.11. LAND MANAGEMENT/LAND TENURE SYSTEM Though land in the district is communally owned some portions remain under the custody of the Tindanas who were the original custodians of the land. Land ownership is vested in the lineage and no one can dispossess a landholder or his family. In general, land is regarded as sacred. Land use rights are patrilineally. In some cases land allocation may be shared between the Tindana who is the religious head and the community.

Women get access to land only through allocations made to them by their husbands. However, this is done after considerations that there would be no shortage of farm land during the farming season when the woman is cropping her own farm. Widows with sons are usually permitted to keep land their husbands possessed and farm it until their sons are old enough to farm. In such case the land passes automatically to the children. Individuals and families own about 95% of farmlands. Most families depend solely on the land for their livelihood and find it difficult to part with their land. The land holding is very small due to scarcity. Farmers on the average farm a little over 1.9 hectares with plots scattered. Farmlands are found around dwellings of compounds houses with some farms about 500metres to 1km from the houses. This coupled with inappropriate land management practices have led to low crop yields and other environmental consequences.

The adoption and usage of modern agricultural technologies and practices coupled with the usage of improved seed and livestock varieties is very crucial in the development of Agriculture in the District.

Meanwhile, a Customary Land Secretariat has been set up to deal with all aspects of land management and use in the district, it is expected that with a collaboration with MOFA appropriate and efficient land use methods shall be promoted in the District especially with regards to land used for crop production..

1.12. THE ENVIRONMENTAL SITUATION The natural environment consists of fauna and flora in general. These include the trees, vegetation cover and rivers. On the whole, Bongo District falls within the Guinea Savannah ecological zone.

1.13. IMPACT OF HUMAN ACTIVITIES In the past decades, there has been an increase in the amount and intensity of agricultural and other socio-economic activities involving the exploitation of natural resources. This, by its very nature, results in the degradation of the environment. The end result has been to create an adverse effect on the balance between man and nature. This is also creating an imbalance in natural cycles in the biosphere.

Inappropriate farming practices, for instance, have led to increased deterioration in both the vegetation and soils. Intensive faming, overgrazing and constant removal of trees and shrubs without adequate replacement have given way for desert-like conditions in many parts of the district. Owing to increased population growth, there is great pressure on land and water resources. Another practice that is raring its ugly head in the District

is farming along river beds, banks of dams and dug-outs thus causing siltation of water bodies in the District.

Wildlife has become threatened as vulnerable tree species die off. These, and many other features, are a manifestation of land degradation, which is a major environmental problem in the district. Land degradation, exhibits itself in three interactive forms: physical, chemical, and biological.

Apart from inappropriate farming practices, land degradation can be attributed to the following factors: high population density, over stocking and overgrazing, bush burning, tree felling, land excavation for road and building construction. Land degradation is also manifested in soil erosion and loss of organic matter, poor animal production due to reduction in available fodder, siltation of water bodies and loss of aquatic life, trekking long distances to obtain fuel wood by women and increasing intensity and duration of drought.

The over dependence of people on fuel wood and charcoal for both domestic and public use has affected the environment greatly. The few trees available in the district are felled for fuel wood and charcoal for cooking in homes and chop bars. All these factors have contributed to climate change issues in the district and the country at large.

With the discovery of oil and gas in commercial quantities it is hoped that LPG will be made readily available at affordable prices to enable many more people (both commercial and domestic users) switch from fuel wood to LPG. The provision of this alternative at an affordable price it is hoped will go a long way to curb the intensive felling of trees for fuel wood and charcoal in the District. There is also the need to intensify the sensitization and education of the populace on the need to adopt modern farming practices is very critical in the district to ensure that the environment is protected.

1.14. SOIL EROSION Soil erosion is a major problem in many localities, leading to land degradation. The three forms of erosion experienced in the district are sheet erosion, gully erosion and rill erosion. The long dry season exposes soils to concessive run off at the beginning of the rains. In addition, the low organic matter content of the soils renders the latter liable to sheet erosion.

Gully erosion has affected many river banks as well as roadsides. Gullies of over 3 metres deep and over 4 metres wide are not uncommon. Many of the river banks in the district portray this feature.

Rill erosion is common near the head waters of rivers and streams, where erosion takes place in small, undefined non-permanent excavation, bush burning, removal of vegetation cover, inappropriate farming practices, etc stretches of land bearing scars of excavation can be seen along the major feeder roads in the district.

This situation has grave consequences for the district if not addressed properly. The desert is fast approaching the district considering the enormous felling of trees in the localities. The water bodies are dying out coupled with severe soil erosion. This situation has also contributed to the already precarious food shortage in the District.

The empowerment of the District Assembly sub structures can be a more effective means of checking most of the practices detrimental to the protection of the environment and can also be a more reliable means of ensuring appropriate measures are put in place for the restoration of degraded areas - by planting trees in the localities and along river banks, promote the use of vertiver grass to protect dam walls and river banks amongst others.

1.15. ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES  Land degradation/Soil erosion  Declining soil fertility  Deforestation  Reduction in land carrying capacity  Desertification 1.16. DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS The Bongo District is predominantly rural and it is characterized by large household sizes, high population density, and high fertility rates as found in other parts of the region.

1.17. GROWTH AND SIZE The 2000 Population and Housing Census put the population of the district at 77,885. A calculation by the Planning Team indicated that the District has a growth rate of 2.8%. This put the population of the District at 99,890 in 2009. Data available in the district shows that there is no significant in-migration of population. It is therefore presumed that the high growth rate is as a result of high birth rate.

This if true has its developmental implications for the District some of which will include the need to provide many more structures for KGs in the communities and the need to strengthen the child care unit in many of the District health facilities, the need to encouraged and promote skilled deliveries etc

1.18. SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF POPULATION The settlement pattern of the district exhibits rural characteristics. Apart from the district capital, Bongo, all the other communities are made up of small farm settlements scattered around the district. The district is characterised by dispersed settlements which sometimes make accessibility to some settlements difficult. According to the projected population for 2006, Bongo Township and its environs has a population of about 17,008 which accounts for about 18% of the entire population of the district. Other relatively larger settlements like Namoo, Soe, Zorko Kanga, Beo exhibits similar characteristics.

The scattered nature of settlements in the District is evidence of the fact that majority of the people are farmers and will require reasonable land space to cater for their crop cultivation and the rearing of livestock and poultry.

1.19. HOUSEHOLD SIZE A household is defined as a group of people living together who share the same catering arrangement. Analysis of the socio-economic survey conducted in the district revealed that the district has an average household size of between 5-10 persons. This analysis was also done for all the seven (7) Area councils. The household size for each of the Area Council is found in the table below. AREA COUNCIL No HOUSEHOLD SIZE

Bongo Town Council 1 8.1

Balungu Area Council 2. 8.7

Soe Area council 3. 7.8

Beo Area Council 4. 10.3

Valley Zone Area council. 5. 10.7

Zorko Area council 6. 9.4

Namoo 7. 8.5

Source: Socio-Economic survey 2008 These household sizes are larger than the national standard of 4 persons per household. This indicates that birth rate in the district is very high. This situation is emphasized by the fact that the family planning acceptance rate in the district is low. In the Bongo District, women not using any method of contraception in 2007 was 84.0% while in the entire Region, it was 87.4 (District MICS, 2007/2008).

This implies that the district would have to work seriously at sensitizing people to adopt family planning methods in order to curb the rapidly growing population in the district which has developmental implication that will require a lot of resources to contain.

However this situation can be attributed to the agrarian nature of the local economy, where many hands are usually required in the form of farm labour since agricultural mechanization is yet to be developed.

1.20. POPULATION DENSITY In 2000, the population density for the district was 169 persons per sq. km. Projections made in 2009 put the population density at 217 persons per sq km with the land size of 459.5 sq. km.

The trend of increase in population density points to the fact that there is increasing pressure on land for farming and other human activities. This has been worsened by the fact that people have moved from the widely Oncho-infested area of the district and concentrated on less than half of the land area of the district and coupled by the fact that 40% of the land area is covered by rocks. Thus the land carrying capacity keeps on dwindling with the increase in population. Conscious efforts should be made to reduce the birth rate in the district and develop alternative means of livelihood rather than depending solely on the land for farming which is the main economic activity in the district. Again conditions at the Oncho-free zone can be improved to attract farmers to settle at the place by reducing the nuisance associated with the black flies and also by providing basic social amenities such as potable water.

The table below shows the comparison of population density with other Districts in Upper East Region.

District Area Sq. Km Population Density 2,220 Builsa 75,375 34

1,642 Kassena-Nankana 149,491 91

459 Bongo 77,885 169

979 Bawku West 80,606 82

Source: Report of 2000 Population and Housing Census

As stated earlier efforts are being made to bring the Rural Enterprises Project and others into the District to cater for the alternative livelihood schemes to supplement agriculture

which is not very enterprising due to the rocky nature of the place which result in low returns to the farmers.

1.21. BROAD AGE GROUPS The table below shows population of the district in broad age groups Age Group Absolute Population Percentage (%) 44.8 0 – 14 44,841

33.2 15 – 44 33,229

14.9 45 – 64 14,913

6.9 65+ 6,906

Source: DPCU The above table shows that in every eight people in the district, one of them is a child below 5 years. The children of school going age constitute about 44.8% of the entire population. The district has a potential large labour force because the population aged 15–64 years constitute about 48%. If this segment of the population especially those who fall within the age (15–39 years) are well managed, it can become a huge economic asset for the district.

It is important to note that the size of each of the population segment has implication for demand and planning for future population growth, social services, youth employment, the dependency burden and the overall working force of the district.

1.22. SEX DISTRIBUTION BY AGE The table below shows the sex distribution by age. Age Group Male Female 0 – 4 48.8 51.2 5 – 9 49.2 50.8 10- 14 53.4 46.6 15 – 19 50.4 49.6 20 – 24 40.7 59.3 25 – 29 38.2 61.8 30 – 34 38.5 61.5

35 – 39 39.6 60.4 40 – 44 38.6 61.4 45 – 49 41.0 59.0 50 – 54 42.5 57.5 55 – 59 44.4 55.6 60 – 64 45.8 54.2 65 – 69 51.4 58.6 70 – 74 54.4 45.6 75 - 57.2 42.8 Source: Report of 2000 Population & Housing Census 2005 The male projected population for 2009 is 46,548 which represents 46.6% of the total population whereas the female projected population is 53,340 representing 53.3% of the entire district population. The age, sex structure for the district is presented pictorially in the population pyramid below.

POPULATION PYRAMID OF BONGO DISTRICT

75 and 70 to 74 65 to 69 60 to 64 55 to 59 50 to 54 45 to 49 40 to 44 35 to 39 30 to 34 25 to 29 20 to 24 15 to 19 10 to 14 5 to 9 0 to 4

10000 5000 0 5000 10000 Structure is that the adult age group (20–44 years), the females are more than the males. MALE FEMALE Females in the district form more than half of the population. This phenomenon is very significant for planning and budgeting in the district. These would have to be done with a gender lens especially when it concerns resource allocation and implementation of programmes and projects. Also, there are socio-cultural practices which negatively affect women and the girl child in the district and these should be looked at critically.

1.23. DEPENDENCY RATIO According to the 2000 Population and Housing Census the dependency ratio in the district is 107 which are the highest in the region. This means that every 100 economically active population have the responsibility to cater for 107 dependents. It can

further be explained to mean that each economically active person has 1.07 people who depend on him for their livelihood. This has very significant implications, which must be taken into account for development planning. For instance, the caregivers of these dependents can be over burdened and therefore slide back into poverty and the vicious cycle of poverty would continue.

It must be emphasised that age dependency ratio is influenced by birth rate. Population with high birth rate has high age dependency ratio due to the large number of children in the age group (0–14 years). The above issue buttresses the point that serious efforts should be made to reduce the high fertility rate in the district if the district will be successful in its quest to reduce poverty.

1.24. RELIGIOUS COMPOSITION The major religion in the district is traditional worship. The Traditionalist form about 53.6% followed by Christianity, which constitute 28.3%. Within the Christian religion, the Catholics are in the majority, constituting 69%. Islam forms about 6.4 percent of the population. The district, judging from the above will need to put in place mechanisms to promote peaceful co-existence amongst all these religious groupings and also use them as a medium to preach peaceful co-existence in the entire district.

1.25. ETHNIC GROUPS There are many ethnic groups in the Upper East Region and in the Bongo District two main ethnic groups exist. The Bossis and the Gurunsis constitute about 94.2% of the total population. However, there are settler ethnic groups like the Kusasi, Nankani, Builsas, Kasena, Dargarte among others. These two major ethnic groups co-exist peacefully ostensibly because most of them trace their ancestors to the same family root.

1.26. LABOUR FORCE According to the Report of the 2000 Population and Housing Census, 66.4% of the active labour force in the district is employed in various sectors of the district economy. This is made up of 67.7 female and 64.7 males. The above picture shows that females who are employed are more than the males.

The unemployment rate in the district is 26% which is more than twice the National average of 10.4%. It is also higher than the Regional average of 20.1%. Bongo District has the second unemployment rate in the Region apart from Bawku West which is 27.4%.

The above situation poses a big challenge to the District Assembly and Development partners in the district to put in place concrete programmes and projects to create jobs for the large labour force who are not employed. If this is done, it will help improve the

purchasing power of the people, improve their standard of living, and finally reduce poverty in the district.

Steps are far advanced to intervene in this direction, it is however hoped that since most of these initiatives are demand driven and require some little commitments from potential beneficiaries, the patronage of such initiatives shall still be high.

1.27. OCCUPATIONAL DISTRIBUTION The table below shows occupational distribution by sex: MALE (%) OCCUPATION FEMALE (%) TOTAL (%)

66.3 Agric 51.4 58.8

21.4 Commerce 35.6 28.5

Service 9.4 8.4 8.9 Industry 2.6 3.3 2.9 Source: DPCU, 2009 From the table, agriculture and related activities employed 58.8% of the economically active labour force in the district. More males are engaged in agricultural activities than females. However 35.6% of females are employed in the commerce sector as against 21.4% males. This is obvious in the sense that women in the district do buying and selling more than the men.

The picture is also true when it comes to industrial activities. The main industrial activities in the district are shea butter extraction, malt processing, basket and hat weaving and these activities are mostly undertaken by women.

However many of these trades are done on a small scale bases, so that if these producers could be linked to external markets much more could be produced and sold which could lead to increased incomes to producers, this will also reflect positively in their standard of living.

1.28. CHILD LABOUR/WORKING CHILDREN Working children or child labour may be defined as children of school going age (7–14) engaged in economic activity. The Convention on the Rights of the Child, specifically Article 32, the MDGs as well as the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and the Children’s Act, all abhors any form of child labour. It is said that 33% of children in the Upper East Region are engaged in Child Labour while in the Bongo District, 30% of children are engaged in child labour (District MICS, 2007/2008). It has also been revealed that engagement in child labour is much higher for children from poorer families, about 34% than for children from richer families who constitute about 25%. (HIRD Survey, 2007/2008).

It has also been revealed that 85% of child labourers in the Bongo District are also attending school. This is very dangerous for the district considering the fact that its future leaders dreams of one day holding leadership positions in the district is been jeopardised and this can lead to a dead end situation for the district. The health of these young ones is also in danger since they are not matured enough to do the kind of work they are doing. Their education is also compromised for economic gains and this affects performance of school children.

It is important that something drastic is done by the district since education is the bedrock for development of any society, nation or state. Education is also the key that unlocks the door to poverty.

1.29. KEY ISSUES ON POPULATION a. High fertility rate b. Low acceptance rate of Family Planning c. High dependency ratio d. High unemployment rate e. Population pressure on land.

1.30. HOUSING The District’s population of 99,890 live in dispersed settlements and compound houses throughout the District. Majority of household within the District live in more or less permanent structures. Ninety-nine percent (99%) of the people in Bongo live in permanent structures.

The type of dwelling is compound houses as pertains in other parts of the region. A few others live in separate and semi-detached houses.

Modern flats and apartments are very rare in the District. Such facilities are usually official government accommodation, which are located in Bongo the District capital and Gowrie. Households by type of dwelling unit by district Type Of Builsa Kassena Bongo Bolgatanga Bawku Bawku Dwelling Nankana West East Occupied Compound 64.3 61.5 58.9 56.5 46.6 52.4 House Separate House 18.3 15.5 12.8 26.4 16.0 28.9 Semi-detached 11.3 12.2 9.4 12.4 14.8 13.2 house Source: Report of 2000 Population and Housing Census

1.31. MIGRATION TRENDS Migration is an important part of living in the Bongo District. It is a routine activity that occurs during specific times of the year. It is also used for many purposes in the district. Some people in the district see migration as an important coping strategy. They migrate to various destinations within and outside the country in order to find jobs and earn incomes to meet various needs. All categories of people including women and men, married and singles, youth and middle-aged migrate during the difficult times of the year in order to seek jobs that would earn them incomes.

Women often migrate to the Northern Region during the harvest times in order to render services on farms in return for money and food payment such as corn, millet, guinea corn and ground nuts. Women also pick sheanuts which is sold or processed in order to earn incomes to support their families. Men migrate to farming areas in the south such as Kintampo, Ejura, Atebubu, where they render services for cash payment and also obtain corn for their families. Some other people in the district also view migration as adventure especially the male youth. They travel annually, largely to cities and big towns for adventure. In such towns and cities they work in service sectors as potters, meat sellers, cleaners, fufu pounders where they are paid.

In recent times, young people migrate to cities and towns in order to experience modern life styles and demonstrate that they have come of age. They want to enjoy the relatively better conditions of the cities and towns such as travelling in “trotros” and taxis, 24 hours night music, potable water, modern toilets, paved streets, beautiful buildings. They want to attend night clubs, eat out and wear fancy cloths and hair styles.

Above all, people in the district view migration as a means to well-being. It has been used as a means to the improvement of well-being. There is a general perception that through migration people can improve their impoverished situation. They claim that returnees come back home with money and physical resources such as bicycles, boom boxes, clothing, roofing sheets and other items which enhance their status in the community. There is also the general perception that those living in the communities without migrating could not obtain such items.

In the Bongo District, educational background does not seem to be a major determining factor for migration. Both literate and non literates migrate. Many non-literate youth and adults migrate every year during the off-season period in order to find new occupations elsewhere. Literates who seek alternate work environments claim educational opportunities are non-existent in the district also migrate. Literates are however, more likely to migrate across borders and especially to far away destinations in Europe, Asia and the Americas. Non-literates dominate domestic migration.

However, school leavers are likely to migrate. Junior and Senior High School leavers migrate either to seek permanent jobs or temporary jobs before they continue schooling. Some school going youth migrate down south during the long vacation period to work and return during school time. Some are unable to return and stay for good. There are cases where some school going youth have been lured to migrate and have been out of school since.

The migration of persons from the Bongo district generally occurs during the off-farm season period. It starts from the end of the raining season when farming activities are slowing down. For the males, it begins when all weeding is done. Young males in particular will move away to farming areas in Brong Ahafo and Ashanti Regions, where the raining season is long and farming activities more prolonged, to work on farmlands. At the end of harvest, some migrating females move to the Northern Region while others go to Brong-Ahafo and Ashanti Regions to offer services in crop harvests. This kind of migration is to farming areas and rural areas and is patronized by those who seek foodstuff to support their families.

The main period of migration, however, occurs during the dry season from October to April. This off farm season period is the peak period where there is massive movement of all categories of persons to various parts of the country and beyond. Migration during the dry season is very high.

The direction of migration in the District is a very complex web of multi-dimensional routes. Several routes are used to various destinations or even to one destination. In- Country migration is generally south ward bound through diverse routes. Out-Country migration however, is two-dimensional. Southern and northern bound routes.

Out migration has alot of consequences for the district: In the first place, the young and energetic ones who can contribute to the development of the district all move out leaving the aged. For instance, the agric sector is seriously affected since the aged cannot contribute significantly to food production in the district.

In addition, the situation has also affected the construction industry since the aged cannot work in the industry.

Migration also has its own attendant health implications. Most of the migrants return with diseases such as guinea worm, HIV/AIDS and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases. All reported guinea worm cases in the district so far are imported into the district.

1.32. CULTURE

Historically, the people of Bongo trace their roots to the Mamprugu Kingdom in the Northern Region of Ghana especially those entitled to the royal skin, which is the paramount seat.

The district is a multi-ethnic one with two major ethnic groups dominating that is the Bossis who are from the Bongo Central and some parts of the district and the Gurunsis.

The Bossis are heirs to the Paramountcy and are enskined by the Nayiri the overlord of the Mamprugu Kingdom. There are also Tindaanas who hail from Zorko, Namoo and other settlements. Two major languages are spoken in the district that is Bonni which is spoken by the Bossis and Guruni which is spoken by the Gurunsis.

Due to the rural nature of the district, communal spirit among the people is high because they live in communities and see themselves as one. However, their level of communal spirit should be translated into development activities such as communal labour for development projects.

1.33. TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE The Traditional religion is dominant in the district and hence there are a lot of traditional knowledge, attitudes and practices in the district. A lot of ailments are still being treated with traditional medicine and resorting to soothsayers for diagnosis of certain diseases and occurrences of calamities.

1.34. RELIGIOUS COMPOSITION The Bongo district is comprised of different religious groupings. They include the Traditional religion, Christianity, and Islam. The Traditional religion is the largest forming about 53.6% followed by Christianity, which constitutes 28.3% while Islam forms about 6.4% of the population.

1.35. FESTIVALS The district has only one major festival known as “Azambene” which literally means the Fire Festival. This festival is also celebrated by the Mamprusis, Dagombas and Moshies. This goes to confirm that the people from the Bongo district trace their roots to Mamprugu. During the festival, there is merry-making as well as drumming and dancing. There is also traditional pomp and pageantry and both the young and old participate in this festival. The traditional council currently celebrates this festival every year and a grand durbar of chiefs and people of the traditional area is usually held. The durbar serves as a platform for discussing developmental issues confronting the traditional area and an educational

endowment fund has been established by the Paramount Chief through the festival. The festival has also annually brought together politicians, technocrats and even diplomats who contribute in diverse ways to the development of the district. It is recommended that this continues in the district in order to chalk more successes in the area of development.

1.36. NEGATIVE CULTURAL PRACTICES The district is abound with some negative cultural practices that impede development in the district especially women and children particularly the girl-child. There are bad practices such as dehumanizing widowhood rites that infringe on the rights and freedoms of women. Child betrothal is still practiced in the district as well as early marriages. This has affected children and those who are already in school. The practice also account for high drop-out rate especially among the girl-child.

Another practice that affect the development of the girl-child and children in general is the practice of “tanzaba” which literally means “Sister-in-bed,” This is a practice where a young man can flirt with a relative who is a sister and give birth but cannot marry her.

This practice has affected a lot of young girls and women in the district. It is noted as the principal cause of teenage pregnancies in the district. The practice is also responsible for some form of streetism in the district since children born out of this relationship are usually left to the care of the unfortunate young girls and women. It is important that educational programmes are embarked upon to educate all and sundry on these negative cultural practices which can derail the future of our young women and girls in the district.

1.37. WITCH CRAFT Another cultural belief which is also a potential threat to peace in the district is witchcraft. People have taken the law into their hands and mete out instant justice to alleged witches by lynching them.

The issue also has a gender dimension where most of the alleged victims are women. It is important that something drastic is done about it before it plunges the district into conflict. This is because at a point in time relatives of the victims will also like to revenge and that can be a source of conflict in the district. The number of witchcraft cases in the district has been rising over the years. In the first quarter of 2010, there has been three cases of witchcraft in the district. With Departments and organizations such as the SW & CD, NCCE, CHIRAJ, CSOs, CBOs etc well established in the District it is hoped that sensitization and education on the disadvantages/problems inherent in some of these practices can be well explained to the people, apart some of the laws of the land are applicable in some of these cases.

1.38. CONFLICTS The Bongo District is noted as an icon of peace in the Upper East region. There has not been any conflict resulting from chieftaincy or ethnicity and also regarding land in the district. This is therefore a great potential for development in the district and this state of the district must be maintained and even enhanced for the rapid development of the district. However, the fact that some parts of the Upper East region is engulfed by conflicts should make stakeholders put in place mechanisms to forestall any spill over.

1.39. SPATIAL ANALYSIS The settlement pattern of the district is dispersed as pertains in other parts of the region. The distribution of services in the district is equally dispersed. However, a lot of services are concentrated in the district capital, Bongo and other major towns such as the sub- district headquarters.

1.40. HIERARCHY OF SETTLEMENTS With regard to hierarchy of settlements, the district capital Bongo is the only first level settlement in the district. In the scalogram analysis, Bongo had a total weighted centrality score of 1,500 as compared to the level with total weighted centrality score of 230. This point to the fact that the distribution of functions is highly skewed towards Bongo. A lot of communities in the district fall within the third, fourth and fifth hierarchy levels.

Hierarchy of settlements LEVEL SETTLEMENTS 1. Bongo 2. No settlement Adaboya, Dua, Soe-Sanabisi, Namoo, Gowrie, Zorko-Kanga, Zorko- 3. Gamborongo Beo, Balungu, Zorko-Tarongo, Zorko-Goo, Zorko-Kodorogo, Feo-Nabisi, 4. Boko

5. All other settlements Source: Poverty Profiling, Mapping and pro-poor programming Report (2006) The following have influenced the situation above (a) Political/Administrative Headquarters (District and Area Council Headquarters) (b) Population size (Higher population tend to attract more functions) (c) Economic activities in the area e.g. irrigation farming, major marketing centres.

The District Assembly in implementing programmes and projects in the district have concentrated more in communities under levels 3, 4 and 5.

The scalogram shows the communities/settlements and the functions/facilities each of these settlement have. Communities with population above 900 were used for the scalogram. In terms of levels, Bongo (District capital) is the only first level settlement in the district with a total weighted centrality score of over 1,500. This compares with the next level with a total weighted centrality of about 230. This indicates that the distribution of functions is highly skewed towards Bongo eventhough Bongo is not the highly populated area in the district. Most of the communities fall within 3rd, 4th and 5th hierarchy levels, hence majority of the people in the district have low access to socio- economic facilities and services.

1.41. Scalogram for Bongo District

–

-

Facilities Facilities

& Services

Estimation

Population Population

Kindergart en Dam/Irrig ation Dam/With Facilities out Dugout Irrigation Primary Facilities J.H.S borne Pipe TBA’s Agric Ext. Clinic/CH Health PS Centre S.H.S Vocational Office Post Institute Hospital Telephone Borehole market Major Market Minor Household Latrine K.V.I.P Hand Dug Well Electricity No. function Total of Weighted Centrality Hierarchy Score level Settleme nt WEIGHT 1 3 2 1 2 3 3 1 1 2 2 4 4 1 4 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 1 (W) Bongo 4,7 x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x X X 1 150 1 87 8 9.6 Namoo 3,9 X x x x x x x x x x x x x x X 1 238 63 5 .2 Vea 3,6 x x x x x x x x x x X 1 126 21 1 .4 Soe 4,1 x x x x x x x x x x x x X 1 209 59 3 .6 Feo 4,7 x x x x x x x x x x X 1 94. 43 1 8 Gowrie 5,2 x x x x x x x x x x x X 1 401 56 2 .4 Adaboya 3,9 x x x x x x x x x x x x x 1 171 49 3 .6 Zorko 984 x x x x x x x x x x 1 128 Kanga 1 Dua 2,2 x x x x x x x x x x X 1 159 79 2 .9 Dua 1,4 x x x x x x x 7 27. Apuwon 16 9 go Anafobisi 1,4 x x x x x x x x x x X 1 29. 20 1 9 Gorigo 4,1 x x x x x x x x X 9 36.

14 4 Nyariga 2,8 x x x x x x x x 8 42. 58 9 Balungu 4,2 x x x x x x x x x x x X 1 96. 23 2 6 Apatanga 2,1 x x x x x x x x x x x 1 118 04 1 .1 Tanrongo 2,9 x x x x x x x x x X 1 51. 74 0 4 Gamboro 4,0 x x x x x x x x x x X 1 126 ngo 40 1 .4 Goo 4,3 x x x x x x x x x X 1 57. 98 0 4 Kodorog 3,4 x x x x x x x x 8 56. o 09 4 Kadare 3,2 x x x x x x x 8 44. 40 6 Beo 3,6 x x x x x x x x x X 1 68. 70 1 1 Lungu 4,1 x x x x x x x x 8 42. 81 9 Ayone 2,8 x x x x x x x x x X 1 51. 33 0 4 Boko 3,5 x x x x x x x x x x X 1 79. 47 1 9 Ayelbia 1,1 x x x x x x x 7 27. 85 9 Samblolg 2,8 x x x x x x x X 8 32. o 50 2 Awaa 1,1 x x x x x x x 7 27. 09 9 Kuyeling 3,2 x x x x x x x X 8 32. o 04 2 Kunkua 1,2 x x x x x x x x 8 32. 59 1 Bogrigo 1,8 x x x x x x x X 8 32. 03 2 Nayorigo 3,9 x x x x x x x x X 9 36. 84 4 Atampiis 4,3 x x x x x x x x X 9 36. i 58 4 Abokobii 2,9 x x x x x x x 7 27. si 80 9 Beo- 2,9 x x x x x x x x x 9 47. Tankoo 58 1

Atampint 3,4 x x x x x x x x X 9 36. in 72 4 Ayopia 1,8 x x x x x x x 7 27. 91 9 No. of 2 4 4 4 3 2 2 3 3 7 0 2 1 1 1 3 3 3 6 3 3 3 2 settlemen 4 6 0 6 6 6 6 6 3 t with facility Centralit 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 y Index 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (100) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Weighted 4 7 5 2 5 1 1 2 2 2 0 2 4 1 4 6 5 6 1 5. 2 2 4 Centralit . 5 0 5 . 5 5 . . 8 0 0 0 0 6 . 6 6. 6 . . . y Score 2 5 0 8 8 . 0 0 0 0 . 6 . 7 8 8 3 (100) 5 6 6

1.42. SURFACE ACCESSIBILITY TO SERVICES Education With regard to surface accessibility to educational facilities, the district is not faring badly at all. However, some communities especially those across streams and rivers have it tough accessing school facilities especially during the rainy season. This situation has affected children from these areas in terms of performance since most times of the term they do not attend school. Communities most affected are around the Beo Area Council, Soe Area Council, Balungu Area Council as well as the Valley Zone and Zorko Area Councils. It is therefore important that attention is given to these areas in the provision of educational infrastructure.

Health In the area of health, communities that also border rivers and streams also have difficulty accessing health care especially during the rainy season and some of the communities are also far from health facilities. Since health issues border on emergency, it is important that such communities are identified and provided with at least CHPS compounds to serve as a first point of call before patients are referred for further treatment. During the last plan implementation, the number of CHPS compounds rose from seven to twelve, but this need to be increased considering the pressure that is brought to bear on these CHPS Compounds especially communities that share borders with Burkina Faso. Postal Services Regarding postal services, the district is highly deprived. There is only one Postal Agency located at Bongo, the district capital. The services at the Postal Agency are also not effective since most people prefer to go to Bolgatanga, the regional capital to post and receive letters. However, few organizations and individuals patronize the services of the agency. Perhaps, there is the need to have outlets at the sub-district level to encourage people to patronize postal services in the district.

Banking Services The district currently has a rural bank which started operation in October, 2009 and it is slowly picking up in the district. Due to the dependence on Bolgatanga for banking services, a lot of people are yet to revert to the rural bank in Bongo. The bank has introduced several products in its short period of operation which include Western Union Money Transfer and Easy banking services. The APEX Bank and the Bank of Ghana would have to assist this infant Bank to grow into a full fledged bank. The support areas include the provision of basic banking equipment and training of the staff in modern banking techniques.

The establishment of the bank is expected to boost economic activities in the district especially with micro/small scale businesses. It is expected that with time these businesses would be able to access credit facilities from this bank in order to boost their businesses whilst the bank also benefits from the interest accruing from the credit facilities.

Agriculture Extension Agriculture employs over half of the population in Bongo and hence it is the main economic activity in the district. However, access to agric extension services is woefully inadequate. Currently, there are only twelve Agric Extension Agents (AEA’S) in the district taking care of 22 operational areas. Thus extension agent to farmer ratio is very high. Similarly, the veterinary officers in the district are very few and are unable to reach out to farmers who are very far from their operational areas. This has adversely affected agricultural production in the district. There is the need to take a critical look at this area.

Police Service The district has one police station located at the district capital. It used to be a police post until in 2005, when it was elevated to a district police headquarters. Hence, there is a police commander and some additional staff has been posted to the district. However, considering the upsurge of drug abuse by the youth in most of the communities in the district and also considering the fact that the police station is far removed from them, it is important that police outposts are established in at least all the sub-district capitals to stem the tide of drug abuse among the youth and related offences such as armed robbery, petty stealing, rape etc.

Moreover, the nearness of the district to Burkina Faso makes the case even more precarious. There is the need therefore for the provision of residential accommodation for personnel and the posting of additional personnel to cover the entire district. Currently, the police-citizen ratio which stands at 1 police officer to over 3,699 citizens is not the best.

Fire Service There is a fire station in Bongo which was opened in 1993 and currently has a staff of thirty-one. The office is located in a makeshift building. Meanwhile, the services of the fire service are very much needed in the district to help curb the incidence of bush fires which could pose a danger to the district. Since the district is also connected to the national electricity grid, the possibility of domestic fires is tenable, and the fire service would have to be present to deal with all these issues.

However, for the fire service to be able to deal with these issues, they need to be provided with some basic facilities such as modern office accommodation, residential accommodation as well as basic fire fighting equipment like fire tender and communication gadgets.

1.43. PRODUCTION AND MARKETING CENTRES The major production and marketing centres in the district are located in four major market centres in Bongo-Soe, Zorko, Bongo, and Beo. The major commodities sold in these markets are basically cereals such as millet, sorghum, beans and rice. Legumes such as groundnuts and vegetables including tomatoes, okro, leafy vegetables (Alefu, bean leaves etc) are also sold in these markets. Due to the proximity of the district to Burkina Faso a lot of people come from the other side to also join in the selling and buying, so there is both import and export of commodities in the district. There is also the production and sale of livestock including cattle, small ruminants and poultry. Another productive activity in the district is handicraft production. The district assembly gets most of its revenue from these markets for the day to day administration of the Assembly.

1.44. LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (LED) Structure of the local economy The structure of the local economy is divided into four major sectors namely Agriculture, Commerce, Service and Industry. However, Agriculture is dominant among all the sectors employing close to 90% of the population who are engage in food crop farming and animal rearing. Most households get their income from sale of foodstuff and small ruminants as well as poultry.

The commerce sector also employs quite a large proportion of people in the district especially women. Trading is usually done either on part time basis or as a full time job. The women either sell items such as provisions while others engage in sheabutter processing, groundnut oil extraction, dawadawa processing, malt making, pito brewing as well as handicraft production. The men on the other hand are usually involved in the sale of cattle, small ruminants and poultry. The medium of sales is through mainly

markets in the district. There are currently four vibrant markets in the district located at Bongo-Soe, Zorko, Beo and Bongo. There are smaller markets located at Namoo, Balungu, Ghana Daa, Kansoe and other settlements. Women carry out approximately 75% of all trading activities. The market is seen both as a social meeting place as well as a centre for commerce. Apart from stores hired for the purpose, retail outlets such as kiosks are frequently used. Trading activities can go as far as across the border with Burkina Faso, Techiman, Kumasi and Accra which are the main marketing centres in the country.

There is currently no modern market in the district. Apart from a few stalls built by the Assembly, which are also insufficient, the others operate under all kinds of sheds constructed by traders themselves. These markets are also a source of revenue to the Assembly. In view of this, there is the need to construct modern markets with facilities like toilets, potable water sources, restaurants, “chop bars”, urinals, lorry parks, drainage facilities and access roads. There is also the urgent need to develop planned schemes for these markets in order to check encroachment on the markets.

1.45. PROMOTION OF LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Local Economic Development may be described as a process by which local governments, local businesses and other actors join forces and resources to enter into new partnerships arrangements with each other or other stakeholders to create new jobs and stimulate economic activity in a well defined zone either in the village, town or entire district.

The Bongo District Assembly created a Local Economic Development (LED) Platform comprising fifteen members to serve as the “think tank” of the Assembly in promoting local economic development in the district.

Members of the platform were from business groups in the district, the Assembly, financial institutions, the Business Advisory Centre of the National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI) and some decentralized departments. The Platform met on four occasions and also collected data from the field to assist members decide on which economic activities to undertake in the district. The data on economic activities is in indicated below:

ECONOMIC GROUPS IN THE DISTRICT TYPE OF ECONOMIC NO. GROUP COMPOSITION ACTIVITY LOCATION

Female Male Total Nyariga, Gowrie, Vea, Zorko, 1 Basket Weaving 503 55 558 basket weaving Bongo Sheabutter Soe, Adaboya, 2 extraction 378 0 378 sheabutter processing Beo Soe, Adaboya, 3 Sheanut pickers 116 10 126 sheanut picking Beo, Ayelbia, Feo Guinea fowl 4 production 114 209 323 guinea fowl rearing district wide Zorko-Goo, Goo Nayire, Kabre& 5 Rope making 196 88 284 rope making Nayire 6 Malt processing 10 114 124 malt processing Namoo Area 7 Rice parboiling 35 0 35 rice parboiling Gowrie Tingre 8 Pito 103 2 105 pito brewing Beo,Zorko,Beo & Namoo 9 Crop production 484 421 905 crop farming district wide 10 Petty Trading 169 64 233 petty trading district wide 11 Hair dressers 158 0 158 hair dressing district wide 12 Dressmakers/Tailors 229 18 247 tailoring/dressmaking district wide 13 Beer bar operators 15 1 16 selling alcohol & non- alcoholic drinks district wide 14 Smock weavers 2 31 33 smock weaving Soe,Beo,Namoo & Zorko 15 Food vendors 68 1 69 selling food items Soe,Beo & Namoo 16 Animal farming 0 45 45 rearing ruminants Beo,Namoo & Soe 17 Leather work 0 21 21 leather work district wide making batik, tie & 18 Batik, tie & dye 1 0 1 dye cloth 19 Hat weaving 233 11 244 weaving hat district wide

Economic groups /Gender composition in the District 600 500 400 300 200

100 Female 0

Male

Pito

Guinea fowl…

Hatweaving

Ropemaking

Hair dressers

Leatherwork

Petty Trading Petty

Foodvendors

Riceparboiling

Batik,& tie dye

Smock weavers

Sheanut pickers

Animal farming

Malt processing Malt

Basket Weaving

Cropproduction

Beer baroperators

Dressmakers/Tailors Sheabutter extraction Sheabutter

Based on the data and the potential for a particular activity to benefit the people of the district, the platform decided that the Assembly should focus on livelihoods development in promoting local economic development in the district. Members were also of the view that even though majority of the population in the district were into crop farming, these people were into subsistence farming which did not actually put any money into their pockets. Crop farming also had its challenges such as soil infertility, erratic rainfall, rocky nature of the land, smallness of the land for farming, soil erosion etc.

The platform therefore contented that with these challenges facing the people of the district especially women, there was the need to shift from subsistence crop farming to livelihoods development as an alternative since a lot of livelihood activities abound in the district. The platform therefore decided to select three livelihoods activities in the district in order to promote local economic activities in the district comprising the following: 1. Sheabutter processing 2. Basket weaving 3. Guinea fowl rearing

1.46. SHEABUTTER PROCESSNG Sheabutter processing is one area that has engaged the services of most women in the district. It employs close to 75% of women in the district and this includes the pickers and the processors. It is one area that has served as a major source of income for most women and their families. It also has the potential of breaking through the international market and local markets. Currently, there is a group of sheabutter processors who have international market in the United Kingdom and they receive orders from these buyers and they also deliver on schedule.

It is therefore believed that, when many more women are encouraged to go into sheabutter processing and also getting market for the product it would go along way to putting money in the pockets of so many women in the district. It has been revealed that the current production levels do not even meet the demands of the buyer.

Despite the stride that has been made in the sheabutter processing industry, it is faced with several challenges as indicated below:  Seasonality of the raw material (sheanuts)  Inadequate managerial skills  Inadequate credit facilities  Inadequate market for finished products  Low quality of sheabutter  Lack of technology in production process However, it is believed that when theses challenges are adequately addressed, the sheabutter industry has the propensity to grow into a full fledged industry that can employ a lot of people especially women and also alleviating poverty in the district.

1.47. BASKET WEAVING Basket weaving is one major economic activity in the district that has lived over time and handed down from one generation to the other. Basket weaving can be said to be the “heart beat” of the district since it serves as a source of livelihoods for most people especially during the off season.

The basket industry is also another economic activity that has attracted international market in the district. Currently, orders come from abroad and the weavers are not able, sometimes to meet the demand. It is therefore important that the industry is promoted so as to assist the producers to meet the demands of both the international and local market. The industry employs close to 80% of people in the district and a large chunk of them are women.

However, this industry is also bedevilled with a lot of challenges as indicated below:  Seasonality of raw material  Raw material not readily available locally  Bushfires  Inconsistency in quality of baskets  Lack of creativity and innovation etc.

Irrespective of all these challenges, the basket industry is one sure way that the poverty levels of our people can be reduced especially among the women folk.

1.48. GUINEA FOWL REARING Guinea fowl rearing is one activity that cuts across the entire district and being done by men and women but dominated by the men. The guinea fowl is reared by almost all small holder farmers with an average house holding of 5-200 birds.

The demand for guinea fowls meat from people living in the north by southerners and others who visit the north is very high. However, there is little attention given to this sector by both government, the private sector and the producers themselves. Therefore, if attention were given to the industry, a lot of Ghanaians would indisputably patronize its products.

The people who even rear these guinea fowls in the district do not see it as a business but as a store of wealth for the family and for that matter will not sell them for money. According to Mr. Gyamfi, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Gee Fresh Meat Products and Packing Company based in Tamale reported that some communities his purchasing group visited had hundreds of guinea fowl but simply refused to sell them out ( source: The Heritage, 2007).

He also added that “some of these people always complain about hardships in the system and this may be due to lack of awareness of profit margin in the guinea fowl industry”

The district believes that the guinea fowl industry is one surest way that the quality of lives of the people can be improved especially the vulnerable peasant farmers. Despite the ability of the guinea fowl industry to alleviate poverty in the district, it also has its own challenges such as the following:  Free range system of rearing guinea fowls  High mortality rates of guinea keets  Lack of entrepreneurial attitude towards guinea fowls products  Inadequate managerial skills etc. However, the district is very confident that with the support of central government, the private sector and NGOs the guinea fowl industry can grow to support the livelihoods of so many people in the district.

On the area of handicrafts production, which can also be described as the heart beat of the district is faced with challenges such as market and easy access to raw materials for production. Most of the time producers have to travel down south to purchase the raw materials which increases the cost of production. Moreover, after all these suffering, market becomes a problem. There is therefore the need for strategies to be put in place to make the raw material readily available in the district and also linking producers directly to buyers either in-country or outside the country.

Pictures of selected local economic activities:

Shea nut tree (insert: shea nuts) Inspecting shea nuts

Women & men busy weaving baskets

Beautifully woven baskets on display at the Bongo Trade Centre

Guinea fowl rearing The service sector employs less than 10% of the population in the district. This can be attributed to the low levels of education as well as entrepreneurial skills which is a basic requirement in the service sector. It is critical that measures are put in place to ensure that

children of school going age are sent to school to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills to enable them fit into the service sector. Measures should also be put in place for young adults including women and men to acquire entrepreneurial skills to enable them get jobs in the service sector.

The Industry sub-sector is said to be employing the least among the district’s population which is less than 3%. Currently, there is no major industry in the district. The industries available within the district can be described as micro/small scale industries which is basically agro-processing industries. They include sheabutter extraction, handicrafts production as well as pito brewing and malt processing. Others include rice parboiling, dawadawa processing groundnut oil extraction, spinning and cloth weaving, rope making, smock weaving etc.

It is obvious from the above, that sectors such as agriculture and commerce have the propensity to accelerate growth in the district. The industry sector equally has the potential for accelerated growth acting as a link with agriculture since most of the activities involve processing one way or the other of agriculture or related produce. Hence these sectors must be critically looked at especially, in building capacities and providing micro-finance to enable actors in these sectors rise to the challenges.

1.49. HOUSEHOLD INCOME AND EXPENDITURE The bulk of household income is gotten from small scale manufacturing enterprises such as work on child weaning food or produce including dawadawa processing, sheabutter processing, groundnut oil extraction and other agro processing activities. The annual average household income is about GH¢368.00. A greater chunk of the income is spent on food which takes up to 88% of the total expenditure. This is followed by health with 66%, followed by education with 65% and clothing with 53%. Just a few households have secondary budget lines for situational expenses. (Household Surveys in 2008) 1.50. MAJOR ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES Farming Farming is the major economic activity in the district. It employs a little over 90% of the population and both men and women participate in this activity. Majority of the farmers are subsistence farmers while a few are into medium scale commercial farming. Major crops cultivated in the district are millet, sorghum, groundnuts, rice, soya beans while a few of them grow maize. Farmers who are close to the Vea Irrigation dam and other small dams also grow tomatoes and leafy vegetables. They also do all-year farming at the irrigation site.

The Vea dam is said to have 850 hectares of land which is used by 2000 small farmers. Major crops grown at the irrigable area include onions, tomatoes, beans, vegetables and

rice. Farming in the district is mostly done along side livestock and poultry rearing. The system of rearing is mostly free ranging especially for guinea fowls and this has increased the mortality rates of the guinea fowl. Livestock and poultry is a store of wealth in the district and people prefer to keep watch over them instead of disposing some of them to meet basic needs such as food and payment of school fees and sometimes even medical bills.

The use of cows and donkeys for farming is common in the district and this account for the significant raising of these animals in the district. Majority of farmers still use the hoe and cutlass for farming and practice the slash and burn method. Very few farmers use tractor and other mechanized methods of farming and mostly they complain that it is very expensive to employ the services of tractors and other mechanized modes of farming.

Despite, the fact that farming predominates in the district, land is very scarce for this activity due to the rocky nature of the district especially areas within the central parts of Bongo. However, there is a very vast and fertile land at the Oncho-freed zone for farming and there is the need to develop the area by providing water facilities and access roads to the area and also encouraging people to move to the area to farm. There is also the urgent need to provide subsidies on tractor and other farm inputs such as fertilizers etc. as well as capacity building for farmers on modern techniques of farming.

Fishing The fishing sub-sector is not very much popular in the district. Fishing is done mostly at dam sites especially at the Vea dam site. Through the efforts of the district directorate of MOFA a few fish ponds have been rehabilitated for fish farming but this is not enough. There are about 27 fish ponds in the Gowrie and Vea dam area but only three are currently in good condition for use. Some communities along the Red volta are also engaged in fishing along the river especially during the rainy season which gives them income. The fishing sub-sector has a big potential in the district and should be given the needed attention.

Mining Mining is not done in a large scale in the district. However, it is done on a very small scale in the north eastern corner of the district on river beds and on the banks around Apaatanga, Adaboya and surrounding areas. It is done mostly by indigenes but some strangers come along just for very short period. This activity though on a very small scale basis can cause problems such as pollution of water bodies and degrading farm lands. Manufacturing Industries

There are no major manufacturing industries in the district except very small scale manufacturing enterprises such as sheabutter extraction, groundnut oil extraction, dawadawa processing, pito brewing, rice parboiling and the handicrafts industry where the women are engaged in basket and hat weaving while the men are into smock weaving and rope making. The handicraft industry and the sheabutter extraction have the potential to become major industries if given the needed support. This could be in the form of credit facilities and assisting producers to access both local and international market. Their capacities should also be built to understand the world market conditions and to demand fair trade and fair prices for their products. Energy The district is connected to the national electricity grid. However, a lot of communities are yet to be connected to the national grid. Currently, less than 30% of communities in the district are connected to the national grid. Considering the climatic conditions in the district and the region as a whole, alternative energy sources could be explored such as solar and wind energy in order to improve access to electricity in the district and also reduce the burden on consumers with regard to payment of tariffs. Meanwhile, efforts should be made to connect other communities to the national grid to boost economic activities in the district. There is also the need for research into general renewable energy sources in the district for adaptation which would be safe for domestic users especially women and children.

Wood is the main energy source for household cooking. Invariably, continued dependence on this source encourages land degradation and deforestation as many trees are felled, and soils are eroded and made infertile resulting in low crop yields. Over 80% of households rely on wood for cooking. This continued reliance on solid fuels for livelihoods represents a major obstacle to the attainment of MDG target on reversing unsustainable loss of environmental resources. The district must therefore take stringent measures to ensure that this situation is reversed in the district.

Tourism The tourism sector in the district is undeveloped even though a lot of tourists sites abound in the district. They include the following: 1) The Vea Irrigation dam 2) Beautifully formed rocks such as Aposerga and Azudoo rocks located in Bongo town 3) Apasepanga footprint, footprint of an ancient warrior located in Bongo town 4) Avea masera crocodile pond 5) Beautiful handicraft products such as baskets, hats, and mats which is district- wide

6) Leather works and smock weaving at Sambolgo, Namoo, Feo and other communities in the district. Among all these tourists sites the Vea Irrigation Dam site is fast becoming a holiday resort for holiday makers especially during festivities like Easter, Christmas and other public holidays. The District must take advantage of this great potential and develop it as an ecotourism destination in the district. The beautiful rock formation at Azudoo and Aposerga are also a big tourism potential in the district. Currently, tourists do visit these sites but it is done in an adhoc manner. The Assembly in collaboration with the Traditional authority should discuss ways of developing them in to full fledged tourism destinations in the district. The same could be done in respect of the Apasepanga footprint in Bongo.

1.51. ROAD NETWORK Roads contribute immensely to food production and marketing in every society. Good roads facilitate the transportation of goods and people from one community to the other and from the farm gate to the marketing centres thus enabling access to market that tends to flourish and alleviate poverty as a whole.

At present, there is no road in the district which has bitumen or asphalt surfacing. The total length of roads in the district is approximately 248 kilometres and as a result many communities are either inaccessible or cut off especially during the raining the season. There are also several streams which are not bridged in the district and hence accessibility to many communities is a problem.

The tarring of the Bongo town roads is ongoing but it is important that the roads leading to the farm gates and marketing centres are improved so that that Assembly can mobilize enough revenue internally to promote development. The road linking Bongo-Balungu- Namoo and Yelwongo in Burkina Faso should be taken as a priority in order to promote free movement of goods and services between the two countries.

Other important roads such as those leading to the Oncho Freed Zone should be worked upon to facilitate the movement of farm produce from the farms to market centres. The current road from Bolgatanga through Zorko to Namoo and Yelwongo in Burkina Faso should be rehabilitated to facilitate movement of goods and services so as to improve upon the revenue status of the District Assembly.

1.52. BANKING The district currently has a rural bank which started operations in July, 2009. Hitherto, workers and businessmen and women had to travel to and from Bolgatanga the regional capital to access banking services. This affected a lot of consumers of products because it

increased the cost of items since businessmen and women had to travel several times to Bolgatanga to get money for the goods.

Even though, the bank has started operations, some workers still go to Bolgatanga for banking services. It important that the management of the bank embark on thorough sensitization programmes to get workers, businessmen and women as well as farmers to do business with them and to patronize their products and services. The bank has started vibrantly in the district and has introduced several products already, including Western Union Money Transfer and other easy banking services. The Bank of Ghana and APEX Bank who play oversight roles over rural banks should assist the Bongo Rural Bank to grow into a full fledged bank in order to boost economic activities and growth in the district.

1.53. COMMUNICATION There are four mobile phone operating firms in the district including MTN, Tigo, Vodafone and Zain and the reception is quite good. They all have masks at vantage points in the district. These services are however beyond the reach of quite a number of people in the district. Currently, the district has no fixed-line telephone services. Perhaps the ordinary citizen could have afforded their services. This option could be explored by the district. Until recently, mobile telephone services were equally inadequate and only available in the Bongo township and surrounding communities and only MTN was providing services.

The district must strive to make available more modern information and communication facilities especially to the rural population in order to achieve the MDG’s especially target 18.

1.54. REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE STATUS The revenue of the Bongo District Assembly is mobilized through the following: rates, fees and fines, licences and rent. To ensure transparency and accountability in revenue mobilization, the Assembly instituted regular consultative meetings with rate payers to ensure that they are not over burdened by the fees whilst ensuring that the Assembly does not lose revenue. The fee fixing also goes through the relevant committees of the Assembly before the General house gives approval.

In order to ensure that there is prudent financial management, the commissioned revenue collectors are trained periodically to help improve revenue. Ibis, a Non Governmental Organization has been assisting the Assembly to deliver the trainings. They have also supported engagement meetings between management of the Assembly, revenue

collectors and rate payers. A task force has also been put in place to visit revenue check points periodically to ensure that approved rates are paid and collected.

However, the Assembly has been battling with the problem of low revenue generation and myriad of reasons have been assigned for this unfortunate situation including pilfering, sub letting of revenue by revenue collectors to other people, charging less than the approved fees in order to pocket the money and non issuance of receipts after collecting fees, and above all the poor road network in the district. To ensure transparency and accountability, the District Assembly has created two charts, one for revenue and the other for expenditure which captures revenue coming in monthly and expenditure per month.

1.55. SOURCES OF REVENUE Availability of adequate funds at the Assembly is crucial for the work of the Assembly especially in carrying out its mandate as a planning authority. The sources of revenue in the Assembly can be categorized into three: Grants from Central government, Internally Generated Funds and Donor Funds. Among the sources, the major contributor to the District Assembly’s revenue is the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF). In 2009, actual revenue received accounted for less than 10% of the projected revenue. The major source of revenue which is the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) accounted for more than 50% of total revenue. Internally Generated Funds (IGF) continues to be the least revenue source accounting for less than 5% of the total revenue.

The table below shows in absolute terms the quantum of funds generated from the sources: Financial Performance

2007 SOURCES Approved Actual Variance Actual Budget Receipt Expenditure GOG 100,000.00 88,978.00 (11,022.00) 88,978.00 IGF 61,238.00 65,454.20 4,216.20 67,335.00 DACF 1,053,072.00 786,921.81 (266,150.19) 743,640.00 DWAP 40,000.00 83,000.00 43,000.00 35,583.76 E.U. 64,999.00 99,823.11 43,824.11 53,668.41 CBRDP 175,000.00 39,544.87 (135,455.13) 96,777.42 STWSSP 300,000.00 186,606.31 (113,393.69) 134,413.93 School Feeding 17,500.00 36,382.18 18,882.18 54,428.74 Programme

Youth Employment 250,000.00 201,446.93 (8,553.07) 200,892.77 Programme MSHAP 9,000.00 18,216.00 9,216.00 21,293.06 HIPC 17,500.00 95,282.04 77,782.04 61,792.00 Total 2,088,309.00 1,701,655.45 (386,653.55) 1,558,803.09 Source: Finance Unit, Bongo DA

Below is the graphical representation of the approved budget & actual expenditure for 2007.

Approved Budget-2007 Actual Expenditure-2007 1,200,000.00 800,000.00

¢) 1,000,000.00 700,000.00 600,000.00 800,000.00 500,000.00 600,000.00 400,000.00 400,000.00 300,000.00 200,000.00 200,000.00

Amount (GH Amount 100,000.00

0.00 Amount GH(¢) 0.00

IGF IGF

E.U. E.U.

GOG GOG

HIPC HIPC

DACF DACF

Youth… Youth…

DWAP DWAP CBRDP

CBRDP

MSHAP MSHAP

STWSSP STWSSP

SchoolFeeding… SchoolFeeding… Sources Source

2008 SOURCES Approved Actual Variance Actual Budget Receipt Expenditure GOG 140,000.00 72,211.68 (67,788.32) 72,211.68 IGF 66,770.00 53,204.60 (13,565.40) 76,684.13 DACF 1,350,000.00 1,035,881.97 (314,118.03) 1,029,192.64 DWAP 230,000.00 242,476.76 12,476.76 194,217.30 E.U. 140,000.00 127,782.89 (12,217.11) 172,630.13 CBRDP - - - 6,600.00

STWSSP 413,394.00 146,564.10 (266,829.90) 199,418.06 School Feeding 60,000.00 52,445.00 7.555.00 52,445.00 Programme Youth Employment 250,000.00 163,231.37 (86,768.63) 163,231.37 Programme MSHAP 19,000.00 22,821.50 3,821.50 22,921.50 HIPC 40,000.00 20,000.00 (20,000.00) 35,713.30 Total 2,709,164.00 1,936,619.87 (772,544.13) 1,980,265.11 Source: Finance Unit, Bongo DA

The approved budget & actual expenditure for 2008 are represented by the bar graphs below

Approved Budget-2008 Actual Expenditure-2008

1,600,000.00 1,200,000.00 ) 1,400,000.00 ¢ 1,000,000.00 1,200,000.00 1,000,000.00 800,000.00 800,000.00 600,000.00 600,000.00 400,000.00 400,000.00 200,000.00 Amount(GH¢) 200,000.00

0.00 Amount GH( 0.00

IGF IGF E.U.

E.U.

GOG HIPC GOG HIPC

DACF DACF

Youth… Youth…

DWAP DWAP

CBRDP CBRDP

MSHAP MSHAP STWSSP STWSSP

SchoolFeeding… SchoolFeeding… Sources Sources

2009 SOURCES Approved Actual Variance Actual Expenditure Budget Receipt GOG 178,372.08 66,712.64 (11,659.44) 66,712.64 IGF 69,981.48 58,424.34 (11,557.14) 76,310.92 DACF 1,050,000.00 959,181.18 (90,818.94) 923,742.91 DWAP 150,000.00 196,099.82 46,099.82 196,380.58 E.U. 150,000.00 64,858.83 (85,141.17) 64,772.40 CBRDP 150,000.00 61,060.85 (88,656.06) 64,906.20 STWSSP 150,000.00 71,343.94 (78,656.06) 65,500.65 School Feeding 150,000.00 0.00 (150,000.00) 0.00 Programme

Youth Employment 200,000.00 1,068.00 (198,932.04) 700.00 Programme MSHAP 25,000.08 2,636.00 (22,364.08) 3,756.00 HIPC 30,000.00 37,430.95 7,430.95 16,740.50 IBIS 0.00 34,152.32 34,152.32 19,085.00 CWPS II 0.00 3,518.00 3,518.00 580.47 DDF - 446,496.57 - - Total 2,303,353.80 2,002,983.44 (746,866.93) 1,499,188.27 Source: Finance Unit, Bongo DA

The bar graphs below reflect the approved budget & actual expenditure for 2009.

Approved Budget-2009 Actual Expenditure-2009

1,200,000.00 1,000,000.00

) ¢ ) ¢ 1,000,000.00 800,000.00

800,000.00 600,000.00 600,000.00 400,000.00 400,000.00 200,000.00

Amount(GH 200,000.00

Amount GH( 0.00

0.00

IGF

E.U. GOG

HIPC

DACF

Youth…

DWAP

CBRDP MSHAP

STWSSP

SchoolFeeding… Sources Sources The chart below compares the 3 years of approved budgets & actual expenditures (2007, 2008 & 2009)

Approved Budget-2007,2008 & 2009 Actual Expenditure-2007, 2008 &

2009 1,600,000.00 1,400,000.00 1,200,000.00 1,200,000.00 1,000,000.00 1,000,000.00 800,000.00 800,000.00 600,000.00 400,000.00 600,000.00

Amount(GH¢) 2007 200,000.00 2007 400,000.00 0.00 2008

AmountGH(¢) 200,000.00 2008 2009 2009 0.00

E.U.

GOG HIPC

DACF

Youth… CWPSII

1.56. INTER/INTRA TRADE STWSSP Sources Sources

1.56 Inter /Intra Trade Trade in the Bongo district is done among citizens of the district within the district and among citizens of neighbouring districts such as Bolgatanga Municipality, Kassena Nankana East and West Districts and Bawku West District. There is also trade among citizens of the district and citizens of neighbouring countries such as Burkina Faso and Togo. There is also inter-regional trade where some traders go to the Ashanti, Brong- Ahafo and Greater Accra regions. A few people do business in far away Europe and the Americas and this is usually in handicraft products and sheabutter. Most traders in the district trade in foodstuffs, livestock, poultry and vegetables such as tomatoes and leafy vegetables. Some traders deal in provisions and fashion wares. There is currently brisk business between the district and Burkina Faso at a market located in Yelwongo in Burkina Faso. It is important that the trade between the district and Europe in the areas of handicrafts and sheabutter is enhanced to boost economic activities in the district and increase incomes especially of women. It is also important that the security agencies in the district put in place measures to check cross border crimes and criminal activities.

1.57. FOOD SECURITY Food security may be referred to having the right quantity of food, with the right quality and readily available at the right time and nutritionally balanced. If one is to go by this statement, then the Bongo district can be said to be food unsecured. The district cannot meet all the parameters mentioned in the statement. The quantity of food supplied in the district has been inconsistent and is not always readily available. The nutrition aspect of it can also be said not to be existent in the district.

From the foregoing, it is obvious that the district is not food secured and this has implications for development. In the first place, the infants must be fed nutritionally balanced food to enable them grow physically, mentally and emotionally to become the future leaders of the district. It is clear that without adequate and nutritionally balanced food one cannot do effective work and this certainly would affect productivity which would ultimately retard development of the district. Currently, there are a significant number of malnourished children in the district.

Moreover, our pregnant mothers need nutritionally balanced food right from the inception of the pregnancy to delivery, the absence of which can lead to both maternal and infant mortality.

The District Assembly must therefore put in place pragmatic measures to address food security issues in the district.

1.58. GOVERNANCE Structure of the Assembly The Bongo District Assembly was created by Legislative Instrument 1446 (LI 1446) in 1988 with the mission to improve upon the quality of lives of its people through the creation of an enabling environment, harnessing of its resources, proper co-ordination and integration of its activities within the framework of national policies. The Assembly is made up of a total membership of fifty-four (54), Seven (7) Area Councils and Fifty-one (51) Unit Committees.

To promote and ensure efficient and effective performance of its functions, in line with its mission, the Assembly is headed by the District Chief Executive (DCE) who is both the political and administrative head. The Assembly has the central administration which also serves as its secretariat and decentralized departments.

The Central Administration It is headed by the District Co-ordinating Director (DCD), with support from the Deputy Co-ordinating Director, officers of the Records Class, the Secretarial staff and the Storekeeper. The Finance Department The Finance Department is headed by the District Finance Officer (DFO) and assisted by other accounts staff. The Unit manages revenue collection and other financial transactions of the Assembly. The Planning Co-ordinating Unit The District Planning Co-ordinating Unit (DPCU) is manned by the District Planning Officer (DPO) and the District Budget Analyst (DBA) and they prepare the Assembly’s development plans including long, medium and short-term plans. The Unit also co- ordinates activities of decentralized departments and serves as the secretariat of the Expanded District Planning Co-ordinating Unit which comprise Heads of Departments with the Co-ordinating Director as the chairperson and the District Planning Officer as the secretary. The Unit is also responsible for monitoring and evaluation of all development projects and programmes and also co-ordinates all donor funded programmes and projects in the district.

In order to do proper planning and programming in the district, the Unit also does research by collecting and analysing data.

The Works Department The department is usually headed by the senior most among the officers in that department. It is the technical wing of the Assembly.

Environmental Health Unit

This unit is headed by senior environmental health officer with staff at the district and sub-district levels. It is responsible for maintaining a clean and safe environment in all human settlements in the district.

Local Government Inspectorate This unit is headed by a local government inspector which is charged with the duty of supervising revenue collection and assessing revenue cash books and receipts.

Internal Audit Unit The Internal Audit Unit was just recently established as an internal control system within the Assembly. The unit examines all payment vouchers and inspects the Assembly’s stores periodically and also advices the Assembly on proper and standard financial management procedures and practices.

1.59. DECENTRALIZED DEPARTMENTS The following decentralized departments are present and functioning in the district: 1) District Agricultural Development Unit (DADU) 2) Ghana Education Services (GES) 3) Department of Social Welfare 4) Department of Community Development 5) Department of Town and Country Planning 6) Information Services Department 7) Department of Births and Deaths 8) Statistical Services Department

1.60. SUB-DISTRICT STRUCTURES The operationalization of the Area Councils continues to be a concern to the Assembly and in its determination to get the councils functioning, a secretary and a watchman were recruited for all the seven Area Councils in the district. The secretaries and all the councillors have been given training on their roles and responsibilities, the district planning system and budgeting as well as the principles of team building and team work.

All the seven Area Councils in the district have office accommodation but it must also be made categorically clear that all the offices are in a very deplorable state.

However, most of the members who acquired these trainings have left the councils especially those who were government appointees. Hence, there is the need for appointment of new government appointees in order to continue with the work of the Area Councils. Another big challenge has also been the ability of the Assembly to pay the secretaries and the watchmen. Their salaries have been in arrears for sometime now. Most

of them have also complained about the lack of motivation which is actually affecting the work of the Area Councils.

Currently, the Assembly is yet to cede revenue to the Area Councils which is one of their core functions and the earlier that is done the better for the Assembly in terms of revenue mobilization.

In furtherance of grassroots participation in decision-making the Community Based Rural Development Project (CBRDP) and the Assembly adopted three (3) Area Councils in the district and provided them with funds to implement projects from their Area Council plans which have ultimately built the capacities of these Area Councils. It is hoped that this would be scaled up to enable other Area Councils also build their capacities. Ibis a non governmental organization geared towards promoting good governance is also supporting the District Assembly to build the capacities of these Area Councils. 1.61. FUNCTIONS OF THE ASSEMBLY Like all District Assemblies in Ghana, the Bongo District Assembly performs executive, deliberative and legislative functions. However, in specific terms it performs the following functions: a) Preparation and submission to government through Regional Co-ordinating Council for approval, the development plan and budgets for the district. b) Formulation of programmes and strategies for effective revenue mobilization and utilization of human, physical, financial and other resources in the district c) Promotion and provision of support for productive activity and social development in the district as well as creation of an enabling environment for initiatives and development d) Development of programmes to develop basic infrastructure of education, roads etc as well as provide principal works and services in the entire district e) Development, improvement and management of human settlements and the environment in the district. f) Maintenance of security and public safety in the district in collaboration with the security services in the district. g) Provision of ready access to courts in the district for the promotion of justice h) Initiate, finance or carry out studies that may be necessary for the discharge of functions conferred on the Assembly by law or any enactment.

1.62. TRADITIONAL AUTHORITY The traditional authority in the district revolves around one paramount chief known as the Bonaba, there are eleven divisional chiefs and thirty-one sub-chiefs who support the Bonaba in the administration of the traditional area. In addition to these chiefs, there are Tindana’s who literally are the land owners and for that matter are responsible for

pacifying the gods in times of calamities. They also make sacrifices on behalf of the chiefs. So far the district has not witnessed any chieftaincy dispute and the commendation goes to the traditional authorities and people of the traditional area. It is hoped that this would be maintained since peace is a prerequisite for rapid development.

1.63. ACCOUNTABILITY Accountability breeds mutual trust between right bearers and duty bearers. For instance, accountability on the part of the Assembly on how Internally Generated Funds are utilized could serve as a motivation for tax payers to honour their obligations. It is in the light of the above that the Assembly over the past years has put in place some measures to promote accountability on the part of the Assembly. The Assembly has instituted regular engagements with rate payers especially during the fee fixing resolution and preparation of the budget.

In addition, the Assembly has also organized joint engagement meetings between rate payers, revenue collectors and management of the Assembly so as to hear from them their concerns and how they can be addressed. Moreover, the Assembly has introduced both the revenue and expenditure charts which are posted publicly to enable the general public know what comes in as revenue every month and how it is expended. It will also enable the general public to assess the Assembly’s performance in terms of revenue mobilization.

Despite all these, there is still more room for improvement. There is the need to organize interface meetings between service providers and service clients so as to create the platform for clients to express their concerns while it would also afford service providers the opportunity to explain their operations to the service clients. Moreover, the Assembly could organize town hall meetings especially at the Area Council levels to afford the citizenry the opportunity to ask government functionaries questions regarding certain policies and how they would be affected either positively or negatively by those policies.

It is expected that when these things are put in place it would go a long way to promoting accountability hence leading to the rapid socio-economic development of the district.

1.64. PARTICIPATION OF THE CITIZENRY Citizen participation especially in the planning process in the district has been encouraging. The process usually starts with the preparation of Community Action Plans (CAPS) which are then harmonized at the Area Council Level through public hearings. These harmonized plans are then incorporated into the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) through stakeholder meetings at the district level.

When the draft Medium-Term Development Plan is prepared, there is public hearing at the district level to afford opportunity for those who could not participate in the stakeholder meetings and the public hearings to make their inputs before it is finalized and adopted as a working document for the district. The participants of this public hearing comprises a cross section of the district’s population including traditional authorities, women’s groups, Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), political parties, traders, professional groupings etc. However, these processes must be enhanced to enable the citizenry own the entire development process in the district.

1.65. SECURITY Police The district has a district police command in the district with a modern police station. There is a district police commander with 27 men and women working under him. However, the police in Bongo are saddled with several challenges including inadequate residential accommodation, inadequate manpower, and inadequate logistics like transport, communication gadgets etc.

The above-mentioned situation does not augur well for the development of the district especially the case where we share common borders with our neighbours Burkina Faso. The district would need more personnel to be able to check cross border crimes and internal crimes like armed robbery, stealing and drug peddling. It is also important that residential accommodation is provided to the police to enable them work better. The district should also consider putting up police posts so that areas very close to the border, there police officers stationed there can check any nefarious activities by any detractors.

Fire The Bongo District fire station was opened in 1993 with staff strength of six in a structure formerly used by P&T and now the Bongo Rural Bank. The station relocated to its present location in 2003. The station currently has staff strength of close to 30 personnel. a. Office Accommodation: There is the need to put up a new modern fire station to befit the status of the district. Already, an area has been allocated to the service for the construction of both residential and office accommodation. However, the land was not properly acquired hence private developers have encroached on it. b. Equipment for fire fighting: There is presently no fire tender in the district. There is therefore the need for a new dual purpose tender accompanied by its accessories to cover the district. It is imperative for hydrants to be installed to facilitate easy supply of water for emergency purposes. c. Communication facilities: There are no communication facilities at the fire station. With regards to the duties of the Fire service, communication is very key and all efforts must be made to provide the service with communication gadgets to enable

them perform their duties better especially in receiving and transmitting messages on emergencies and also acting promptly. d. Training of Fire Volunteers: The Bongo fire station has been able to train about 1,255 fire volunteers, but due to financial constraints, the volunteers have not been motivated to perform their duties efficiently. The volunteers do not also have equipment to fight bush fires when they occur; they only have tree branches as their fire fighting tools. Apart from that, the volunteers do not have any protective clothing and these have served as disincentive to the volunteers. Considering the risk that the district finds itself in terms of fire disasters, it would be appropriate that measures are put in place to equip the Fire service in Bongo to enable them perform their mandated functions effectively.

1.66. DISASTER MANAGEMENT Bongo district over the years has experienced a lot of emergencies and disasters which range from man-made, natural to health related ones. In all these instances the socio- economic wellbeing of the people has been disrupted. The prevalent ones are epidemics such as CSM, Cholera and Anthrax. Pests and insects infestation mostly armyworms as well as floods, wind/rainstorms, bush fires and of late HIV/AIDS have become common in the district.

Another disturbing phenomenon which is a disaster is the activities of Fulani herdsmen which have both environmental and social consequences. Some of the disasters have trends and can be traced or occur between certain periods. For instance, CSM and army worm outbreaks can be traced to every ten years especially during very hot seasons. Cholera can also be traced to periods when there are heavy rains causing flooding thus contaminating water sources.The district has a disaster management office and their response mechanism has always been relief after the disaster has occurred. It is important that NADMO focuses more on prevention by embarking on sensitization programmes to educate the public on these disasters and how they can be avoided or prevented. It must also be indicated that NADMO can only do these if it is given the needed logistics and manpower. There is also the need for regular trainings to equip the staff with the requisite knowledge and skills to be able to deliver on their mandate. It is important that the stages of disaster management at the pre-disaster, disaster/emergency and post emergency stages as spelt out in the Bongo District Disaster Preparedness Plan should be adhered to. 1.67. SOCIAL SERVICES EDUCATION Education is said to be the key that unlocks the door of underdevelopment and that is why two of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are education specific which are universal primary education and the attainment of gender parity in terms of education.

The number of circuits has been increased from five to ten in the last three years to make supervision easier and effective. In terms of institutions, the district has 65 Kindergartens, 65 Primary Schools, 35 Junior High Schools, 1 Vocational Institute and 3 Senior High Schools. The table below shows the breakdown of the institutions: SCHOOL PUBLIC PRIVATE TOTAL Kindergarten 63 2 65 Primary 63 2 65 Junior High School 34 1 35 Senior High School 2 1 3 Vocational/Technical 1 - 1

TOTAL 163 5 169

Enrolment Levels Enrolment in Primary Year Boys Girls Total 2006/2007 11,004 12,448 23,452 2007/2008 11,158 10,816 22,126 2008/2009 1,544 1,350 2,894 2009/2010 10,593 10,256 20,849 From the table there has been increase in enrolment between 2006 to 2008 for both boys and girls.

However, in 2008 and 2009 enrolment for both boys and girls reduced but that of girls reduced drastically. There was again a sharp increase in enrolment in 2009/2010 for both boys and girls with the boys slightly ahead. Enrolment in JHS Year Boys Girls Total 2006/2007 2,499 2,527 5,026 2007/2008 2,851 3,019 5,870 2008/2009 2,930 3,518 6,261 2009/2010 2,918 3,238 6,156

From the table, it is clear that enrolment is in favour of the girls. From 2006 to 2010, there has been constant increase in enrolment for girls than for boys.

The picture at the primary level which is in favour of both is sharply different from the situation at the JHS level which is clearly in favour of girls. This has been due to interventions put in place by donors and NGOs to encourage girls to go to school. This includes Supplementary School Feeding Programme for girls by the World Food

Programme & Catholic Relief Services. Provision of bicycles and school uniform as well as sandals by World Vision Ghana, ISODEC and other development partners.

Availability of Teachers The table below shows the number of teachers at the various levels, that is Kindergarten, Primary and Junior High School in the district. TRAINED UNTRAINED GRAND TOTAL SCHOOL M F TOTAL M F TOTAL M F TOTAL Junior High School 130 31 161 35 2 37 165 33 198 Primary 183 32 215 89 38 127 272 70 342 Kindergarten 15 20 35 2 27 29 17 47 64 TOTAL 328 83 411 126 67 193 454 150 604

Considering the enrolment levels at the Primary and JHS levels, it is clear that the number of teachers in the district vis a vis the enrolment levels is inadequate. It is also obvious from the table that there are more, male teachers than female teachers in the district and also majority of the female teachers are in the untrained category. This means that most girls in the district are not making the requirement for entry into teacher training colleges in the country.

There is therefore no motivation for the young ones to aspire to enter the training college since there are no role models for them to emulate.

The teacher-pupil ratio currently stands at 31:1 for JHS and 62:1 for Primary. Considering this against the national standard of 35:1 for Primary and 22:1 for JHS, the district has a lot of work to do in this area. It means that close to half of the class in both the Primary and JHS has no access to the teacher.

School Infrastructure The district currently has 3 Senior High Schools, 33 Junior High Schools, 65 Primary schools and 65 Kindergartens. The district has not faired badly at all in the area of school infrastructure. The number of school infrastructure for the basic level keeps increasing every year. From 2003/2006, Kindergarten blocks have increased from 33 to 62 whiles Primary school block increased from 45 to 63 within the same period, and JHS blocks increased from 33 to 42.

However, with the current policy of attaching every primary school with a kindergarten, the district would have to embark upon the construction of additional kindergarten blocks for new schools and replace the mud constructed kindergartens initiated by the

communities. The district should also consider putting up primary school in order to decongest the overcrowded ones whilst providing JHS blocks for newly established JHSs.

The two Senior High Schools in Bongo and Gowrie need infrastructural expansion whiles the newly established SHS in Zorko needs permanent structures to be able to provide quality teaching and learning to students.

Furniture The furniture situation in the district is not very bad. However, all newly constructed school blocks require furniture whiles some of the old furniture are damaged beyond repairs. The district would have to look at this critically if it wants to provide quality teaching and learning in the schools. It is common to see especially at the Kindergartens level some pupils sitting on the floor to read and write.

The district should also consider awarding holistic projects that is every construction of a school block should go with provision of furniture. This would go a long way to solving the furniture problem in the district.

Teacher accommodation There are close to over 40 teachers’ accommodation in the district. However, less than the number is in use. Several and various reasons have been assigned for the non-use of the teachers’ quarters as indicated below: a) No electricity b) Wrong sitting of the facilities c) Teachers desire to stay in town

Toilet facilities With regard to the toilet facilities for pupils and teachers, the district has not faired badly. Every new school block goes with a KVIP and urinal. However, some schools do not have adequate toilets facilities due to the high enrolment. The district should identify such schools and provide additional sanitary facilities for them. This would go a long way to promote effective teaching and learning in the schools especially the girl-child.

Moreover, the district should consider detaching female toilets from that of the male in order to promote girl-child education in the district. This is because, if the girl-child has her privacy especially during menstruation, she will not skip school but rather go to school because she is assured of her privacy.

BECE Performance The table below shows the performance of candidates who sat for the BECE from 2006- 2009 Year 2006 2007 2008 2009

% Boys 57.2 47.9 45.6 36.3 % Girls 34.7 30.6 26.1 23.9 % Total 45.9 39.4 35.9 30.1

It is clear from the table that performance at the BECE has been decreasing over the years. Total pass in 2006 was 45.9% and dropped sharply to 30.1% in 2009. The performances of both boys and girls have been decreasing from 2006 to 2009 but that of girls have been dropping sharply. While in 2006, the performance of girls was 34.7% it dropped sharply to 23.9% in 2009. The district has a lot of work to do in this area in order to arrest the situation before it gets out of hand. The Ghana Education Service (GES) in the district must intensify its supervisory role and also organize in-service training to enhance the skills of teachers.

Whilst the GES is doing this, parents and guardians as well as traditional authorities also have a big role to play. Some of the cultural practices such as early marriages and others that are inimical to the girl-child must stop. Development Partners should also develop interventions that will encourage the girl-child to go to school and stay in school till completion.

Vocational/Entrepreneurial skills There are a few vocational, technical and community based institutions in the district specialised in skills propagation and entrepreneurial development especially for the teeming unemployed youth in the district.

The district currently has only one vocational institute in Bongo through the efforts of World Vision Ghana, the District Assembly and the Department of Community Development. The institute is located at the Resource Centre in the district and trains only women & men in courses such as catering, fashion and design, batik tie and dye making, home management and needle work. A board of directors have also been constituted to see to the day-to-day administration of the institute.

However, the institute has some teething problems which needs urgent attention. The institute currently has no boarding facilities and considering the fact that the Resource Centre is far removed from town, students find it difficult walking the long distance and when they do, they get tired and this affects teaching and learning. There is therefore, the need to put up a hostel to house the students in order to make teaching and learning effective. There is also the need to put up additional classrooms in order to enrol more students into the institute. This is expected to give a lot of the youth employable skills in the district which would ultimately lead to poverty reduction.

On the area of entrepreneurial skills, there are a number of master craftsmen like carpenters, masons, painters, and electrical works who have formed an association known as the Bongo District Building and Construction Association and they have trained several youth especially young men in these areas. The training is normally done at their shops through the hand-on approach.

Other community-based vocational apprenticeship training in the district comprises basket weaving, dressmaking, hairdressing, cloth weaving which is normally patronized by young women in the district. These groups have also formed associations in the district.

Another area that the youth could also engage themselves is computer training and the Resource Centre in the district offers this opportunity.

1.68. GENDER PARITY The participation of both the boy child and girl child in education is very important for the socio-economic development of any society. It is in recognition of this fact that the MDGs are concerned about gender parity.

The High Impact Rapid Delivery (HIRD) Supplementary Survey, 2007 indicates that the ratio of girls to boys attending primary school in the Bongo District (GPI) was 1.02 whiles the GPI at the Secondary level was 1.24. This means that at the entry point in the primary level, there are more girls but as they advance to the secondary level, the number decreases. The district must put in place measures to ensure that girls enter school and stay until they complete.

1.69. HEALTH CARE The health care system in the district is built around 1 hospital, 4 health centres, 2 clinics, 12 functional CHPS Zones and 63 outreach points, 10 feeding centres and 1 rehabilitation centre.

The district health administration is managed by a District Health Management Team (DHMT) and supported by Sub-District Health Management Teams in all six sub- districts.

1.70. INCIDENCE OF DISEASES Malaria continues to be the number one public health issue in the district as in most parts of the region and the country at large. The incidence of malaria from 2007 to 2009 is as indicated in the table below: Malaria Control INDICATOR 2007 2008 2009

Total Out Patient visits 38,552 58,118 70,827 Attendance due to Malaria cases 20,027 28,197 35,751 (52%) (48.5%) (50.5%) Total Admissions 3,638 3,815 3,961 Malaria Admissions 1,300 2,045 2,215 (35.7%) (54.6%) (56%) Total deaths 61 115 136 Malaria deaths 30 (49%) 59 (51.3%) 64 (47%)

From the above table it is obvious that malaria is the number one in OPD attendances, admissions and deaths. In 2007 for instance, 52% of OPD attendance was due to malaria and in 2008 it was 48.5% and 2009 50.5%. That is malaria accumulated for more than half of OPD attendance in all three years. It was the same for admissions in all three years accounting for 35.7%, 54.6% and 56%. Malaria again was the leading cause of death in all the three years accounting for 49% in 2007, 51.3% in 2008 and 47% in 2009.

This situation is alarming and the district must put in place measures to address this problem in order to avoid losing its human resource which will ultimately affect productivity in the district.

1.71. AVAILABILITY OF INSECTICIDE TREATED NETS (ITN) Malaria as already indicated continues to be a major public health concern and is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, especially among children under five and pregnant women.

It is highly recommended that the use of insecticide treated nets is one sure way of preventing malaria and can dramatically reduce mortality rates among children. According to the HIRD Supplementary Survey, the Upper East region indicates that more than half (56%) of households had at least one mosquitoes net and most of the mosquitoes nets (53%) used at household level were insecticide treated nets.

In the Bongo district, 57.9% of households had at least one mosquito treated net. With regards to children sleeping under a bed net, Bongo had 76.4% whiles children who slept under uninsecticide treated net accounted for 76%. Those who did not sleep under a net were 23.6%. Even though, the picture looks good in the district a lot more needs to be done to encourage especially pregnant women and children under five to sleep under insecticide treated nets.

1.72. HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS has become an epidemic the world over. The disease has become illusive to many scientists in getting a cure for it and the only option left is to prevent it. It is in the light of this that the UN General Assembly has called on governments the world over to improve the knowledge and skills of especially young people to protect themselves from the disease.

The HIV/AIDS situation in the district keeps increasing. In 2008, the district recorded 33 cases and the figure doubled by 2009. From 2007 to 2009, there were 16 pregnant women with the disease.

According to the High Impact Rapid Delivery (HIRD) Supplementary Survey, 2007 (District MICS), in the Upper East Region women between the ages 15-49 who have heard of AIDS was 97%. However, those who knew of all the three main ways of preventing HIV transmission in the region were 62%. In the Bongo district those who heard of AIDS 90.4% whiles those who knew all the three ways of preventing HIV was 55.9%. This is ample evidence that knowledge of the disease is high but ways of preventing it is very low. The district would have to put in measures to educate the people thoroughly especially on ways of preventing the disease and also providing youth friendly centres for counselling and testing of HIV/AIDS. The district should also endeavour to provide condoms at vantage points for those who want to use them.

1.73. GUINEA WORM The district has not record guinea worm cases from within the district. The cases seen in the district are imported cases mostly from the Northern region of Ghana. As at the first quarter of 2010, only one suspected case was identified and even turned out not to be guinea worm.

1.74. AVAILABILITY OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AND INFRASTRUCTURE The district is currently facing acute shortage of health professionals. There is only one doctor manning the district hospital with two Cuban doctors and few medical assistants. The clinical nurse situation in the district is also not the best. The nurses are few such that you can have nurse-patient ratio of 40,000: 1. The district also lacks critical staff such as X- ray technicians, midwives etc.

The health infrastructure situation in the district is not the best either. The district hospital currently is overcrowded and over stretched and needs to be expanded to be able to accommodate the increasing numbers of clients to the hospital. Residential accommodation for doctors and nurses is also a big challenge facing the health sector and

measures should be put in place to provide these facilities in order to attract health professionals to the district.

Moreover, the district health directorate has divided the district into 36 CHPS Zones in order to bring healthcare to the doorsteps of the people. However, there are only twelve CHPS Zones in the district currently, which means that we have not even halved the figure and the MDGs which must be met by 2015 is just around the corner. Efforts must be made to provide structures for all the 36 CHPS zones to enable a lot of people have access to healthcare.

In addition, equipment at the hospital is inadequate considering the number of people who patronise the services of the district hospital. This must also be looked at critically so as to prevent avoidable deaths at the hospital and other health facilities in the district.

1.75. STATUS OF THE DISTRICT HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME Since the inception of the District Health Insurance Scheme in 2004, the scheme has been making strides in the district. All communities have been visited in the district by personnel of the District Health Insurance Scheme. As at December, 2009, 64,379 of the district population had registered out of about 90,000 and above people.

The District Health Insurance Scheme made the following claims as at August 2009:  Attendance of subscribers : 130,110  Claims paid : GH¢1,185,307.98  Pregnant women : 3,223  Payment for pregnant women : GH¢78,252.00

However, the scheme is facing some challenges including the invasion by residents of Burkina Faso and insufficient payment by government for pregnant women.

The District Health Insurance Scheme should intensify its educational drive in order to ensure that majority of people in the district enrol onto the scheme. The scheme should also find a way of speeding up the process of acquiring the cards to enable the insured access healthcare.

1.76. ACCESS TO HEALTH FACILITIES Access to health facilities in the district is still a big challenge especially with regard to physical accessibility. The road network in the district is poor coupled with the dispersed settlement pattern makes it difficult for patients to arrive at the health facility on time to access health care.

The lack of health facilities at the sub-district and community levels also makes it impossible for majority of people in the district to access health facilities. It is important that the district provides CHPS Compounds to cover all the 36 zones in order to make access to health facilities possible.

1.77. INFANT MORTALITY Infant mortality in general and under-five mortality in particular is one of the yard sticks for measuring a country’s socio-economic status or situation and also shows the quality of life of the population. Issues of child mortality are also critical for population projection and planning for the future. In the Bongo district, from 2007 the infant mortality rates have been increasing and the major cause of these deaths have been attributed to malaria. In 2007,there was only 1 death, in 2008 it went up to 2, in 2009 there were 3 deaths and in the first quarter of 2010, there were 7 deaths and these were attributed to meningitis which broke out in the district in the first quarter of 2010 and as usual malaria. (Source: DHMT,BONGO). The district would have to work hard in the area of infant mortality especially encouraging mothers to report early when they see signs of illness in their children and also monitoring mothers at the community level.

1.78. MATERNAL MORTALITY Maternal mortality just like infant mortality is also an indicator of a country’s socio- economic development and equally so for the district. One of the MDGs is geared towards reducing maternal mortality by the year 2015. In the Bongo district, in 2009, there were 2 deaths in 1000 deliveries. This means that the district is doing well in maternal mortality but would need to put in more measures to control maternal mortality.

1.79. SUPERVISED DELIVERIES The provision of assistance by skilled attendants during delivery can greatly reduce both maternal and infant mortality due to the use of technically appropriate procedures and accurate and speedy diagnosis and treatment of complications. The single most critical intervention for safe motherhood is to ensure that a competent health worker with midwifery skills is present at birth. According to the High Impact Rapid Delivery (HIRD) Supplementary Survey, in the Upper East region, about 40% of births occurring within 2 years prior to the survey in 2007 were delivered by skilled personnel.

In the Bongo district as at 2009 the district had achieved 55.6% supervised deliveries as compared to 50% which is the national target. This implies that the district has exceeded the national target of 50%. However, the district would have to continue to put in pragmatic measures to ensure that pregnant women are delivered by skilled attendants.

1.80. WATER AND SANITATION Access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation is one of the targets of the Seventh MDG of ensuring environmental sustainability. Under this goal, countries are expected to ensure increase in the proportion of the population with sustainable access to an improved water source and sanitation. Improving household access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation reduces the level of vulnerability to health hazards. Infact, the surest way to prevent the outbreak of diseases such as malaria, diarrhoea and other water borne diseases is to improve access to safe drinking water and safe sanitation.

Access to safe drinking water refers to the increased proportion of households drawing water from safe sources such as pipes, boreholes and protected wells. (a) Water supply sources There is a variety of water sources which communities in the Bongo district depends on and theses sources are almost the same in the dry and raining seasons. However, the source mostly used in the district is borehole, hand-dug wells fitted with pumps and stand pipes located mostly in the district capital. The table below depicts safe water supply in the dry and raining seasons. Dry Season Raining season Main water supply sources Number Proportion Number Proportion Boreholes 272 80% 247 81% Hand-dug Wells with pumps 49 14.4% 37 12.1% Stand Pipes 9 2.6% 9 3.0% Others 7 2.1% 10 3.3% Private connections 3 0.9% 2 0.7% TOTAL 340 100% 305 100% Source: Household Survey, 2008

(b) Functionality of the water points The household survey carried out in the district numbered 205 water points of which 80 are modern sources split as follows 42 boreholes and 33 wells fitted with pumps. However, the survey revealed that almost one third of these safe water points were not functional. The table below shows water points functionality level in the district by Area councils. Table: Water point functionality level (Source: Household Survey in 2008) Area Council Functional Non-functional Functionality Balungu 4 3 42.9% Bongo 13 1 7.1% Namoo 12 8 40% Valley Zone 10 6 37% Soe 3 1 25%

Zorko 13 6 32% Total 55 25 31% From the table, the functionality level of the water facilities in the Area councils varies considerably and ranges from 7% in Bongo to 42.9% in Balungu. Bongo Town Council has the greatest number of boreholes which are all functional. The non functionality of some of the water points was due to the presence of high fluoride in the water.

(c) Accessibility to safe water sources This was assessed using criteria such as distance between houses and water points, time spent to access water, quantity per day and per capita and financial affordability.

Distance: this corresponds to the distance people have to travel to get access to water. The survey in 2008 showed that in all seasons 64% of households go less than 500m and 36% travel 500m to 2 km to access water. Therefore on the basis of the national standard of 500m it can be said that overall, the distance required to travel for water nationally is not met in the district if we consider the proportion of people living beyond 500m from water points. Almost half of them travel more than 1 km. The survey also revealed that averages of 48% of households are not happy with the location of water points and 80% of these households mentioned the remoteness of the water source especially in the dry season.

Time: the issue of time spent at the water point varies and is based on many criteria such as distance, type of water point and the crowd at the water points. From the survey conducted in 2008, 91% and 87% households in the dry and raining seasons respectively need more than 15 minutes to access water.

Conditions for access to water: paying for water is not a common practice among majority of people in the district. Indeed, whatever the period of the year more than 2/3 of households are said to freely have access to water. Some households contribute with money paid either as an annual lump sum (more than 60% households) flat amount per month (31.5%) payment by container (about 5% and monthly billing 0.4%) for people with private/individual connections.

Table: conditions for access to water Conditions for access Dry Season Raining Season Number Proportion Number Proportion Annual lump sum contribution 182 62.3% 169 62.8% Monthly lump sum contribution 92 31.5% 86 32% Paying by the container 18 6.2% 13 4.8%

Private /Individual - - 1 0.4% Total 292 100% 269 100% Source: Household Survey, 2008

Whatever payment mode is used, 79.9% of households reported that the cost of water is affordable for 54.8% households, the unit cost is said to be less than GH¢ 1 and the remaining 6.8% say it is GH¢ 5 whiles 31.7% advocate for a cost ranging from GH¢ 1 to GH¢ 3. The situation here means that maintenance of water points would be a challenge since people are not willing to pay for their use.

Water coverage rate by Area Councils (Source: Household Survey, 2008)

WATER HOUSEHOLD NUMBER NUMBER OF NUMBER OF COVERAGE INTERVIEWED OF LITRES/HOUSEHOLD LITRE/CAPI LITRES TA Valley Zone 45 1,145 25 3 Balungu 30 770 26 3 Zorko 60 1,860 31 4 Namoo 45 1,560 35 5 Bongo 61 2,200 36 5 Soe 30 1,260 42 6 Beo 30 1,540 51 7 TOTAL 301 10,335 34 5

From the table, is it obvious that water coverage in the district is still on the low side. This is explained by the area with extreme water constraints especially places where the facilities are insufficient and the functionality is also an issue. A good example is Valley zone and Balungu Area Councils where functionality is an issue whiles Namoo, Zorko and Soe Area Councils have high water constraints due to high fluoride contents in the water. Bongo Town Council is the least constrained in terms of water due to the presence of mechanised boreholes, standpipes and the recent establishment of the Small Towns Water System. Meanwhile, the High Impact Rapid Delivery (HIRD) Supplementary Survey, 2007/2008 indicates that the use of boreholes is significant in the Upper East region with 67 percent

as compared to Upper West region with 78 percent which is an improved source of water supply.

It is evident from the above that a significant proportion of people in the Bongo District and for that matter the Upper East region still use some sources of unimproved water such as dams, lakes, rivers, streams, ponds and canals.

1.81. WASTE MANAGEMENT (a) Solid waste Solid waste management in the district is mainly crude dumping. Refuse generated in homes are used for compositing. The indigenous people store refuse in their kraals and with dropping from animals to prepare compost manure for their farmlands. The few public places that generate refuse are the market squares, lorry stations, health facilities and schools.

However, in recent times, the polythene bags have become a serious nuisance and can be seen scattered all over the district. Refuse gathered at the public places by the few sanitary labourers and Zoomlion riders are stored in refuse containers. There is at least one container in each Area Council. These containers are placed in the market squares and are picked any time they become full. The refuse are disposed off on peoples’ farms on request since the district lacks a final disposal site.

The few refuse tools and equipment are indicated below: NO. TOOL/EQUIPMENT DA ZOOMLION REMARKS 1. Wheel barrows 2 - 2. Dust bins 2 - 3. Containers 6 6 Five of the DA containers have their doors broken 4. Tractor 1 - No battery for the tractor 5. Skip loaders - -

(b) Liquid waste About 80% of the population in Bongo practice open defecation. The few public places of convenience are sited in the central portions of the various centres. The absence of enough household toilets in almost all communities gives room for open defecation. There are conservancy labourers who attend to the public toilets. The septic tank latrines are siphoned once in a year since the district lacks a final disposal site for liquid waste. The few public toilets are indicated below:

TYPE BONGO SOE BALUNGU NAMOO GOWRIE ZORKO BEO TOTAL STL 4 - 1 1 1 2 - 9 KVIP 3 2 - - - - 1 6 ENV. LOO 1 - - - - 1 - 2 Urinal 3 4 1 - - - 1 9 PRIVATE WC 62 0 0 0 50 0 0 110 VIP 55 12 74 192 13 0 5 351

Out of the one hundred and sixty-six schools, seventy-three have toilet facilities. These are all KVIPs. It is clear from the table that the types of public toilets used in the district are septic tank and KVIPs. Apart from the government bungalows which use water closets, all the private household toilets are KVIPs. A survey carried out in the district in 2008 indicates that 4% of households said they own household latrines. Latrine coverage rate in the district is as low as 9%. The survey also indicated that the public toilets in the district serve only 8% of the total population.

The district would have to work hard in the areas of sanitation in order to curb the occurrence of any sanitation related diseases. (c) Storm water drainage The drainage in Bongo is not the best, eventhough the district is confronted with perennial erosion especially during the raining season. Water drains in the district are indicated below: NO. LOCATION ESTIMATED LENGTH 1. Bongo Central 1,500m 2. Beo 50m 3. Zorko 50m 4. Soe 600m All the above drains flow into streams and rivers.

SULLAGE CONVEYANCE Open space sullage is common in the district as there is no sewerage system and gutters. The existing systems are the bathrooms and a few soak aways. The bath houses in the various Areas Councils are indicated in the table below: NO. AREA BATH SOAK GUTTER HOUSES PITS (LENGTH) 1. Bongo Town Council 3,488 22 120m

2. Balungu Area 1.099 - - Council 3. Valley Zone 1,059 - - 4. Zorko Area Council 3,857 38 - 5. Beo Area Council 1,573 - - 6. Namoo Area Council 3,507 21 - 7. Soe Area Council 1,124 - -

(d) Health Care and Industrial Waste There is one (1) district hospital located in the district capital (Bongo). There are four (4) health centres located in the Zorko, Namoo, Soe and Valley Zone Area Councils.

Types of solid refuse generated from these institutions are mainly plastics and bottles as well as paper. Disposal of these wastes is done by either the Assembly or Zoomlion whenever refuse containers placed there are full. There is no major industrial establishment in the district.

Plastic waste dominates the waste from the health institutions. As such there are two (2) refuse containers placed at the District Hospital for prompt collection and disposal. Below is a table showing the major types of wastes and their percentages of total waste generated.

NO. WASTE TYPE VOLUME 1. Organic 15% 2. Paper 25% 3. Plastic 45% 4. Miscellaneous 15%

(e) Environmental sanitation education The Environmental Sanitation Unit with support from Development Partners such as World Vision Ghana (WVG) and UNICEF have carried out hygiene education focussing on the following:  School health  Food hygiene  Pump site education The target groups in these education programmes are pupils in Basic schools, food vendors and butchers as well as communities. A survey conducted in 2008, revealed that most communities have a positive perception with regard to water quality. About 99% of households said they

cleaned containers used to fetch water before fetching water whilst more than 60% said they covered the containers after fetching the water.

1.82. NEEDS ASSESSMENT OF SANITATION The assessment of the environmental needs of the district would be based principally on both liquid and solid waste management. Liquid waste management The management of liquid waste is made up of the collection, transportation and disposal of excreta from the few public toilet facilities available. The types of toilets which can be siphoned are septic tanks and enviro-loo toilet. Out of nine (9) septic tanks, only four can be effectively siphoned. The rest are caked, due to inadequate use of water. The table below shows the current service capacity and the gaps.

CATEGORY OF CURRENT SERVICE NUMBER NEEDED SERVICE Collection Facility Number Capacity No. Capacity Public STL 9 12 seater 25 12-20 KVIP 6 4-10 30 6-12 Enviro-loo 1 10 12 12 Household WC 110 - 600 - VIP 359 - 2000 - Institution (school) KVIP 73 2-4 310 6-12

Health institutions WC 6 - 23 -

Solid waste management CATEGORY OF CURRENT SERVICE NUMBER NEEDED SERVICE Collection Facility Number Capacity No. Capacity House to house 0 0 0 413 20m2

Block 0 0 0 200 10m2

Communal Container 12 15m 3 No more (6 communities) encouraged -

1.83. VULNERABILITY ANALYSIS Generally, vulnerability may be defined as the likelihood that an individual or group of people will have some stress in their livelihood which will have negative consequences on their well-being in future. The Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy Two (GPRS II) defines Vulnerability as “a state of deprivation based on poverty or lack of enjoyment of other rights and entitlements.”

The GPRS also argued that vulnerability leads to the exclusion of disadvantaged groups of men, women and children and people with disability from active participation in different aspect of society’s activities and results in them being unable to protect themselves against exploitation and risks.

The analysis of vulnerability in the district would consider the nature of shocks, the frequency of shocks and the groups vulnerable to these shocks. The coping mechanism of the groups would also be explored.

NO. NATURE OF SHOCK PERIOD OF VULNERABLE GROUP OCCURRENCE 1. Natural/Environmental shocks: During raining  Subsistence  Scarcity of fertile land (extremely season (once a farmers rocky terrain, high population year) pressures, soil erosion, erratic and inadequate rainfall)  Floods 2. Financial/Economic barriers: All year round  Women  Constrained employment  Youth opportunities (both unemployment  PWDs & underemployment) 3. Human assets barriers: All year round  Women Education/Skills  Girls  Low literacy levels  Boys  Occupational skills defects, low  PWDs retention levels 4. Barriers associated with physical All year round  Entire district infrastructure: population  Poor physical accessibility (seasonal streams)  Constraints in road motorability  Limited land for physical development 5. Gender/life cycle barriers:  Women  Inimical gender biased traditions  Children (Girls) e.g. widowhood rites, inequitable  PWDs assets ownership, curtailment of girls’ rights  Involvement of women in decision making

 Exploitative child labour 6. Other social barriers: All year round  PWDs  Exclusion of persons with disability  Women from decision making  Girls  Regressive funeral traditions  Night markets  Teenage pregnancy (a) Children in Difficult Circumstances In general, children in difficult circumstances include abused children, trafficked children, exploited children, children in conflict with the law, street children etc. These groups of children are described as “Children in Difficult Circumstances” because they are unable to rescue themselves from the present condition in which they find themselves. These are vulnerable people and hence need the assistance of an external body in order to bring a halt to the disruption in their social existence.

Generally, women and children are described as vulnerable groups and given these unfortunate circumstances, children become incapacitated. One issue that is common in the district is the issue of malnourished children in the district as a result of poverty; orphaned children are normally left to their fate.

(b) Child abuse In terms of how children in the district are vulnerable to abuse, one cannot easily pinpoint that since there are no figures to support the claim of whether they are prone to abuse or not. However, one thing that is certain is that places where illiteracy and poverty is high, children do not know their rights and hence does not know where to go when they are confronted with such issues and can easily be abused. There is therefore the need to embark on an educational drive to get people to understand children related issues especially child abuse. (c) Child Trafficking It has been observed that many a time, parents use the excuse of poverty to neglect their parental responsibilities. They often give their children out to people and receive a token as payment. Between the period 2002 to 2005, child trafficking was being practiced in the district, especially areas such as Vea, Anafobisi, Gorogo and Feo have experienced such practices but not many reported cases have come from those areas.

The trafficking of children in masses is not too rampant in the district. The kind experienced in the district is the case where parents allow their children to travel down south to search for greener pastures.

However, in 2006 there was collaboration between the Bongo District Assembly and the ILO to educate people on the dangers of child trafficking and this has contributed immensely to reducing the incidence of child trafficking in the district. (d) Child Labour Article 32 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child says “states parties recognize the rights of the child to be protected from economic exploitation and from performing any work that is likely to be hazardous or to interfere with the child’s education or be harmful to the child’s health or physical, mental, spiritual, moral or social development”

The basic right of children are also enshrined in the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and Children Act, 1998 (Act 560). The provisions in the law are geared towards protecting children from harmful and exploitative labour. Eventhough, there are no statistics at the district level to support child labour issues; it is evident that some children of school going age are engaged in one form of labour or the other. There are instances where children of school going age are engaged on farms during the raining season instead of being in school. The girls are also engaged in petty trading with their mothers instead of being in school. According to the High Impact Rapid Delivery Survey for 2007/2008 (HIRDS, 2007/2008), 45% of children aged 5-11 years are engaged in child labour in the three Northern regions. And among those involved in child labour activities, 37% of them are attending school whilst 49% are not.

(e) Persons With Disabilities Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) the world over have limited opportunities as compared to their able counterparts. According to the previous population census, PWDs number about 5,037 in the district which represents about 6.5% of the total population of the district. However, those who have registered with the Department of Social Welfare and have had their needs assessed are 2,000.

Many organizations such as the Legal Resource Centre and other organizations are helping PWDs to address some of their needs and concerns. The PWDs in the district have also formed vibrant associations such as the Association of the Blind, Association of the Deaf, Association of the Physical Challenged and the umbrella association known as the Federation of the Disabled.

The District Assembly has also been assisting Children With Disabilities (CWDs) who have gained admission in to special schools with various amounts corresponding to their T & T. The total number of such children stands at 94 and the Department of Social Welfare is still in the process of registering more. The District Assembly is again collaborating with the PWDs to build a resource centre for their activities but the process would have to be quickened.

Nevertheless, PWDs in the district still face a number of challenges owing to the cultural setup and systems which to some extent dehumanises PWDs still prevail in the district. For instance, there are people who still believe that PWDs are evil spirits and hence they imprison their children who have one disability or the other.

Another serious challenge is their participation in decision-making. A lot of PWDs are still left out of decision-making processes and hence their needs and concerns are not catered for. The Department of Social Welfare has embarked on education to ensure that this phenomenon is brought to an end.

(f) Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC’s) An Orphan and Vulnerable Child may be described as any person who is below 18 years and has lost one or both parents and who is exposed to moral, physical and psychological dangers as a result of neglect and/or abuse or incapacity whether or not one of the parents is alive. Most of these situations arise when children are made orphaned by HIV/AIDS and living with/without aged caretakers. The Department of Social Welfare intended to assist OVCs through their caretakers and it was observed that the number of OVCs in the district is quite high. Most of the issues related to malnourished children emanated from OVCs.

According to the High Impact Rapid Delivery Supplementary Survey 2007/2008, in the Upper East region children who lived with their mothers only was 5.6% and those who lived with their fathers only was 0.9%. It means that there are more OVCs living with mothers than fathers and this means additional burden on the mothers.

When it comes to issues of vulnerability, there must be institutions strong enough to serve as safety nets for vulnerable people. Institutions such as the Department of Social Welfare, NCCE, CHRAJ and NADMO should be in a position to provide safety nets for those groups of people.

However, though these institutions exist they are poorly resourced both in terms of human and material resources to be able to deal with such issues. It is therefore incumbent on both Government and the District Assembly to build the capacities of these institutions so that they can perform according to their mandate.

1.84. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT) The district is still challenged when it comes to ICT. The district currently has no internet facilities and officers most of the time has to travel to Bolgatanga, the regional capital to access internet services.

Eventhough, efforts are being seriously made to have internet connectivity in the district, the process has been very slow. There is currently a structure for the Community Information Centre (CIC) with computers and their accessories but connecting to the broadband has posed a very serious challenge. In terms of human resource to manage the centre, the Assembly has already recruited a manager for the centre.

Considering the fact that the world has become a global village and the important role that internet plays in information transmission within the global village, the district would have to be proactive in facilitating the installation of internet services in the district in order to facilitate the rapid development of the district.

1.85. HIV/AIDS At the turn of the Millennium, world leaders signed up to accelerate ongoing efforts towards global equity and development. These commitments are represented in a set of ambitious targets encapsulated in the eight (8) Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The sixth goal aims at combating HIV/AIDS, Malaria and other diseases.

In the Bongo District as at 2009 there were a total of 74 cases comprising 44 females and 30 males. This was after a total of 683 people were tested comprising 247 males and 436 females. A total of 677 people received post test counselling.

The HIV/AIDS prevalence in the Upper East region from 2004 to 2008 is indicated below:

HIV Prevalence–UER 2004-2008 SITE 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Bawku 3.6 4.6 3.4 3.8 1.4 Bolgatanga 3.8 2.2 3.4 2.6 2.0 Navrongo 2.8 2.0 3.3 2.0 2.8 Builsa (Rural Site) 2.2 1.6 2.8 1.4 1.6 Region 3.1 2.6 3.2 2.5 2.0 National 3.1 2.7 3.2 2.6 2.2 (2.22) (1.9) (1.7)

From the table, it would be realized that the prevalence in the region has been reducing from 2004 to 2008. However, there is no room for complacency. We will have to continue to educate people on the disease to improve knowledge on the disease.

The table below shows the PMTC sites in the region and the district from 2007 from to 2009. YEAR 2007 2008 2009

Region 43 47 81 Bongo - 6 7 Source: DHMT, Bongo Summary of PMTC in the Region INDICATORS 2007 2008 2009 No. of ANC 26,433 15,566 16,171 registered No. Tested 10,299 6,895 10,668 % Tested 39.0 44.2 65.9 No. Positive 160 93 74 % Positive 1.2 1.3 0.7 No. given ARVs 19 61 65 % given ARVs 31.7 65.6 87.8 Source: DHMT, Bongo From the table, one can see that more mothers are given ARVs in 2009, 87.8%. However, the number of positive cases has been reducing over the three years period.

1.86. OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTIONS AND STI One of the Opportunistic infections associated with HIV/AIDS is tuberculosis. The cases of tuberculosis in the Bongo District are as indicated below:

Estimated TB cases Vs. Achievement YEAR 2008 2009 Population 85,009 85,944 All type of TB expected 239 242 All types of TB detected 34 19 Smear positive TB expected 105 106 Smear positive TB detected 18 16 Source: DHMT, Bongo The TB cases in the district have been increasing in the district. However, the good news is that cure and treatment success rate has also been increasing. In 2008, it was 93% success rate, 83.3% in 2007 and 100% in 3rd quarter of 2008. This compares favourably with the national target of 85%.

1.87. GENDER Gender equality and women’s empowerment are key dimensions to ensuring sustainable development. Gender may be defined as the social construct or socially given attributes differentiating men and women, it also defines the way in which women and men

interact with each other. It is also culture specific and differentiates roles, responsibilities and obligation defined by social beliefs, norms, customs and practices.

Gender contrasts sharply with sex which refers to the biological difference between men and women and sex differences are the same across the world. Sex is a fact of human biology, it does not change whiles gender changes. Gender roles and characteristics are defined in relation to one another and through the relationship between women and men, girls and boys. Women in general and for that in the Bongo district are said to be engaged in triple roles whiles the men are said to be engaged in one routine role.

The triple role of the women includes reproductive, productive and community roles. The reproductive roles of women includes child bearing, maintaining home environment which includes food preparation, cleaning, carting water, providing wood fuel etc. The productive role refers to work for pay in cash and kind and work that saves household cash whiles community role refers to maintenance that is unpaid work for community benefit, maintaining communal resources etc. the same applies to girls who join their mothers to perform these roles.

It is argued that the engagement of women in these triple roles takes all their time and sometimes most of the work is unpaid for. This means that women do all the work but still remain the impoverished in the world and this is not different in the Bongo district.

According to the results of the Ghana Living Standards Surveys, a lower proportion of women, i.e. 8.6 percent are estimated to be in paid employment compared to men 26.9 percent in 2005/2006. Since then no progress has been made in reducing the proportion of women who are unpaid family workers. The proportion increased from 24.5% percent in 1998/9 to 28.5 percent in 2005/6.

Gender needs which refers to needs women have to overcome in terms of their disadvantages relative to men in society. They are needs that arise out of the gender division of labour and balancing of the triple role and also needs that arise out of inequality of access and status.

Gender needs generally are classified into practical and strategic. Practical needs usually facilitate existing gender roles, enable men and women to do existing work better, reduce work burden within roles. Examples are health, food, training, income etc. Strategic needs on the other hand, refers to changing existing gender roles and relative power, achieve greater equality with men, raise women’s status, power and choice, close access gaps, e.g. equal wages, legal rights, asset ownership, control of fertility, income and lifestyle.

Gender is said to be embedded in culture and the Bongo District still a rural setting, gender issues are quite prevalent in the district. Women still do not own land and hence does not control it. They are normally given small pieces of land to cultivate just for subsistence whiles majority of them farm on the family land which belongs to the man or head of household. A lot of cultural practices such as de-humanising widowhood rites are still perpetuated in the district and this affects the dignity and reputation of most women in the district. Women still find it difficult to access credit from financial institutions because they don’t own property and for that matter collateral security for the credit.

The girls are also not saved from these cultural practices. The practice of early marriage affects the education of most school going girls. It has also brought about teenage pregnancies, where girls in school have sexual relations with their betrothed suitors. Women are mostly engaged in household chores and for that matter water and sanitation are critical to them. However, some of these women would have to walk long distances to get potable water.

According to the High Impact Rapid Delivery Survey, 2007/2008 5 percent of women aged 15-49 years in marriage or union were married before 15 years and 40 percent before their 18th birthday while 11 percent of young women aged 15-19 years who are married or in union, those in rural areas are more likely to be married or in union (13 percent), compared to their counterparts living in urban areas (6 percent). Twenty-five percent of women 15-24 years who are married or in union have husband or partner ten or more years older than them.

With regards to health, most pregnant women especially in rural areas do not deliver in health facilities. According to the HIRD Survey, 2007/2008 about 40% of pregnant women delivered in health facilities, women in urban areas are more likely to deliver in health facilities (70%) compared to women in rural areas (30%). The survey also indicates that adult women are more likely to be responsible for fetching drinking water than men and children. In 48 percent of households, adult women collect household water either alone or with children compared to only 8 percent of adult men.

There are a lot of strategic needs that abound in the district. Currently, women are not very much part of decision-making structures in the district. For instance, the General Assembly is made up of 54 members and women constitute only 8 of them. It means that most of the decisions are made by men. As for the lower structures such as the Unit Committees and Area Councils, the number is much lower. At the Assembly Secretariat

there is no single woman within the management and at the decentralized department level, the number of women heading is simply insignificant, about one or two women.

Another strategic need issue is the ability of women in the district to recognize domestic violence and deal with it. The HIRD Survey, 2007/2008 indicates that in the Upper East region, acceptance of domestic violence is highest among women with little or no education (79 percent) compared to those with secondary or higher education (54 percent). It is obvious from the above analysis that if the Bongo District would want to develop rapidly and also sustain the development, then a lot would have to be done in the area of gender.

Currently, women are the most impoverished in the district eventhough they do most of the work. They must also be brought on board the decision-making processes of the district by participating in the District Assembly elections. The affirmative action could also be employed to get more women to the General Assembly and other decision- making structures. Pragmatic measures and strategies should also be put in place to enable women access credit from institutions to enable them embark on income generating activities to improve their lot to be able to support the family since it is an open secret that when women are resourceful they cater for the family than men.

Moreover, it has been realised that resource allocation is always skewed towards men and for that matter it has been advocated that we adopt Gender Responsive Budgets in order to ensure that there is equity in the allocation of resources for both women and men for balanced development. It has also been noticed that no development intervention can be effective if one segment of the population is not fully engaged in its design and implementation. Therefore, every effort must be made to bring on board the valuable contributions of women towards sound health and development at all levels.

1.89. LINKING HARMONIZED IDENTIFIED DEVELOPMENT PROBLEMS/ISSUES TO THE GSGDA 2010-2013 GSGDA THEMATIC AREAS

2010-2013 Improve Expande Accelerat Develo Transpa Sustain Reduci ment d Dev’t ed ping rent & able ng and of Agricultu Human Accoun Partner Poverty Harmonized sustenan Producti re Resour table ship and Identified ce of on Moderni ces for Govern betwee inequal Dev’t Macro- Infrastru zation & Nation ance n Gov’t ities Problem/Issu economi cture Agro- al & the e c Based Dev’t Private stability Industria Sector l Dev’t Low access to 2 potable water Low access to sanitation 2 facilities High fluoride content in 2 underground water Poor Road 2 2 Network Pressure on farmlands leading to 2 low crop yields High incidence of crops & 2 livestock diseases Low productivity in Guinea 2 fowl & Small ruminants Over reliance on rain fed 2 2 Agriculture Inadequate market for 2 finished produce Poor land management 2 practices

Deforestation 2 High incidence of 2 bushfires Poor performance 2 at BECE High drop- out rate 2 especially the girl-child Inadequate educational 2 infrastructure Inadequate sanitation 2 facilities in schools Inadequate trained 2 teachers Inadequate health 2 facilities & Personnel Poor attitudes towards 2 Health & Sanitation High incidence of 2 malaria High incidence of 2 HIV/AIDS/T B Low access to 2 ICT Low access to SHS & Vocational/T 2 echnical education in the District Low access to 2 2

electricity Undeveloped 2 2 2 tourists sites Poor market infrastructure 2 s Low mobilization of Internally 2 2 Generated Revenue (IGF) Low awareness of civic rights & 2 responsibilitie s Low participation of women in 2 decision- making Low participation of PWDs in 2 decision- making Inadequate Residential Accommodati 2 on for workers Stigmatizatio 2 n of PWDs Inadequate support to Micro/Small 2 Scale Enterprises Inadequate infrastructure for law 2 enforcement agencies Non- 2 functioning of

Sub-district structures High Unemployme 2 nt Rate

1.89. HARMONIZATION OF COMMUNITY NEEDS AND ASPIRATIONS WITH IDENTIFIED DEVELOPMENT PROBLEMS/ISSUES OF GPRS II GPRS II THEMATIC AREA: PRIVATE SECTOR COMPETITIVENESS Indentified Low Poor Undevelope Low Inadequate Key Dev’t Issues Agricultur Environment d Tourism access to support to e al practices Electricit Micro/Smal Community productio y supply l Scale Needs/Aspiration n Enterprises s Improved Agriculture 2 Production Improved Environmental 2 practices Developed 2 Tourist sites Improved access to Electricity 2 supply Increase support to Micro/Small 2 Scale Enterprises

GPRS II THEMATIC AREA: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

Indentified High Poor Inadequate Inadequate Inadequate Low Low High High Key Dev’t Drop- Performa infrastructure T&LM’s Health access to access to fluoride in stigmatization Issue/Problem out Rate nce at Infrastruct potable sanitation underground & BECE ure water water discrimination facilities against PLWHAs Community Needs/Aspirati ons Improved access to 2 quality education Improved access to 2 quality education Provision of School 2 Infrastructure Provision of adequate T & L 2 Ms Provision of Health 2 Infrastructure Improved access to 2 potable water facilities Improved access to 2 sanitation Improved access to 2 potable water Improved care & support for 2 PLWHAs

GPRS II THEMATIC AREA: GOOD GOVERNANCE AND CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY Indentified Key Low Low Non- Low Low Dev’t Issues participation participation functioning revenue awareness of Women of PWD’s in Sub- base of on in the the decision- structures the Human Community decision making Assembly Right Needs/Aspirations making Process issues process Increase participation of 2 women in decision making process Increase participation of PWD’s in the 2 decision making process Operationalization of sub-district 2 structure s Improved revenue base for the 2 Assembly Promote Human 2 Rights issues Promote cultural/traditional practices that 2 promote the welfare of women

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 . HARMONIZATION OF COMMUNITY NEEDS AND ASPIRATIONS WITH IDENTIFIED DEVELOPMENT PROBLEMS/ISSUES OF GPRS II GPRS II THEMATIC AREA: PRIVATE SECTOR COMPETITIVENESS Indentified Low Poor Undevelope Low Inadequate Key Dev’t Issues Agricultur Environment d Tourism access to support to e al practices Electricit Micro/Smal Community productio y supply l Scale Needs/Aspiration n Enterprises s

Improved Agriculture 2 Production Improved Environmental 2 practices Developed 2 Tourist sites Improved access to Electricity 2 supply Increase support to Micro/Small 2 Scale Enterprises

GPRS II THEMATIC AREA: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT Indentified High Poor Inadequate Inadequate Inadequate Low Low High High Key Dev’t Drop- Performa infrastructure T&LM’s Health access to access to fluoride in stigmatization Issue/Problem out Rate nce at Infrastruct potable sanitation underground & BECE ure water water discrimination facilities against PLWHAs Community Needs/Aspirati ons Improved access to 2 quality education Improved access to 2 quality education Provision of School 2 Infrastructure Provision of adequate T & L 2 Ms Provision of Health 2 Infrastructure Improved 2

access to potable water facilities Improved access to 2 sanitation Improved access to 2 potable water Improved care & support for 2 PLWHAs

GPRS II THEMATIC AREA: GOOD GOVERNANCE AND CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY Indentified Key Low Low Non- Low Low Dev’t Issues participation participation functioning revenue awareness of Women of PWD’s in Sub- base of on in the the decision- structures the Human Community decision making Assembly Right Needs/Aspirations making Process issues process Increase participation of 2 women in decision making process Increase participation of PWD’s in the 2 decision making process Operationalization of sub-district 2 structure s Improved revenue 2 base for the

Assembly Promote Human 2 Rights issues Promote cultural/traditional practices that 2 promote the welfare of women

2.1. LINKING HARMONIZED IDENTIFIED DEVELOPMENT PROBLEMS/ISSUES TO THE GSGDA 2010-2013 GSGDA THEMATIC AREAS 2010-2013 Improve Expande Accelerat Develo Transpa Sustain Reduci ment d Dev’t ed ping rent & able ng and of Agricultu Human Accoun Partner Poverty Harmonized sustenan Producti re Resour table ship and Identified ce of on Moderni ces for Govern betwee inequal Dev’t Macro- Infrastru zation & Nation ance n Gov’t ities Problem/Issu economi cture Agro- al & the e c Based Dev’t Private stability Industria Sector l Dev’t Low access to 2 potable water Low access to sanitation 2 facilities High fluoride content in 2 underground water Poor Road 2 2 Network Pressure on farmlands leading to 2 low crop yields

High incidence of crops & 2 livestock diseases Low productivity in Guinea 2 fowl & Small ruminants Over reliance on rain fed 2 2 Agriculture Inadequate market for 2 finished produce Poor land management 2 practices Deforestation 2 High incidence of 2 bushfires Poor performance 2 at BECE High drop- out rate 2 especially the girl-child Inadequate educational 2 infrastructure Inadequate sanitation 2 facilities in schools Inadequate trained 2 teachers Inadequate health 2 facilities & Personnel

Poor attitudes towards 2 Health & Sanitation High incidence of 2 malaria High incidence of 2 HIV/AIDS/T B Low access to 2 ICT Low access to SHS & Vocational/T 2 echnical education in the District Low access to 2 2 electricity Undeveloped 2 2 2 tourists sites Poor market infrastructure 2 s Low mobilization of Internally 2 2 Generated Revenue (IGF) Low awareness of civic rights & 2 responsibilitie s Low participation of women in 2 decision- making Low participation 2 of PWDs in decision-

making Inadequate Residential Accommodati 2 on for workers Stigmatizatio 2 n of PWDs Inadequate support to Micro/Small 2 Scale Enterprises Inadequate infrastructure for law 2 enforcement agencies Non- functioning of 2 Sub-district structures High Unemployme 2 nt Rate

2.3. APPLICATION OF POCC POTENTIALS, OPPORTUNITIES, CONSTRAINTS & CHALLENGES AGRIC ISSUE TO BE POTENTIALS OPPORTUNITIES CONSTRAINTS CHALLENGES ADDRESSED Over dependence on  Availability of sites for  Support from  Inadequate resources  Unfavourable world rain fed Agriculture irrigation facilities Donors/NGO’s  High cost of constructing economic conditions  Existence of some  SADA dams dams/dug-outs  Local labour & materials available

Pressure on land  Vast & fertile land at the  Government of  Inadequate staff  Competitive projects leading to low crop Oncho-Freed zone Ghana yields  Donors  NGOs Low production of  Availability of farmers  Adequate  Birds & animal diseases  Inadequate funding Guinea fowls and  Conducive technical  Theft small ruminants condition/environment information available (protocols) Inadequate Market  Production technology  Availability of  Farmers not well organized  Dictates of Market for farm produce & available external markets  Poor quality of finished queens/Middlepers agro-based products product s ons  Inadequate knowledge of market trends Poor Road Network  Availability of local  Support from  Unwillingness of residents to  High cost of road material for road development release land for road construction construction partners construction  Inadequate funding  Availability of local  Unwillingness of land by Central labour owners to release land for Government borrowed materials High incidence of  Availability of technical  Drugs and  Low patronage of veterinary.  High cost of drugs pests/diseases of know-how vaccines available Services and vaccines crops & livestock ENVIRONMENT Low awareness on  Availability of technical  Availability of  Inadequate personnel  Inadequate funding disaster management know-how political will  Support from development partners Deforestation/  Availability of security  High political will  Inadequate staff  Inadequate funding Desertification personnel  Commitment of traditional authorities Poor land  Availability of  Existence of the  Inadequate personnel  Unfavourable world Management Customary Land Land economic conditions Secretariat/Town & Administration Country Planning Project Poor farming  Availability of MOFA  Availability of  Unwillingness to use modern  Unreliable climatic practices Extension agents government farming practices conditions  Availability of Oncho subsidy on  Lack of modern farming  Lack of credit Freed Zone fertilizer skills facilities  Availability of farmers  Support from  Exhausted farm lands development partners Soil erosion  Availability of technical  Availability of  Inadequate resources  Competitive projects know-how Government policy GOVERNANCE Low awareness of  Existence of institutions  Development  High illiteracy rate  Inadequate funding

civic rights and – CHRAJ, NCCE, partners  Logistics for decentralized responsibilities Information Service,  Inadequate funding institutions CSOs, BONDA  Non- enforcement of Planning Co-ordinating laws Unit  Lack of political will  Traditional authorities Low awareness on  Existence of Social  Existence of  Inappropriate cultural  Lack of capacity of Child Rights issues Welfare Department Ministry of practices and beliefs existing institutions Women &  High illiteracy rate to handle Child right Children Affairs  Ignorance of the Child rights issues  Existence of law  Poor funding protecting  Lac of political will children  Inadequate Child  NGOs dealing Right institutions with Children  Existence of CHRAJ Low Revenue  Existence of revenue  Support from  Poor attitude towards work  Few development Mobilization/Base collectors Development  Poor monitoring of revenue partners  Existence of revenue Partners collection  Small nature o generating sources  Effective  Inadequate personnel for business  Transparency on monitoring of revenue collection  High incidence of expenditures revenue collectors Revenue Leakages poverty  Regular Inadequate revenue sources  consultative meeting with rate payers  DA creating more revenue generating sources  Staff Motivation Non-functioning of  Availability of  Development  Lack of funding for councils  No support from Area Councils structures Partners & CSOs  Inadequate logistics Central Government  Councilors in place support  Dilapidated structures Inadequate  Availability of land for  Donor funds  Dwindling DACF  Conditions attached Accommodation for building available to  Low priority given to staff to donor funds District staff  Availability of DACF support accommodation  Inadequate support from Central Government Inadequate  Community Protection  The existence of  Inadequate office  Negative public infrastructure & Unit of NYEP Regional Police accommodation perception about the Personnel for the  Availability of Police Training School  Inadequate residential Police Security apparatus office accommodation  Commitment of accommodation  Limited interest of (Police & Fire) Central  Inadequate logistics Development Government to Partners in the Police fight crime  Inadequate funding to the Police Service Absence of a  Availability of land -  Inadequate funding  Inadequate funding permanent Court  Availability of staff  Cumbersome land from Central structure & acquisition process Government

residential accommodation HEALTH Inadequate Health  Availability of land  Donor support  Inadequate funding  Inadequate funding Infrastructure (CHPS  Availability of human  Ministry of Health  Land acquisition from donors & Residential resource  Health Institutions  Lack of cooperation  Conditionalites accommodation for  DACF  Poor communication of from donors medical staff) projects irregular/late  Over politicization of release of funds

projects Poor attitude of  Availability of human  Availability of  Funding  Funding people towards resource Development  Natural phenomenon  Inadequate Health & Hygiene  Availability of Partners  Socio-cultural activities resources structures for Health  Inadequate educational Promotion Materials/Aids  Availability of  High illiteracy level equipments  Cultural beliefs  Availability of Health promotion Materials/Aids  Availability of CBOs Inadequate  Availability of land  Donor support  Inadequate funding  Inadequate funding Infrastructure at the  Availability of human  Ministry of Health  Land acquisition from donors District Hospital resource  Health Institutions  Lack of cooperation  Conditionalites  DACF  Poor communication of from donors projects irregular/late  Over politicization of release of funds projects High prevalence of  Availability of health  Commitment of  Unwillingness to change  Inadequate Malaria & facilities (District government their behavior funding Tuberculosis Hospital & CHPs) towards  Inappropriate cultural  Inadequate eradication of practices number of Malaria & TB  High illiteracy rate Development  Support from  Lack of medical facilities Partners NGOs  Lack of enough trained  Inadequate medics number of visiting doctors WATER & SANITATION Low access to potable  Availability of Vea dam  Support from  High fluoride content in  Inadequate water  Availability of development underground water provision of groundwater Partners  Inadequate funding technical services  DA committed to  Non-availability of technical (Untimely execution provision of water know-how of technical services)  Communities to  Existing facilities are far support apart Poor Sanitation  Availability of land  Donor funding  Socio-cultural activities  Inadequate Funding  Availability of labour  Technical know-  Cultural beliefs and local raw materials how

Absence of a final  Availability of land  Support from  Adherence to traditional  Inadequate Funding waste disposal site  DA commitment is high development ways of doing things Partners  Non-co-operation from land owners Absence of a Public  Availability of land  Commitment from  Non-co-operation from land  Inadequate Funds Cemetery  DA commitment is high traditional owners Authorities  Cultural Beliefs Poor hygiene  Availability of GH staff  Support from  Adherence to traditional  Inadequate Funds practices  Availability of DWST Development ways of doing things Partners  Inadequate support for software activities Low capacity of staff,  Existence of the DWST  Support from  High fluoride content in  Inadequate funding DWST & office NGOs underground water  Inadequate number communities in  Commitment of  Commitment of  High cost of drilling of development Water & Sanitation communities government on boreholes partners management water provision  Poor implementation of  Existence of government policy on water Ministry of Water  Inadequate trained personnel Resources, Works & Housing EDUCATION Poor performance at  Availability of trained  Support from  Lack of motivation for  Poverty the BECE teachers NGOs teachers  Inadequate  Availability of  Support from  Lack of decent textbooks for school infrastructure Volunteers accommodation for teachers pupils  Availability of  Capitation Grant  Negative attitude of teachers  Lack of parental Personnel (Supervision)  Ineffective supervision control  Availability of Teaching, learning materials  Existence of PTAs/SMCs Poor access to ICT  Availability of CIC  GBC/NCA  Mast  Funding  Network  Funding  Transmitters and providers/Vodafo  Attitude of Management other infrastructures ne for Radio  Trained personnel for Radio  Structure for Radio Inadequate access to  Temporal structures  GETFUND  Bureaucracy(administrative)  Absorption Second Cycle  Volunteer teachers  GES/DA Education  Students  Land  Community support Inadequate access to  Creation of new SHS  Support from  Inadequate space at the  Recognition of the Second Cycle  Existence of 2 SHS Development existing schools newly created school Education Partners  Lack of infrastructure in  Non expansion of newly created school facilities at the  Inadequate facilities at existing schools existing schools  Funding

Inadequate  Some infrastructure in  Community  Lack of hostel  Funding Technical/Vocational place Development accommodation for students Infrastructure  Personnel available  National  Lack means of transport  Equipment available Vocational  High commitment of (NACVET) DA Limited employment  Availability of energetic  Government  Inadequate funding  Politicization of opportunities youth desire to create  Inadequate credit facilities employment especially for the  Presence of irrigation jobs  Politicization of employment opportunities youth dams  Existence of the  Availability of vast Private Sector fertile land at Oncho Freed Zone  Existence of Youth Employment Programme  Existence of Youth-in- Agric Programme High drop-out rate  Availability of schools  Support from  Inappropriate cultural  Reluctance of especially the Girl-  Availability of Girl- NGOs practices teachers to accept Child child Unit  Commitment of  Inadequate committed posting to hard to  Availability of teachers government teachers reach areas towards Girl-Child  High level of illiteracy &  Inadequate support education poverty among parents from NGOs Inadequate  Availability of building  Support from Dwindling DACF  Inadequate funding educational facilities space (Land) NGOs Low Revenue Generation for education (Classrooms,  Availability of some  Support from Teachers water & sanitary parents and accommodation & facilities community  Commitment of water & sanitation government (GES) facilities) Low  Availability of  Support from GES  Lack of boarding facilities  Reluctance of Technical/Vocational Vocational Institute  Commitment of  Inadequate teachers teachers to accept skills  Availability of the DA  Inadequate classroom postings to hard to interested youth reach areas  Inadequate funding GENDER & PWDS Poor participation of  Well organized women  Support from  Cultural practices  Male dominant women in decision- groups Development  High illiteracy among society making  High interest among Partners women folk women  Policy on  Workload on women affirmative action  Women as their own enemies Presence of  Committed Traditional  Mass Media  Adherence to  Resistance to change cultural/traditional rulers cultural/traditional beliefs & practices that affect  Victim awareness practices women & Children  Religious bodies  Institutions Inadequate support  Financial Institutions  Support from  Inadequate capacity  High cost of to Micro/Small Scale e.g. APED, Rural Bank Development  Inadequate Market for borrowing

Enterprises available Partners finished products  Lack of collateral security Inadequate  Availability of gender  Support from  Inadequate number of  Inadequate number budgetary support desk NGOs, CBO’s & gender officers of funding partners for women  Availability of sub- women groups  Low revenue generation Inadequate funding committee on gender  Government  Domination of males in from Central Gov’t. policy on gender decision making positions  Availability of the  Low awareness of gender Ministry of issues Women & Children Affairs Low physical  Availability of  Availability of  Ignorance of the disability  Inadequate funding accessibility of PWDs association of the Donors/developm law  Inadequate trained to public institutions disabled ent Partners  Low capacity to handle personnel  Political will issues of People With  Inadequate logistics Disability (PWDs)  Inappropriate cultural practices Stigmatization of  Availability of  Availability of  Ignorance of the disability  Inadequate funding PWDs association of the Donors/developm law  Inadequate trained disabled ent Partners  Inappropriate cultural personnel  Political will practices  Inadequate logistics Low participation in  Availability of  Availability of  Ignorance of the disability  Inadequate funding decision making Association of the Donors/developm law  Inadequate trained Disabled ent Partners  Inappropriate cultural personnel  Political will practices  Inadequate logistics Inadequate  Availability of  Availability of  Ignorance of the disability  Inadequate funding entrepreneurial skills association of the Donors/developm law  Inadequate trained for PWD’s disabled ent Partners  Inappropriate cultural personnel  Political will practices  Inadequate logistics TOURISM Undeveloped Tourist  Availability of potential  Availability of  Inadequate capacity  Inadequate funding Sites tourist sites Funding Partners  Inadequate funding  Inadequate support  Political and traditional  Government  Inadequate support to the to the tourism sector will policy on Tourism tourism sector  Availability of private sector to support HIV/AIDS Low awareness on  Availability of health  Availability of  High rate of illiteracy  Inadequate funding HIV/AIDS facilities NGOs/Donors  Inappropriate Cultural  Capacity of existing  Availability of focal  Government practices institutions to person on HIV/AIDS Policy on handle HIV/AIDS  Availability of CBOs & HIV/AIDS issues Government Departments Low access and use of  Availability of health  Availability of  High rate of illiteracy  Unwillingness of condoms facilities NGOs/Donors  Inappropriate cultural people to change  Availability of focal  Government practices their behavior

person on HIV/AIDS Policy on  Capacity of existing HIV/AIDS institutions to handle HIV/AIDS issues Poor Behavioral  Availability of health  Availability of  High rate of illiteracy  Unwillingness of Change facilities NGOs/Donors  Inappropriate cultural people to change  Availability o focal practices their behavior person on HIV/AIDS  Capacity of existing institutions to handle HIV/AIDS issues High incidence of  Availability of health  Availability of  High rate of illiteracy  Capacity of existing stigmatization facilities NGOs/Donors  Inappropriate cultural institutions to  Availability o focal practices handle HIV/AIDS person on HIV/AIDS issues  Availability of CBOs & Government Departments Increase in number of  Availability of health  Availability of  High rate of illiteracy  Capacity of existing OVCs facilities NGOs/Donors  Inappropriate cultural institutions to  Availability o focal  Availability of practices handle OVCs person on HIV/AIDS CBOs  Inadequate attention  Availability of CBOs & to OVCs Government  Inadequate funding Departments Inadequate support  Availability of health  Availability of  High rate of illiteracy  Capacity of existing and care for facilities NGOs/Donors  Inappropriate cultural institutions to PLWHA’s  Availability o focal  Availability of practices handle OVCs person on HIV/AIDS CBOs  Inadequate attention  Availability of CBOs & to OVCs Government  Inadequate funding Departments ENERGY Low access to  Availability of  Existence of the  High cost of electricity  Inadequate funding electricity supply alternative energy Ministry of Energy  Scattered nature of  Absence of VRA sources (solar & wind  Support from homesteads office in the District mills) NGOs/Companies  Wrong perception of the  Absence of NGOs  Availability of people towards the use of dealing in energy electricity in the district electricity LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (LED) SHEABUTTER Low sheabutter  Availability of raw  Availability of  Low picking of sheanuts  Low quality of processing materials (sheanuts) exporters  Risk involved in picking sheabutter  Availability of labour  Governmental sheanuts  Seasonality of raw force policy on  Walking long distances to materials  Simple production sheabutter pick sheanuts  Bushfires process  Availability of  Difficulty in transporting  Lack of technology  Sheanuts long life span support from sheanuts from farms to in production  Ready market locally development production centers process  Availability of  Inadequate micro-finance  Inadequate market

interested  Inadequate technical skills for finished product financial  Inadequate institutions entrepreneurial/managerial skills BASKET WEAVING Low basket & hats  Availability of skills in  Availability of  Inadequate raw material  Seasonality of raw production basket weaving exporters  High cost of raw materials material  High interest in basket  International  Activities of middlemen  Raw material not weaving recognition for  Inadequate managerial and readily available  Read markets (locally) baskets entrepreneurial skills locally  Prospects of growing  Availability of  Inadequate access to micro-  Bushfires raw materials locally MSEs support finance  Overgrazing of institutions  Inadequate technical skills animals  Simple  High cost of production production process  Inconsistency in quality  Lack of creativity and innovation GUINEA FOWL REARING Low guinea fowl  Suitable environment  Availability of  Inadequate technical skills  Free range system of production for guinea fowl rearing exporters  Lack of entrepreneurial rearing guinea fowls  Availability of feed  Availability of attitudes towards guinea  High mortality rates locally support fowl production of guinea keets  Ready market programmes(SAD  Inadequate managerial skills  Seasonality of laying  Availability of technical A)  Inadequate access to micro- eggs support  Availability of finance  Low production  Tastier meat with low interested  Poor feeding & housing for levels cholesterol & fats financial guinea fowls  Improved breeds not institutions  Crude marketing of birds readily available  Poor hatchability (low fertility of eggs)  Poor patronage of veterinary services

1.89. HARMONIZATION OF COMMUNITY NEEDS AND ASPIRATIONS WITH IDENTIFIED DEVELOPMENT PROBLEMS/ISSUES OF GPRS II GPRS II THEMATIC AREA: PRIVATE SECTOR COMPETITIVENESS Indentified Low Poor Undevelope Low Inadequate Key Dev’t Issues Agricultur Environment d Tourism access to support to e al practices Electricit Micro/Smal Community productio y supply l Scale Needs/Aspiration n Enterprises s Improved Agriculture 2 Production Improved 2

Environmental practices Developed 2 Tourist sites Improved access to Electricity 2 supply Increase support to Micro/Small 2 Scale Enterprises

GPRS II THEMATIC AREA: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT Indentified High Poor Inadequate Inadequate Inadequate Low Low High High Key Dev’t Drop- Performa infrastructure T&LM’s Health access to access to fluoride in stigmatization Issue/Problem out Rate nce at Infrastruct potable sanitation underground & BECE ure water water discrimination facilities against PLWHAs Community Needs/Aspirati ons Improved access to 2 quality education Improved access to 2 quality education Provision of School 2 Infrastructure Provision of adequate T & L 2 Ms Provision of Health 2 Infrastructure Improved access to 2 potable water facilities

Improved access to 2 sanitation Improved access to 2 potable water Improved care & support for 2 PLWHAs

GPRS II THEMATIC AREA: GOOD GOVERNANCE AND CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY Indentified Key Low Low Non- Low Low Dev’t Issues participation participation functioning revenue awareness of Women of PWD’s in Sub- base of on in the the decision- structures the Human Community decision making Assembly Right Needs/Aspirations making Process issues process Increase participation of 2 women in decision making process Increase participation of PWD’s in the 2 decision making process Operationalization of sub-district 2 structure s Improved revenue base for the 2 Assembly Promote Human 2 Rights issues

Promote cultural/traditional practices that 2 promote the welfare of women

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 . HARMONIZATION OF COMMUNITY NEEDS AND ASPIRATIONS WITH IDENTIFIED DEVELOPMENT PROBLEMS/ISSUES OF GPRS II GPRS II THEMATIC AREA: PRIVATE SECTOR COMPETITIVENESS Indentified Low Poor Undevelope Low Inadequate Key Dev’t Issues Agricultur Environment d Tourism access to support to e al practices Electricit Micro/Smal Community productio y supply l Scale Needs/Aspiration n Enterprises s Improved Agriculture 2 Production Improved Environmental 2 practices Developed 2 Tourist sites Improved access to Electricity 2 supply Increase support to Micro/Small 2 Scale Enterprises

GPRS II THEMATIC AREA: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT Indentified High Poor Inadequate Inadequate Inadequate Low Low High High Key Dev’t Drop- Performa infrastructure T&LM’s Health access to access to fluoride in stigmatization Issue/Problem out Rate nce at Infrastruct potable sanitation underground & BECE ure water water discrimination facilities against PLWHAs Community Needs/Aspirati ons Improved 2

access to quality education Improved access to 2 quality education Provision of School 2 Infrastructure Provision of adequate T & L 2 Ms Provision of Health 2 Infrastructure Improved access to 2 potable water facilities Improved access to 2 sanitation Improved access to 2 potable water Improved care & support for 2 PLWHAs

GPRS II THEMATIC AREA: GOOD GOVERNANCE AND CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY

Indentified Key Low Low Non- Low Low Dev’t Issues participation participation functioning revenue awareness of Women of PWD’s in Sub- base of on in the the decision- structures the Human Community decision making Assembly Right Needs/Aspirations making Process issues process Increase participation of 2 women in decision making process Increase participation of PWD’s in the 2 decision making process Operationalization of sub-district 2 structure s Improved revenue base for the 2 Assembly Promote Human 2 Rights issues Promote cultural/traditional practices that 2 promote the welfare of women

2.1. LINKING HARMONIZED IDENTIFIED DEVELOPMENT PROBLEMS/ISSUES TO THE GSGDA 2010-2013 GSGDA THEMATIC AREAS 2010-2013 Improve Expande Accelerat Develo Transpa Sustain Reduci ment d Dev’t ed ping rent & able ng and of Agricultu Human Accoun Partner Poverty Harmonized sustenan Producti re Resour table ship and Identified ce of on Moderni ces for Govern betwee inequal Dev’t Macro- Infrastru zation & Nation ance n Gov’t ities Problem/Issu economi cture Agro- al & the e c Based Dev’t Private stability Industria Sector l Dev’t Low access to 2 potable water Low access to sanitation 2 facilities High fluoride content in 2 underground water Poor Road 2 2 Network Pressure on farmlands leading to 2 low crop yields High incidence of crops & 2 livestock diseases Low productivity in Guinea 2 fowl & Small ruminants Over reliance on rain fed 2 2 Agriculture Inadequate market for 2 finished produce

Poor land management 2 practices Deforestation 2 High incidence of 2 bushfires Poor performance 2 at BECE High drop- out rate 2 especially the girl-child Inadequate educational 2 infrastructure Inadequate sanitation 2 facilities in schools Inadequate trained 2 teachers Inadequate health 2 facilities & Personnel Poor attitudes towards 2 Health & Sanitation High incidence of 2 malaria High incidence of 2 HIV/AIDS/T B Low access to 2 ICT Low access to SHS & 2 Vocational/T echnical

education in the District Low access to 2 2 electricity Undeveloped 2 2 2 tourists sites Poor market infrastructure 2 s Low mobilization of Internally 2 2 Generated Revenue (IGF) Low awareness of civic rights & 2 responsibilitie s Low participation of women in 2 decision- making Low participation of PWDs in 2 decision- making Inadequate Residential Accommodati 2 on for workers Stigmatizatio 2 n of PWDs Inadequate support to Micro/Small 2 Scale Enterprises Inadequate infrastructure 2 for law enforcement

agencies Non- functioning of 2 Sub-district structures High Unemployme 2 nt Rate

1.89. HARMONIZATION OF COMMUNITY NEEDS AND ASPIRATIONS WITH IDENTIFIED DEVELOPMENT PROBLEMS/ISSUES OF GPRS II GPRS II THEMATIC AREA: PRIVATE SECTOR COMPETITIVENESS Indentified Low Poor Undevelope Low Inadequate Key Dev’t Issues Agricultur Environment d Tourism access to support to e al practices Electricit Micro/Smal Community productio y supply l Scale Needs/Aspiration n Enterprises s Improved Agriculture 2 Production Improved Environmental 2 practices Developed 2 Tourist sites Improved access to Electricity 2 supply Increase support to Micro/Small 2 Scale Enterprises

GPRS II THEMATIC AREA: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

Indentified High Poor Inadequate Inadequate Inadequate Low Low High High Key Dev’t Drop- Performa infrastructure T&LM’s Health access to access to fluoride in stigmatization Issue/Problem out Rate nce at Infrastruct potable sanitation underground & BECE ure water water discrimination facilities against PLWHAs Community Needs/Aspirati ons Improved access to 2 quality education Improved access to 2 quality education Provision of School 2 Infrastructure Provision of adequate T & L 2 Ms Provision of Health 2 Infrastructure Improved access to 2 potable water facilities Improved access to 2 sanitation Improved access to 2 potable water Improved care & support for 2 PLWHAs

GPRS II THEMATIC AREA: GOOD GOVERNANCE AND CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY Indentified Key Low Low Non- Low Low Dev’t Issues participation participation functioning revenue awareness of Women of PWD’s in Sub- base of on in the the decision- structures the Human Community decision making Assembly Right Needs/Aspirations making Process issues process Increase participation of 2 women in decision making process Increase participation of PWD’s in the 2 decision making process Operationalization of sub-district 2 structure s Improved revenue base for the 2 Assembly Promote Human 2 Rights issues Promote cultural/traditional practices that 2 promote the welfare of women

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 . HARMONIZATION OF COMMUNITY NEEDS AND ASPIRATIONS WITH IDENTIFIED DEVELOPMENT PROBLEMS/ISSUES OF GPRS II GPRS II THEMATIC AREA: PRIVATE SECTOR COMPETITIVENESS Indentified Low Poor Undevelope Low Inadequate Key Dev’t Issues Agricultur Environment d Tourism access to support to e al practices Electricit Micro/Smal Community productio y supply l Scale Needs/Aspiration n Enterprises s

Improved Agriculture 2 Production Improved Environmental 2 practices Developed 2 Tourist sites Improved access to Electricity 2 supply Increase support to Micro/Small 2 Scale Enterprises

GPRS II THEMATIC AREA: HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT Indentified High Poor Inadequate Inadequate Inadequate Low Low High High Key Dev’t Drop- Performa infrastructure T&LM’s Health access to access to fluoride in stigmatization Issue/Problem out Rate nce at Infrastruct potable sanitation underground & BECE ure water water discrimination facilities against PLWHAs Community Needs/Aspirati ons Improved access to 2 quality education Improved access to 2 quality education Provision of School 2 Infrastructure Provision of adequate T & L 2 Ms Provision of Health 2 Infrastructure Improved 2

access to potable water facilities Improved access to 2 sanitation Improved access to 2 potable water Improved care & support for 2 PLWHAs

GPRS II THEMATIC AREA: GOOD GOVERNANCE AND CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY Indentified Key Low Low Non- Low Low Dev’t Issues participation participation functioning revenue awareness of Women of PWD’s in Sub- base of on in the the decision- structures the Human Community decision making Assembly Right Needs/Aspirations making Process issues process Increase participation of 2 women in decision making process Increase participation of PWD’s in the 2 decision making process Operationalization of sub-district 2 structure s Improved revenue 2 base for the

Assembly Promote Human 2 Rights issues Promote cultural/traditional practices that 2 promote the welfare of women

2.1. LINKING HARMONIZED IDENTIFIED DEVELOPMENT PROBLEMS/ISSUES TO THE GSGDA 2010-2013 GSGDA THEMATIC AREAS 2010-2013 Improve Expande Accelerat Develo Transpa Sustain Reduci ment d Dev’t ed ping rent & able ng and of Agricultu Human Accoun Partner Poverty Harmonized sustenan Producti re Resour table ship and Identified ce of on Moderni ces for Govern betwee inequal Dev’t Macro- Infrastru zation & Nation ance n Gov’t ities Problem/Issu economi cture Agro- al & the e c Based Dev’t Private stability Industria Sector l Dev’t Low access to 2 potable water Low access to sanitation 2 facilities High fluoride content in 2 underground water Poor Road 2 2 Network Pressure on farmlands leading to 2 low crop yields

High incidence of crops & 2 livestock diseases Low productivity in Guinea 2 fowl & Small ruminants Over reliance on rain fed 2 2 Agriculture Inadequate market for 2 finished produce Poor land management 2 practices Deforestation 2 High incidence of 2 bushfires Poor performance 2 at BECE High drop- out rate 2 especially the girl-child Inadequate educational 2 infrastructure Inadequate sanitation 2 facilities in schools Inadequate trained 2 teachers Inadequate health 2 facilities & Personnel

Poor attitudes towards 2 Health & Sanitation High incidence of 2 malaria High incidence of 2 HIV/AIDS/T B Low access to 2 ICT Low access to SHS & Vocational/T 2 echnical education in the District Low access to 2 2 electricity Undeveloped 2 2 2 tourists sites Poor market infrastructure 2 s Low mobilization of Internally 2 2 Generated Revenue (IGF) Low awareness of civic rights & 2 responsibilitie s Low participation of women in 2 decision- making Low participation 2 of PWDs in decision-

making Inadequate Residential Accommodati 2 on for workers Stigmatizatio 2 n of PWDs Inadequate support to Micro/Small 2 Scale Enterprises Inadequate infrastructure for law 2 enforcement agencies Non- functioning of 2 Sub-district structures High Unemployme 2 nt Rate

2.2. PRIORITIZED ISSUES THEMATIC AREA: ACCELERATED AGRICULTURE MODERNIZATION AND AGRO-BASED INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AGRICULTURE 1. Over dependence on rain fed Agriculture 2. Pressure on land leading to low crop yields 3. Low production of Guinea fowl & small ruminants 4. High incidence of crop/livestock diseases & pests 5. Inadequate markets for farm produce & agro based products

6. Poor road network ENVIRONMENT 1. Desertification/Deforestation 2. Soil erosion 3. Poor land management 4. Poor farming practices 5. Low awareness of disaster management

THEMATIC AREA: TRANSPARENT AND ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNANCE GOVERNANCE 1. Low awareness of civic rights and responsibilities 2. Low revenue mobilization/base 3. Non-functioning of Area Councils 4. Inadequate infrastructure for security personnel (Office & Residential) 5. Absence of a permanent court structure & accommodation 6. Low awareness on child-rights issues 7. Inadequate residential accommodation for District staff

THEMATIC AREA: DEVELOPING HUMAN RESOURCES FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT HEALTH 1. Inadequate Health Infrastructure & Equipment(Facilities such as CHPS & Residential Accommodation) 2. Inadequate facilities at the District Hospital 3. Poor attitude of people towards health and hygiene 4. High prevalence of Malaria & Tuberculosis

EDUCATION 1. Poor BECE performance 2. Inadequate educational facilities (Classrooms, Teachers accommodation & water & sanitation) 3. Inadequate access to Second Cycle Institutions 4. Inadequate Technical/vocational infrastructure 5. High Drop Out Rate especially the Girl-Child 6. Low technical/Vocational skills 7. High unemployment among the youth 8. Poor access to ICT HIV/AIDS 1. Low awareness on HIV/AIDS 2. Low access to and use of condom 3. Poor behavioral change 4. High incidence of stigmatization

5. Increase in number of OVC’s 6. Poor support & care for PLWHA’s

GENDER/PWDs 1. Poor participation of Women in decision making 2. Inadequate support to Micro/Small Scale Enterprises 3. Presence of cultural/traditional practices that affect women and children 4. Inadequate budgetary support for women 5. Low physical accessibility of PWD’s to public institutions 6. Stigmatization of PWD’s 7. Poor participation of PWD’s in decision making 8. Inadequate entrepreneurial skills among PWDs

THEMATIC AREA: EXPANDED DEVELOPMENT OF PRODUCTIVE INFRASTRUCTURE WATER & SANITATION 1. Low access to potable water 2. Low capacity of staff, DWST & Communities in Water & Sanitation Management 3. Poor Sanitation 4. Poor Hygiene Practices 5. Absence of a public cemetery 6. Absence of final disposal site ENERGY 1. Low access to electricity supply THEMATIC AREA: SUSTAINABLE PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR TOURISM 1. Undeveloped tourists sites

LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 1. Undeveloped local economy

2.3. APPLICATION OF POCC POTENTIALS, OPPORTUNITIES, CONSTRAINTS & CHALLENGES AGRIC ISSUE TO BE POTENTIALS OPPORTUNITIES CONSTRAINTS CHALLENGES ADDRESSED Over dependence on  Availability of sites for  Support from  Inadequate resources  Unfavourable world rain fed Agriculture irrigation facilities Donors/NGO’s  High cost of constructing economic conditions  Existence of some  SADA dams dams/dug-outs  Local labour & materials available Pressure on land  Vast & fertile land at the  Government of  Inadequate staff  Competitive projects Oncho-Freed zone Ghana

leading to low crop  Donors yields  NGOs Low production of  Availability of farmers  Adequate  Birds & animal diseases  Inadequate funding Guinea fowls and  Conducive technical  Theft small ruminants condition/environment information available (protocols) Inadequate Market  Production technology  Availability of  Farmers not well organized  Dictates of Market for farm produce & available external markets  Poor quality of finished queens/Middlepers agro-based products product s ons  Inadequate knowledge of market trends Poor Road Network  Availability of local  Support from  Unwillingness of residents to  High cost of road material for road development release land for road construction construction partners construction  Inadequate funding  Availability of local  Unwillingness of land by Central labour owners to release land for Government borrowed materials High incidence of  Availability of technical  Drugs and  Low patronage of veterinary.  High cost of drugs pests/diseases of know-how vaccines available Services and vaccines crops & livestock ENVIRONMENT Low awareness on  Availability of technical  Availability of  Inadequate personnel  Inadequate funding disaster management know-how political will  Support from development partners Deforestation/  Availability of security  High political will  Inadequate staff  Inadequate funding Desertification personnel  Commitment of traditional authorities Poor land  Availability of  Existence of the  Inadequate personnel  Unfavourable world Management Customary Land Land economic conditions Secretariat/Town & Administration Country Planning Project Poor farming  Availability of MOFA  Availability of  Unwillingness to use modern  Unreliable climatic practices Extension agents government farming practices conditions  Availability of Oncho subsidy on  Lack of modern farming  Lack of credit Freed Zone fertilizer skills facilities  Availability of farmers  Support from  Exhausted farm lands development partners Soil erosion  Availability of technical  Availability of  Inadequate resources  Competitive projects know-how Government policy GOVERNANCE Low awareness of  Existence of institutions  Development  High illiteracy rate  Inadequate funding civic rights and – CHRAJ, NCCE, partners  Logistics for decentralized responsibilities Information Service,  Inadequate funding institutions

CSOs, BONDA  Non- enforcement of Planning Co-ordinating laws Unit  Lack of political will  Traditional authorities Low awareness on  Existence of Social  Existence of  Inappropriate cultural  Lack of capacity of Child Rights issues Welfare Department Ministry of practices and beliefs existing institutions Women &  High illiteracy rate to handle Child right Children Affairs  Ignorance of the Child rights issues  Existence of law  Poor funding protecting  Lac of political will children  Inadequate Child  NGOs dealing Right institutions with Children  Existence of CHRAJ Low Revenue  Existence of revenue  Support from  Poor attitude towards work  Few development Mobilization/Base collectors Development  Poor monitoring of revenue partners  Existence of revenue Partners collection  Small nature o generating sources  Effective  Inadequate personnel for business  Transparency on monitoring of revenue collection  High incidence of expenditures revenue collectors Revenue Leakages poverty  Regular Inadequate revenue sources  consultative meeting with rate payers  DA creating more revenue generating sources  Staff Motivation Non-functioning of  Availability of  Development  Lack of funding for councils  No support from Area Councils structures Partners & CSOs  Inadequate logistics Central Government  Councilors in place support  Dilapidated structures Inadequate  Availability of land for  Donor funds  Dwindling DACF  Conditions attached Accommodation for building available to  Low priority given to staff to donor funds District staff  Availability of DACF support accommodation  Inadequate support from Central Government Inadequate  Community Protection  The existence of  Inadequate office  Negative public infrastructure & Unit of NYEP Regional Police accommodation perception about the Personnel for the  Availability of Police Training School  Inadequate residential Police Security apparatus office accommodation  Commitment of accommodation  Limited interest of (Police & Fire) Central  Inadequate logistics Development Government to Partners in the Police fight crime  Inadequate funding to the Police Service Absence of a  Availability of land -  Inadequate funding  Inadequate funding permanent Court  Availability of staff  Cumbersome land from Central structure & acquisition process Government residential accommodation

HEALTH Inadequate Health  Availability of land  Donor support  Inadequate funding  Inadequate funding Infrastructure (CHPS  Availability of human  Ministry of Health  Land acquisition from donors & Residential resource  Health Institutions  Lack of cooperation  Conditionalites accommodation for  DACF  Poor communication of from donors medical staff) projects irregular/late  Over politicization of release of funds

projects Poor attitude of  Availability of human  Availability of  Funding  Funding people towards resource Development  Natural phenomenon  Inadequate Health & Hygiene  Availability of Partners  Socio-cultural activities resources structures for Health  Inadequate educational Promotion Materials/Aids  Availability of  High illiteracy level equipments  Cultural beliefs  Availability of Health promotion Materials/Aids  Availability of CBOs Inadequate  Availability of land  Donor support  Inadequate funding  Inadequate funding Infrastructure at the  Availability of human  Ministry of Health  Land acquisition from donors District Hospital resource  Health Institutions  Lack of cooperation  Conditionalites  DACF  Poor communication of from donors projects irregular/late  Over politicization of release of funds projects High prevalence of  Availability of health  Commitment of  Unwillingness to change  Inadequate Malaria & facilities (District government their behavior funding Tuberculosis Hospital & CHPs) towards  Inappropriate cultural  Inadequate eradication of practices number of Malaria & TB  High illiteracy rate Development  Support from  Lack of medical facilities Partners NGOs  Lack of enough trained  Inadequate medics number of visiting doctors WATER & SANITATION Low access to potable  Availability of Vea dam  Support from  High fluoride content in  Inadequate water  Availability of development underground water provision of groundwater Partners  Inadequate funding technical services  DA committed to  Non-availability of technical (Untimely execution provision of water know-how of technical services)  Communities to  Existing facilities are far support apart Poor Sanitation  Availability of land  Donor funding  Socio-cultural activities  Inadequate Funding  Availability of labour  Technical know-  Cultural beliefs and local raw materials how Absence of a final  Availability of land  Support from  Adherence to traditional  Inadequate Funding waste disposal site  DA commitment is high development ways of doing things Partners  Non-co-operation from land

owners Absence of a Public  Availability of land  Commitment from  Non-co-operation from land  Inadequate Funds Cemetery  DA commitment is high traditional owners Authorities  Cultural Beliefs Poor hygiene  Availability of GH staff  Support from  Adherence to traditional  Inadequate Funds practices  Availability of DWST Development ways of doing things Partners  Inadequate support for software activities Low capacity of staff,  Existence of the DWST  Support from  High fluoride content in  Inadequate funding DWST & office NGOs underground water  Inadequate number communities in  Commitment of  Commitment of  High cost of drilling of development Water & Sanitation communities government on boreholes partners management water provision  Poor implementation of  Existence of government policy on water Ministry of Water  Inadequate trained personnel Resources, Works & Housing EDUCATION Poor performance at  Availability of trained  Support from  Lack of motivation for  Poverty the BECE teachers NGOs teachers  Inadequate  Availability of  Support from  Lack of decent textbooks for school infrastructure Volunteers accommodation for teachers pupils  Availability of  Capitation Grant  Negative attitude of teachers  Lack of parental Personnel (Supervision)  Ineffective supervision control  Availability of Teaching, learning materials  Existence of PTAs/SMCs Poor access to ICT  Availability of CIC  GBC/NCA  Mast  Funding  Network  Funding  Transmitters and providers/Vodafo  Attitude of Management other infrastructures ne for Radio  Trained personnel for Radio  Structure for Radio Inadequate access to  Temporal structures  GETFUND  Bureaucracy(administrative)  Absorption Second Cycle  Volunteer teachers  GES/DA Education  Students  Land  Community support Inadequate access to  Creation of new SHS  Support from  Inadequate space at the  Recognition of the Second Cycle  Existence of 2 SHS Development existing schools newly created school Education Partners  Lack of infrastructure in  Non expansion of newly created school facilities at the  Inadequate facilities at existing schools existing schools  Funding Inadequate  Some infrastructure in  Community  Lack of hostel  Funding Technical/Vocational place Development accommodation for students

Infrastructure  Personnel available  National  Lack means of transport  Equipment available Vocational  High commitment of (NACVET) DA Limited employment  Availability of energetic  Government  Inadequate funding  Politicization of opportunities youth desire to create  Inadequate credit facilities employment especially for the  Presence of irrigation jobs  Politicization of employment opportunities youth dams  Existence of the  Availability of vast Private Sector fertile land at Oncho Freed Zone  Existence of Youth Employment Programme  Existence of Youth-in- Agric Programme High drop-out rate  Availability of schools  Support from  Inappropriate cultural  Reluctance of especially the Girl-  Availability of Girl- NGOs practices teachers to accept Child child Unit  Commitment of  Inadequate committed posting to hard to  Availability of teachers government teachers reach areas towards Girl-Child  High level of illiteracy &  Inadequate support education poverty among parents from NGOs Inadequate  Availability of building  Support from Dwindling DACF  Inadequate funding educational facilities space (Land) NGOs Low Revenue Generation for education (Classrooms,  Availability of some  Support from Teachers water & sanitary parents and accommodation & facilities community  Commitment of water & sanitation government (GES) facilities) Low  Availability of  Support from GES  Lack of boarding facilities  Reluctance of Technical/Vocational Vocational Institute  Commitment of  Inadequate teachers teachers to accept skills  Availability of the DA  Inadequate classroom postings to hard to interested youth reach areas  Inadequate funding GENDER & PWDS Poor participation of  Well organized women  Support from  Cultural practices  Male dominant women in decision- groups Development  High illiteracy among society making  High interest among Partners women folk women  Policy on  Workload on women affirmative action  Women as their own enemies Presence of  Committed Traditional  Mass Media  Adherence to  Resistance to change cultural/traditional rulers cultural/traditional beliefs & practices that affect  Victim awareness practices women & Children  Religious bodies  Institutions Inadequate support  Financial Institutions  Support from  Inadequate capacity  High cost of to Micro/Small Scale e.g. APED, Rural Bank Development  Inadequate Market for borrowing Enterprises available Partners finished products  Lack of collateral security

Inadequate  Availability of gender  Support from  Inadequate number of  Inadequate number budgetary support desk NGOs, CBO’s & gender officers of funding partners for women  Availability of sub- women groups  Low revenue generation Inadequate funding committee on gender  Government  Domination of males in from Central Gov’t. policy on gender decision making positions  Availability of the  Low awareness of gender Ministry of issues Women & Children Affairs Low physical  Availability of  Availability of  Ignorance of the disability  Inadequate funding accessibility of PWDs association of the Donors/developm law  Inadequate trained to public institutions disabled ent Partners  Low capacity to handle personnel  Political will issues of People With  Inadequate logistics Disability (PWDs)  Inappropriate cultural practices Stigmatization of  Availability of  Availability of  Ignorance of the disability  Inadequate funding PWDs association of the Donors/developm law  Inadequate trained disabled ent Partners  Inappropriate cultural personnel  Political will practices  Inadequate logistics Low participation in  Availability of  Availability of  Ignorance of the disability  Inadequate funding decision making Association of the Donors/developm law  Inadequate trained Disabled ent Partners  Inappropriate cultural personnel  Political will practices  Inadequate logistics Inadequate  Availability of  Availability of  Ignorance of the disability  Inadequate funding entrepreneurial skills association of the Donors/developm law  Inadequate trained for PWD’s disabled ent Partners  Inappropriate cultural personnel  Political will practices  Inadequate logistics TOURISM Undeveloped Tourist  Availability of potential  Availability of  Inadequate capacity  Inadequate funding Sites tourist sites Funding Partners  Inadequate funding  Inadequate support  Political and traditional  Government  Inadequate support to the to the tourism sector will policy on Tourism tourism sector  Availability of private sector to support HIV/AIDS Low awareness on  Availability of health  Availability of  High rate of illiteracy  Inadequate funding HIV/AIDS facilities NGOs/Donors  Inappropriate Cultural  Capacity of existing  Availability of focal  Government practices institutions to person on HIV/AIDS Policy on handle HIV/AIDS  Availability of CBOs & HIV/AIDS issues Government Departments Low access and use of  Availability of health  Availability of  High rate of illiteracy  Unwillingness of condoms facilities NGOs/Donors  Inappropriate cultural people to change  Availability of focal  Government practices their behavior person on HIV/AIDS Policy on  Capacity of existing HIV/AIDS institutions to

handle HIV/AIDS issues Poor Behavioral  Availability of health  Availability of  High rate of illiteracy  Unwillingness of Change facilities NGOs/Donors  Inappropriate cultural people to change  Availability o focal practices their behavior person on HIV/AIDS  Capacity of existing institutions to handle HIV/AIDS issues High incidence of  Availability of health  Availability of  High rate of illiteracy  Capacity of existing stigmatization facilities NGOs/Donors  Inappropriate cultural institutions to  Availability o focal practices handle HIV/AIDS person on HIV/AIDS issues  Availability of CBOs & Government Departments Increase in number of  Availability of health  Availability of  High rate of illiteracy  Capacity of existing OVCs facilities NGOs/Donors  Inappropriate cultural institutions to  Availability o focal  Availability of practices handle OVCs person on HIV/AIDS CBOs  Inadequate attention  Availability of CBOs & to OVCs Government  Inadequate funding Departments Inadequate support  Availability of health  Availability of  High rate of illiteracy  Capacity of existing and care for facilities NGOs/Donors  Inappropriate cultural institutions to PLWHA’s  Availability o focal  Availability of practices handle OVCs person on HIV/AIDS CBOs  Inadequate attention  Availability of CBOs & to OVCs Government  Inadequate funding Departments ENERGY Low access to  Availability of  Existence of the  High cost of electricity  Inadequate funding electricity supply alternative energy Ministry of Energy  Scattered nature of  Absence of VRA sources (solar & wind  Support from homesteads office in the District mills) NGOs/Companies  Wrong perception of the  Absence of NGOs  Availability of people towards the use of dealing in energy electricity in the district electricity LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (LED) SHEABUTTER Low sheabutter  Availability of raw  Availability of  Low picking of sheanuts  Low quality of processing materials (sheanuts) exporters  Risk involved in picking sheabutter  Availability of labour  Governmental sheanuts  Seasonality of raw force policy on  Walking long distances to materials  Simple production sheabutter pick sheanuts  Bushfires process  Availability of  Difficulty in transporting  Lack of technology  Sheanuts long life span support from sheanuts from farms to in production  Ready market locally development production centers process  Availability of  Inadequate micro-finance  Inadequate market interested  Inadequate technical skills for finished product financial  Inadequate

institutions entrepreneurial/managerial skills BASKET WEAVING Low basket & hats  Availability of skills in  Availability of  Inadequate raw material  Seasonality of raw production basket weaving exporters  High cost of raw materials material  High interest in basket  International  Activities of middlemen  Raw material not weaving recognition for  Inadequate managerial and readily available  Read markets (locally) baskets entrepreneurial skills locally  Prospects of growing  Availability of  Inadequate access to micro-  Bushfires raw materials locally MSEs support finance  Overgrazing of institutions  Inadequate technical skills animals  Simple  High cost of production production process  Inconsistency in quality  Lack of creativity and innovation GUINEA FOWL REARING Low guinea fowl  Suitable environment  Availability of  Inadequate technical skills  Free range system of production for guinea fowl rearing exporters  Lack of entrepreneurial rearing guinea fowls  Availability of feed  Availability of attitudes towards guinea  High mortality rates locally support fowl production of guinea keets  Ready market programmes(SAD  Inadequate managerial skills  Seasonality of laying  Availability of technical A)  Inadequate access to micro- eggs support  Availability of finance  Low production  Tastier meat with low interested  Poor feeding & housing for levels cholesterol & fats financial guinea fowls  Improved breeds not institutions  Crude marketing of birds readily available  Poor hatchability (low fertility of eggs)  Poor patronage of veterinary services

2.4 CONCLUSION ON THE POCC ANALYSIS In sum it can be said that for the District just as there are challenges and constraints in our desire to improve upon the living standards of the people in the District, the few opportunities and potentials can if properly utilized turn things around for the good of the District. It is anticipated that outside assistance into the District from our Development partners shall continue during the implementation of this plan document, while prudent steps shall also be taken to improve the mobilization of our locally generated revenue (IGF) as a form of “self help” in our Development effort. This is the way forward for our District.

126 CHAPTER THREE 3.0. DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT FOCUS The District Development Focus between 2002 and 2009 was to ensure the full implementation of the GPRS I and GPRS II to achieve accelerated development in the district. Even though the district did well within the period mentioned in terms of development, a lot remains to be done.

Therefore the current development focus of the district is to make sure the implementation of the Ghana Shared Growth and Development Agenda (GSGDA, 2010- 2013) is closely monitored to ensure that programmes and projects embodied in the GSGDA are executed by all responsible agencies and persons in order to push the district development higher than achieved between 2002 and 2009. Also a careful note of all challenges faced in the implementation of GPRS I and GPRS II have been well noted in order to address them in the current Medium-Term Development Plan. This is expected to lead to the district achieving integrated development in time with the collaboration of all stakeholders. 3.1. DISTRICT GOAL To create an enabling environment for sustainable development of all sectors of the economy leading to poverty reduction with a view of enhancing the standard of living of the people by harnessing all available human and material resources through collaborative efforts thereby achieving the millennium development goals(MDGs).

3.2. DEVELOPMENT PROJECTIONS FOR 2010-2013  Improvement and sustenance of Macro-Economic stability By the end of the planned period, the district would have improved its micro-economy by increasing its internally generated funds. This would be done by building the capacities of revenue collectors, sensitization of the general public on the importance of paying tax, regular engagements with rate payers and revenue collectors and above all monitoring closely revenue mobilization in the district.  Expanded development of Production infrastructure By the end of the plan period, productive infrastructure would have developed and expanded especially in the areas of energy, water and sanitation to facilitate and boost the development of the economy. This would in turn have a multiplier effect on the quality of lives of the people in the district.  Accelerated Agriculture Modernisation and Agro-Based Industrial Development

By the year 2013, the district expects to experience accelerated modernised agricultural activities and the rapid development of agro based industries through capacity building for farmers and actors in the Agro-based enterprises. Through capacity building and value addition to agro-based products as well as opening up both local and international markets for the products.  Sustainable partnerships between Government and the private sector By 2013, the district expects to have sustainable partnerships between the Government and the private sector through regular and effective engagement to boost the tourism sector as well as creating employment opportunities for the youth in the district. The district assembly also expects to collaborate with the private sector especially the micro/small enterprises to identify and harness all local economic resources in order to promote local economic development leading to accelerated poverty reduction among the general populace of the district.  Developing Human Resources for National Development By the end of the plan period, the human resource base of the district would have improved by providing relevant facilities for both basic and second cycle institutions as well as building the capacities of teachers and school management teams. The health sector would also be provided with the necessary facilities as well as building capacities of health professionals and the communities on how to prevent and manage diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis etc.

 Transparent and Accountable Governance By 2013, the district would have enhanced transparency and accountability across all sectors of the district. This would be done by creating an interface between duty bearers and right bearers. The effective functioning of the sub-district structures would also enhance local governance and accountability in the district. Creating and raising awareness of people on their civic rights and responsibilities would also enhance transparency and accountability.

3.3. DISTRICT OBJECTIVES UNDER MTDPF THEMATIC AREAS  Improvement and sustenance of Macro-economic stability. o To improve upon the mobilization and utilization of IGF by 2013  Expanded development of productive infrastructure o To increase access to water from the current level of 51%to 75% by 2013 o To build the capacities of DWST and WATSAN committees in water management by 2013. o To increase access to sanitation and improved hygiene from current level of 19% to 40% by 2013. o To facilitate the extension of electricity and use of renewable sources of energy in the district by 2013.  Sustainable partnerships between government and the private sector o Increase support to micro/small scale enterprises by 2013 o To reduce the high unemployment rate among the youth by 2013.

o To facilitate the development of the tourism sector in the district for jobs and revenue generation by 2013. o To promote local economic development by concentrating on sheabutter processing by 2013 o To promote local economic development by concentrating on basket weaving by 2013 o To promote local economic development by concentrating on guinea fowl production by 2013  Developing Human Resources for National Development o To improve BECE performance from the percentage of 44% to 74% with a yearly interval of 10%. o To increase educational infrastructure by 20% by 2013 o To increase access to second cycle education by 2013 o To improve technical /vocational and community based apprenticeship scheme by 2013. o To increase access to ICT services by 2013 o To improve health care delivery in the district by 2013 o To improve infrastructure at the district by 2013 o To reduce the incidence of malaria especially among pregnant women and children from the current 52% to 45%. o To reduce the high rate of TB cases by 2013. o To reduce the high incidence of HIV/AIDS in the district by 2013. o To improve the behaviour of people towards HIV/AIDS by 2013. o To reduce the high incidence of stigmatization of PLWHA by 2013. o To increase support for OVCs and PLWHAs by 2013. o To improve physical accessibility of PWDs to public institutions. o To reduce the high stigmatization of PWDs in the district. o To increase the entrepreneurial skills of PWDs by 2013.  Accelerated Agriculture Modernisation and Agro-based Industrial Development o To increase the production of high value crops, livestock and poultry by 5% annually. o To conduct surveillance and control diseases and pests of crops, livestock and poultry annually. o To identify and develop markets for five major crops, two types of livestock and poultry annually. o To strengthen disaster prevention and responses mechanism in the district. o To reduce the rate of deforestation/desertification in the district. o To improve the road network in the district  Transparent and Accountable Governance o To increase peoples awareness on their civic rights and responsibilities.

o To increase women’s participation in decision-making at all levels o To promote & protect the interest of children in the district. o To reduce the number of cultural/traditional practices that affect women and girls in the district by 2013. o To operationalize all sub-district structures in the district o To improve the security apparatus and justice delivery systems in the District o To increase office and residential accommodation for the District Assembly. 3.4. SUMMARY OF OBJECTIVES, STRATEGIES AND ACTIVITIES Thematic Area: Improvement and sustenance of macro-economic stability OBJECTIVES STRATEGIES ACTIVITIES

To improve upon the Sensitizing the general Educate the general public on mobilization of IGF from public on payment of taxes the importance of paying present level of about 28% to taxes 45% by the end of the plan period (2013) Regular engagement Organize regular meetings meeting with rate payers & with rate payers, associations revenue collectors and community groups on revenue mobilization and utilization

Organize regular engagement meetings with revenue collectors Capacity building of Organize refresher training Revenue Collectors for revenue collectors Effective supervision & Constitute a permanent monitoring of revenue revenue task force mobilization Organize training for the task force

Intensify monitoring and supervision of revenue collection in the district

Organize engagement meetings with stakeholders and rate payers on the utilization of the IGF

Organize bi-annual public fora on revenue mobilization

and expenditures at the district level.

Thematic Area: Expanded Development of productive infrastructure OBJECTIVES STRATEGIES ACTIVITIES

To increase access to water Provision of water facilities Provide thirty (30) boreholes from the current level of 51% to annually in the district 75% by 2013 Provide one (1) small town water system annually in each area council

Provide 15 hand–dug wells fitted with pumps annually Maintenance of non- Rehabilitate all non functional functional water facilities boreholes Research & removal of Research and retest all fluoride in affected capped boreholes due to boreholes fluoride

To increase access to sanitation Provision of sanitary Acquire and develop land for and improved hygiene from the facilities/equipment final waste disposal in the current level of 19% to 50% by district 2013 Acquire and develop site for public cemetery in Bongo

Construct four (4) public toilets by 2013

Construct a slaughter house each for Bongo and Soe markets

Purchase sanitary tools and equipment by 2013 Maintenance of sanitary Repair broken down refuse equipment tractor and its equipment Sensitizing people on food Organize food hygiene hygiene education in all 7 area councils Regular emptying of septic Dislodge all septic tank tanks latrines once annually

Improving the drainage Construct drainage facilities system in all major markets in the district Sensitizing the people on Intensify education on hand general hygiene practices washing with soap

Provision of office Construct office accommodation for accommodation for port Environmental Health Unit health by 2013 Build the capacity of DWST and Training for DWST& Train three (3) DWST WATSAN Committees in water WATSAN Committee members in ICT management from present level of 40% to 70% by the end of Train DWST/DPCU on data 2013. collection and management

Collect and update WATSAN data annually

Reconstitute all non functional WATSAN committees

Constitute new WATSAN committees

Provide training for newly constituted and reconstituted WATSAN committees

Provide rain coats for DWST members To facilitate the extension of Extension of national grid to Procure 5,000 low tension electricity and use of renewable communities poles annually sources of energy in the district from present level of 27% to Extend the national grid to 10 47% by 2013 communities annually Collaborating with relevant Collaborate with relevant agencies agencies to identify alternative energy sources in the district Education on LPG and other Educate households on the renewable energy sources use of LPG and other renewable sources of energy for cooking Collaborating with relevant Facilitate the availability of agencies LPG in the district

Thematic Area: Sustainable Partnerships between Government and the Private Sector OBJECTIVES STRATEGIES ACTIVITIES Increase support to Survey on Micro/Small Identify all Micro/Small Micro/Small Scale Enterprises scale enterprises Enterprise operators in the from present level of about 10% district (sheabutter to 28% by 2013 processing, dawadawa processing, malt and pito brewing, basket & hat weaving) Capacity building for Train all Micro/Small Small/Micro Scale enterprise operators in value enterprises addition Train Micro/Small Scale Enterprise operators on micro- finance management

Train Micro/Small Scale Enterprise operators on product development

Train Micro/Small Scale Enterprise operators on quality control

Sensitize and train Micro/Small Scale Enterprise operators on market dynamics (assess & fair trade)

Sensitize and train Micro/Small Scale Enterprise operators on how to access markets for their products

Train Micro/Small Scale Enterprise operators on business management skills Networking with Micro- Link Micro/Small Enterprise finance institutions operators to Micro-Finance institutions To reduce the high Conduct survey on Identify the unemployed unemployment rate among the unemployment youth in the district youth from present level of 89% to 72% by 2013 Needs assessment Assess the employment needs

of the youth

Assess the training needs of the youth Capacity building for the Organize capacity training youth programme for the youth based on their needs Networking with master Link youths to master craft craftsman men and women Education /sensitization of Sensitize master craft Master craftsmen/women men/women to form strong associations/groups in order to source funding from government and other organizations

Sensitize the youth to enrol in the Youth in Agriculture Programme

Sensitize the youth to take advantage of the NYEP Networking with Micro- Link youth/entrepreneurs to finance institutions Micro-finance institutions to access start up capital Facilitate the development of Survey of tourist sites Identify three (3) tourist sites the tourism sector in the district for development annually from present level of 2% to 15% for jobs and revenue generation by 2013 Networking/collaboration Liaise and collaborate with with relevant agencies the private sector and Tourists Board to develop 3 tourists sites annually Publicity on tourists Organize radio talk shows to potentials publicise the tourist potentials of the district

Design brochures & flyers on the tourism potentials of the district Recruitment/capacity Liaise with the traditional building for tourist guards authorities to recruit tourist guards

Train tourist guards in tourist

management

To Build the capacities of Sensitization of sheabutter Conduct sensitization sheabutter processing Groups extraction communities seminar on sheabutter from present level of 30% to extraction within production 50% to promote local economic communities development by the end of 2013

Formation of sheabutter Formation of sheabutter production groups production groups in selected communities Capacity building of Conduct technical training on producers quality control for producers

Conduct management training on records keeping, marketing, costing and pricing and credit management for sheabutter production groups in the district. Market research for the Conduct market research for producers the sheabutter Linking producers to buyers Build market linkages between producers and buyers To Build the capacities of basket Capacity building of Conduct entrepreneurship weaving groups from the producers training for Basket weavers in present level of 40% to 30% to the district promote local economic development by the end of 2013 Conduct group dynamic training for selected groups

Conduct technical training on new product development for Basket weavers groups in the district

Conduct technical training on natural dyes for production groups

Capacity building on value chain development

Conduct technical training on

ICT for group executives

Conduct management training on credit management, records keeping and marketing Market research for the Conduct market research for producers group executives To Build the capacities of Sensitization of guinea fowl Organise seminars on guinea guinea fowl production groups farmers fowl rearing as alternative from the present level of 38% to MSEs sector in the district 50% to promote local economic development by the end of 2013 Capacity building of Conduct group dynamics producers training for selected guinea fowl farmers groups in the district

Conduct technical training on breed selection, incubation, feeding/watering and mortality control for selected farmers groups

Conduct technical training on housing, record keeping and health management for guinea fowl farmers in the district

Organize management training for selected guinea fowl farmers groups on credit management

Thematic Area: Developing Human Resources for National Development OBJECTIVES STRATEGIES ACTIVITIES

To improve BECE performance Capacity building for Organize regular in-service from the current average of teachers training for teachers 44%-74% with a yearly interval of 10%.by the end of the plan period Supervision/monitoring Intensify supervision of teaching in schools Education/sensitization for Sensitize PTA/SMC on the associations importance of education Provision of relevant Provide relevant TLMs to materials schools

Motivation of teachers Institute celebration of teacher’s award in the district Motivation of pupils Organize inter-schools quiz competition among schools

Institute awards for best performing pupils Increasing teacher Sponsor 240 teacher trainees population annually To increase educational Provision of educational Construct 12 no. kindergarten Infrastructure from the present facilities blocks annually level of 39% to 45% by 2013 Construct 16 no. 3 Unit classroom Blocks, offices and stores for primary schools by 2013

Construct 12 no. 3 unit classroom blocks and ancillary facilities for JHS.

Provide furniture for all newly constructed schools

Construct 4 teacher’s village in the district

Provide sanitary facilities for 10 schools annually

Provide portable water

facilities for 10 schools annually To increase access to Second Provision of infrastructure Acquire and demarcate land Cycle Education in the District for Second Cycle Institutions at Bongo and Gowrie Senior from present level of 39% 55% High Schools by 2013 Provide additional classrooms at Bongo and Gowrie senior High Schools

Provide Science Resource Centre for Bongo SHS Networking with relevant Liaise with the appropriate agencies authorities to absorb newly created SHS at Zorko

Provide the Zorko SHS with permanent structures (Classrooms and other facilities) To improve Provision of infrastructure Construct 2-storey classroom technical/Vocational and block for Women Training Community based Institute apprenticeship scheme from the present level of 28% to 39% Construct 2-storey dormitory by the end of 2013 block for Women Training Institute Networking with relevant Liaise with the appropriate agencies agencies to recruit additional technical and vocational staff for the Women Training Institute Increase access to ICT services Provision of relevant Erect mast at Community in the District from present equipment Information Centre (CIC) level of 2% 19% by 2013 Education/sensitization Sensitize the general public on the importance of ICT

Recruitment of personnel Recruit personnel for the CIC

Acquire and demarcate land for radio station

Construct office block for Radio station

Organize computer training programmes for members of the public at the CIC

Internet connectivity Connect the District Assembly and decentralized departments to the internet. To improve health care delivery Provision of health Acquire and demarcate land in the District from the present infrastructure for buildings level of 40% to 55% by 2013 Construct 3 No CHPS compounds annually

Construct 3No. Nurses Quarters annually

Construct 1 No bungalow for a medical officer

Provide 1 mechanized borehole in each of the six health centres.

Extend electricity to the various health centres in the district

Provide basic equipment for all the health facilities in the district Increasing the number of Sponsor the training of 10 health professionals in critical staff annually district Motivation of staff Institute award for hardworking staff To improve infrastructure at the Provision of infrastructure Acquire and demarcate land District Hospital from the at the District Hospital. present level of 49% to 60% by 2013 Provide 3 storey block of wards for the District Hospital Construct modern theatre for the District Hospital

Construct a kitchen for the

hospital

Construct a mortuary for the District hospital

To reduce the incidence of Education/sensitization of Sensitize the general public malaria especially among pregnant mothers on the use of ITN especially pregnant women and children during pregnancy from the current 52% to 45% by the end of the plan perioid Educate pregnant women on the need to use IPT during pregnancy Capacity building for service Train all service providers on providers IPT,IPTT and ITN

Introduce ORT corners in all health facilities by 2013 Sensitization for the general Sensitize communities on the public/health providers need for all children to sleep under ITN

Sensitize Health Providers on the new Malaria Policy Formation/training for Form & train District Malaria advocacy Awareness and Advocacy Committee

Organize Seven (7) Sensitization programmes for communities on malaria

To reduce the high rate of TB Education/sensitization of Sensitize the general public cases in the District from the the general public on TB in the district present level of about 10% to 6% by 2013 Sensitize parents on the need to take their new born children for TB vaccination

Capacity building of health Train health personnel on personnel on TB ways to handle TB cases.

Education/sensitization for Sensitize TB patients to report TB patients early to the health facility Capacity building for TB Train TB patients on patients/caregivers medication

Train caregivers on how to handle TB patients

Networking with relevant Facilitate the availability of agencies TB drugs in the district Provision of Provide testing and testing/counseling services counselling services

To reduce the high incidence of Education/sensitization on Increase education on HIV/AIDS in the District from HIV/AIDS HIV/AIDS in the District the present level of 7% to 5% by 2013 Sensitize people on the modes of getting the disease and preventive measures

Sensitize Traditional leaders & Opinion leaders on the disease

Sensitize Departments & other agencies on the disease

Educate people to go for testing & counseling Networking with relevant Facilitate the availability & agencies use of condoms Capacity building Educate & train people on the proper use of condom

Organize sensitization programmes for informal operatives (Barbers, hair dressers, beauticians etc.)

Train informal operatives on the use of protective materials & sterilization of equipment

Facilitate the availability of condom at all workplaces (formal & informal)

Networking of stakeholders Form Network of HIV/AIDS stakeholders in the district

Train Network on HIV/AIDS

Organize half yearly review meetings of the Network To improve the behavioural Capacity building for Train relevant institutions on change of people towards relevant institutions Behaviour Change HIV/AIDS patients from communication present level of fair to better by 2013 Education/sensitization of Sensitize the general public to general public accept HIV/AIDS as a natural sickness Publicity/awareness Develop & design relevant creation HIV/AIDS materials on real life situations to the public

Show films on full blown HIV/AIDS to the general public

Sensitize PLWHAS to tell their own stories to the general public

Counsel PLWHAS to stop the spread of the disease Increase support for OVCs & Assessment of OVCs Conduct needs assessment of PLWHAS from present level of OVCs 2% to 7% by 2013 Provision of food & Provide food & medicines to medicine OVCs Provision of educational Provide educational materials materials to OVCs (Books, Uniforms, Sandals etc.) Capacity building for OVCs Provide skills training for OVCs out of school

Strengthen existing PLWHAs Associations Support regular meetings of PLWHAs Support to PLWHAs Assist PLWHAs to access credit facilities Capacity building of Train PLWHAs on credit PLWHAs management

Support PLWHAs to access

ARV

Advocacy/sensitization Support PLWHAs to do advocacy & sensitization To improve physical Sensitization/education of Sensitize the general public accessibility of PWDs to Public stakeholders on the disability law Institutions from present level of 4% to 8% by the end of the Sensitize consultants & plan period contractors to incorporate PWDs access to all infrastructural development

Sensitize & facilitate PWDs Association engagement with Service providers in the district Advocacy Assist PWDs Associations to advocate for incorporation of disability access to all public buildings To reduce the high Sensitization/ education of Sensitize the general public stigmatization of PWDs in the the genera public on the rights of PWDs district from present level of fair to better by the end of the Sensitize the general public plan period. on the negative perceptions about PWDs (as evil spirits) Empowerment of relevant Strengthen Social Protection institutions Institutions (Dept. Social Welfare, CHRAJ, Dept. of Community Dev’t, NCCE) to protect the rights of PWDs Role modelling of PWDs Showcase the potentials & abilities of PWDs (Role Models)

Assist PWDs to enroll & stay in school Provision of relevant Construct a Resource Centre infrastructure for PWDs as rehabilitation and training centre To increase the entrepreneurial Needs assessment Identify the entrepreneurial skills development of PWDs needs of PWDs from the present level of 3% to 9% by 2013 Assess the training needs of PWDs

Capacity building /skills Organize relevant development entrepreneurial skills training for PWDs

Train PWDs on credit management

Train PWDs on quality control & product development Networking with relevant Assists PWDs to access credit institutions for their enterprises Capacity building/ skills Train PWDs on credit development management

Train PWDs on quality control & product development

Thematic Area: Accelerated Agriculture modernization and agro-based industrial development OBJECTIVES STRATEGIES ACTIVITIES

To increase the production of Development of irrigation Construct 4 no. dams in the high valued crops, livestock facilities district and poultry from the present Rehabilitate 4 no. dams level of 45% to 55% by the end of the plan period Capacity building Build the capacities of 8 WUA’s Expansion of production Stump and develop 160 land hectares of land in the Oncho- freed zone Sensitization/education on Sensitize communities in the the Oncho Freed Zone 12 operational areas on the need to farm in the Oncho- freed zone

Motivation of farmers Support interested farmers of OFZ with credit & farm input Capacity building for small Build the ruminants groups capacities of 24 small ruminants groups annually Capacity building for Build the capacities of 24 poultry groups groups engaged in poultry farming annually

To conduct surveillance and Surveillance of pest & Conduct field visits and control diseases and pests of diseases surveillance on diseases and crops, livestock and poultry pests from the present level of 59% to 70& by the end of the plan Conduct routine prophylaxis period of livestock Vaccination of livestock & Vaccinate livestock, poultry poultry and pests

Funding for control of Collaborate with DA to diseases establish an emergency fund for the control of anthrax, armyworm and rabies Capacity building of Train twelve (12) spraying spraying gangs gangs in the district To identify and develop Maintenance of market Rehabilitate 1 market markets for 5 major crops, 2 infrastructure annually types of livestock and poultry

annually Identify major crops, livestock and poultry farmers Sensitization/group Sensitize farmers (Producers) formation to work in groups

Networking of buyers & Identify buyers producers Link buyers to Producers Provision of infrastructure Construct 4 warehouses at strategic places with a capacity of 500 bags Linking farmers to Micro- Link farmers to the Bongo finance institutions Rural Bank for credit facilities To strengthen disaster Sensitization/capacity Organize 7 fora, 7 durbars prevention and response building on disaster and work shops on disaster mechanisms in the district from management prevention and response the present level of fair to better mechanisms by the end of the plan period Formation/training of Form and train district groups volunteer guards (DVGs) and District volunteer committees on disaster prevention and response mechanism Capacity building for Train Assembly Members, Assembly Members Area, Area councillors and Unit Committees on disaster management Identifying disaster prone Map out disaster prone areas areas Planning for disaster Develop a Disaster prevention Preparedness Plan for the district.

Capacity building for Train NADMO staff in NADMO staff disaster management Provision of Procure computer and its equipment/logistics accessories for data storage

Procure means of transport for NADMO (Vehicle and Motorbike) To reduce the high rate of Sensitization/education of Sensitize communities the Deforestation/Desertification in communities dangers of the district deforestation/desertification

Organize public for a, durbars, meetings, symposia and workshops on the dangers of deforestation/desertification Enactment of bye laws Enact by law on bushfire and tree cutting Motivation of communities Institute award schemes for to stop deforestation communities with success in afforestation Development of Assist communities to nurseries/plantation establish tree nurseries and plantations Formation/capacity Form and train guards and building for volunteers fire volunteer squads

Provision of Provide fire volunteer squads equipment/protective with protection clothing/ clothing equipment To improve the road network in Upgrading the road network Provide bitumen surfacing the District from the present in the district for the Bongo-Bolgatanga rating of bad to better by the trunk road end of the plan period Rehabilitate the Zorko- Namoo-Yelwongo road

Construct the Bongo- Balungu-Namoo Road

Provide access routes to the Oncho-Freed Zone

Construct town roads Thematic Area: Transparent and Accountable Governance OBJECTIVES STRATEGIES ACTIVITIES

To increase people’s awareness Awareness creation on Civic Organize 24 fora for on their Civil Rights and rights & responsibilities communities on Civic Rights Responsibilities from the and Responsibilities present rating of fair to better by the end of the plan period Organize 8 workshop on Civil Rights and Responsibilities for Decentralized Departments and Agencies

Formation of Form Human Rights Clubs in Clubs/capacity building Basic and Second Cycle Institutions

Train Human rights clubs on their roles and responsibilities

Organize 8 workshops on civil rights and responsibilities for Assembly Members and Traditional authorities To increase women Capacity building for Organize 8 workshop for participation in decision- women selected women on decision- making at all levels from the making processes at the present rating of fair to better District level by the end of the plan period Organize 8 workshop on decision making processes at the district level for women groups Awareness raising for Facilitate a public forum for stakeholders stakeholders on women participation in decision making Identification of potential Identify potential women women candidates candidates in local level elections with CSO’s Collaboration/capacity Partners CSO’s to organise building training workshop for aspiring assembly women on the art of public speaking, leadership skills and agenda building Advocacy/lobbying Lobby assembly leadership to appoint 80% of 30% appointees as women Collaboration/sponsorship Collaborate with for women candidates Development Partners to sponsor women candidates in District Assembly election To promote & protect the Awareness creation on Child Sensitize communities on interest of children in the right child right district from the present rating of fair to better by the end of the plan period.

Formation of Teams Form District Child Protection Teams

Train District Child Protection Teams

Organize review meetings To minimise Sensitization /education for Organize 14 community cultural/traditional practices stakeholders sensitization forums for all that affect women and children stakeholders on cultural in the district by 2013 /traditional practices that affect women and children Identification of Identify all cultural/traditional cultural/traditional practices practices that affect women that affect women and girls & girls Organize 8 information sharing sessions for traditional rulers, assembly members and departments on cultural/traditional practices Training for stakeholders Organize 8 training sessions for stakeholders on the domestic violence Law Strengthening of concern Strengthen institutions such institutions as CHRAJ, Social welfare, Community Devt, NCCE, Police and allied institutions to deal with cultural traditional issues( Capacity Building, Vehicles, motorbikes, Additional Personnel) Formation of network of Form a network of institutions institutions to deal with issues of cultural/ traditional abuse

Support the network to deal with issues of cultural/ traditional abuses To operationalize all sub- Rehabilitation of Rehabilitate all 7 Town/ district structures in the district Town/Area council Area Councils by the end of the plan period Refurbish all 7 Town Area Councils.

Capacity building of Recruit relevant staff for all Town/Area council the 7 Town /Area councils

Build the capacities of staff of the Town/Area councils on their roles/responsibilities

Train all Area Council members on their roles and responsibilities

Train all Area Council members/staff on participatory planning, budgeting and M & E

Train all Area Council staff and members on revenue mobilization To improve the security Land acquisition Acquire and demarcate land apparatus and justice delivery for buildings systems in the District from the present rating of fair to better by the end of the plan period Construction of Police Construct 4 no. police posts accommodation Construct 1 no. Police accommodation Construction of District Construct a District Court Court building Building

Construct 1 no. bungalow for District magistrate Lobbying for personnel Liaise and lobby police administration for additional personnel Construction of Fire Service Construct office accommodation accommodation for Fire Service Provision of logistics Provide logistics & equipment to the Fire Service To increase office and Land acquisition Acquire and demarcate land residential accommodation for for buildings District Assembly staff from the present rating of fair to better by the end of the plan period

Construction of office & Complete 4 storey office residential accommodation complex for DA for DA Construct 4 storey flats for district staff

Complete 1 No Bungalow for District Finance Officer

Construct 1 No bungalow for District Planning Officer Rehabilitation of low cost Rehabilitate 10low costs houses houses at Bongo and Gowrie for district staff

6.9. M&E CALENDAR M&E CALENDAR ACTIVITIES TIMEFRAME ACTORS BUDGET Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 2010 2011 2012 2013 Annual / / / / DPCU GH¢5,000.00 review of DMTDP Mid-Year June June June June DPCU GH¢5,000.00 review of DMTDP Annual Jan Jan Jan DPCU GH¢6,000.00 progress reviewed workshop Preparaition Feb Feb Feb Feb DPCU GH¢4,000.00 of Annual Progress Report Dissemination May May May May DPCU GH¢6,000.00 Quarterly Jan Apr Aug Nov Jan Apr Aug Nov Jan Apr Aug Nov Jan Apr Aug Nov DPCU GH¢4,000.00 Review meetings (with Partners) Quarterly Mar Jul Oct Dec Mar Jul Oct Dec Mar Jul Oct Dec Mar Jul Oct Dec DPCU GH¢6,000.00

Field Visits

6.10 EVALUATION PARTICIPATORY M&E The participatory M&E approach would be adopted in the evaluation of the DMTDP. This would enable both right bearers and duty bearers to assess the impact of interventions and challenges affecting the effective implementation of the interventions. In view of the above, the District Assembly would engage Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to assist in using participatory methods to collect data for the evaluation of the DMTDP. Some of the M&E techniques to be adopted are indicated below: i. Citizen Report Cards ii. Community Score Cards iii. Focus Group discussing etc

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