Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District Assembly Annual

BIBIANI-ANHWIASO-BEKWAI DISTRICT ASSEMBLY

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

ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT FOR 2016

PREPARED BY: DISTRICT PLANNING COORDINATING UNIT TABLE OF CONTENTS Title Page

1. TITLE PAGE ...... 3 2.0. INTRODUCTION ...... 3 3.0. MONITORING AND EVALUATION ACTIVITIES REPORT ...... 6 4.0. UPDATE ON CRITICAL DEVELOPMENT AND POVERTY ISSUES ...... 16 5.0. THE WAY FORWARD ...... 39 6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS...... 39 7.0 CONCLUSION ...... 39

List of Tables Title Page

Table 1: Trends of Actual Revenue received by Sources from 2013-2016 ...... 7 Table 2: Trends of Expenditure (Actuals) from 2013-2016 ...... 9 Table 3: Core District Indicators and Targets under GSGDA II ...... 10 Table 4: Specific District Indicators and Targets in the DMTDP under GSGDA II 2014- ...... 14 Table 5: Statistics on Youth Employment in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District as at December, 31, 2016 ...... 17 Table 6: Beneficiary Schools of School Feeding Programme and their Total Enrolments in Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District, December 31, 2016...... 21 Table 7: Technical Apprentice Training: ...... 25 Table 8: Agro Processing Equipment Manufacture and Repairs ...... 26 Table 9: Impact of BAC activities during the 4th quarter ...... 26 Table 10: Data on HIV&AIDS Situation in the District from 2009-2014 ...... 28 Table 11. Activities, Progress and Results for January – December, 2016...... 29

BIBIANI ANHWIASO BEKWAI DISTRICT ASSEMBLY

ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT ON MONITORING AND EVALUATION (M&E) ACTIVITIES FOR 2016

1. TITLE PAGE

1.1 District: Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District Assembly

1.2 M&E Report Period: January 1– December 31, 2016

2.0.INTRODUCTION The Annual Progress Report (APR) is the third phase of the implementation of the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai District Medium Term Development Plan (DMTDP) 2014-2017 under the Ghana Shared Growth and Development Agenda II.

The APR provides a framework for the systematic review of the implementation of the DMTDP 2014-2017 programmes and projects and their impact on the socio-economic development of the district. The report has been prepared from the results of an assessment of a set of nationally recommended core indicators, district specific indicators and also from other monitoring and evaluation events undertaken on programmes and projects which were captured in the Assembly’s 2016 Annual Action Plan and implemented as well. Specifically, it examined the achievement status of the following:

 the set of core district indicators;

 the set of other district indicators;

 revenue performance;

 expenditure performance; and

 Critical development and poverty issues in the District for 2016.

2.1.Status of Implementation of DMTDP The Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District Assembly finished the preparation of the first Draft of its Medium Term Development Plan for 2014 – 2017 in the first year of 2014 and submitted copies of the Draft Plan to WRCC and NDPC for co-ordination and harmonization. However, after coordination and harmonization by WRCC and NDPC, the final comments were forwarded to

MMDAs for correction and finalization of the draft plan. The final draft plan been completed for implementation since the final comments were sent by NDPC.

However, as development is not static but a continuous process, the District Assembly continued with the implementation of the 2014 – 2017 DMTDP in 2016 by drawing its 2016 Annual Action Plan and Development Budget Estimates based on the programmes and projects in the DMTDP.

At the end of year DPCU meeting for 2016, it was realised that out of over 98 development projects earmarked for implementation in 2016 in the 2014-2017 DMTDP, 77 projects were selected to prepare the Assembly’s 2016 Development Budget for implementation to improve the living conditions of the people in relation to GSGDA II.

The review further showed that under i. Ensuring and Sustaining Macroeconomic Stability out of 5 projects 4 were selected for execution, ii. Enhancing Competitiveness in Ghana’s Private Sector out of 6 projects 5 projects are being implemented which are old projects from 2015 whiles iii. under Accelerated Agriculture Modernisation and Natural Resources Management out of 14 projects, 12 projects have been selected for implementation, iv. Under Infrastructure and Human Settlement Development, out 27 projects earmarked for implementation, 24 projects are being executed, v. Under Human Development, Productivity and Employment, out of 21 projects, 16 projects are also being implemented in the Action Plan and vi. under Transparent and Accountable Governance 24 projects have been selected for execution out of 16 projects earmarked for implementation.

The analysis of the above indicates that the Assembly could select 78.6% the programmes/ projects earmarked for implementation in 2016 Action Plan due to inadequate funds and supports as well as logistics. It is an encouraging performance/results over 2015 where only about 71.60% of the total 81 projects/programmes were implemented.

The implication of the Assembly’s inability to execute all projects in 2016 Action Plan implies that the District vision to achieve all the stated objectives in 2016 in order to move towards the broad goal of improving the living standards of the people may / will not be fully realized.

To be able to implement subsequent projects in the plan, there is the need for the Assembly to source adequate funds and support from its development partners and strategize very well to improve its internally generated revenue as indicated in its indicative financial resource plan of 2014-2017 DMTDP.

The main challenges with the implementation of the DMTDP particularly during the year under review include:

• Inadequate resource particularly funds both local and external resources affected the implementation of most key projects

• Delays in the release of funds affected projects completion period especially GETFund projects. • Non-availability of some public sector organisations and service providers in the district. • High illiterately rate among the people of the district which affected dissemination of information, adoption of modern technology, particularly farmers etc. • Inadequate credit facilities and poor attitude of farmers / traders towards repayment of loans granted them by financial institution. • Poor performance /attitude of some contractors • Inadequate logistics for the District • Poor accessibility to some projects sites due to bad nature of feeder roads in the district • Ill-equipped DPCU M&E Team of the district • High cost of M & E exercises due to undue delays in project completion period. • Low income among the people and the people poor attitude towards payment of taxes affected revenue generation of the district. • High cost of executing projects in the district due to undue delays in projects completion periods • High cost of construction materials • Ineffective functioning of the district sub-structures. • Low IGF mobilisation

2.2.The Main Purpose of the Monitoring and Evaluation Activities for 2016 The purpose of the APR included the following:

i. to provide a single source of information to all stakeholders both local and national on progress being made by the district in the implementation of the DMTDP 2014 – 2017 particularly programmes and projects in 2016; ii. to identify weaknesses which are likely to hinder the achievement of the goals and objectives of the DMTDP 2014 – 2017; iii. to make recommendations for addressing the shortcomings; iv. provide information for effective co-ordination of district development at the regional and national levels; and v. Improve service delivery and value for money.

2.3.Processes involved and difficulties encountered The 2016 APR was compiled from outputs of quarterly monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects specified in the 2016 Annual Action Plan and other national as well as cross-cutting issues in the District. It also included findings from quarterly review meetings of the District Planning and Coordinating Unit (DPCU) and other departments, NGOs, CBOs, Donors etc, etc. Regular data collection exercises were also undertaken to determine the status of implementation of the programmes and projects.

This involves the compilation of a regular register of all on-going programmes and projects in the district i.e. programmes/ projects undertaken under the auspices of the District Assembly, Decentralised Departments, Central Government, Development Partners and NGOs, etc.

Periodic field visits/site inspections to undertake M&E exercises on the programmes and projects to update the register regularly with details on each activity such as start-time, costs, location, source of funding, expenditure to date, status of projects, expected completion date, remarks etc. were done during the period. Other M&E exercise was also undertaken to assess the revenue and expenditure performance of the district assembly.

Some challenges/difficulties faced by the Assembly during the last M&E exercises conducted in the period under review included;

i. Poor accessibility to projects sites due to bad nature of feeder roads especially during the raining season in the district and dusty roads in the dry season making it extremely uncomfortable to travel on the roads to conduct M&E exercises. ii. Undue delays in the release of funds especially GETFund /DACF which indisputably affects project completion period leading to long M&E of projects. iii. High cost of M&E exercises due to undue delays in project completion period. iv. Inadequate funds and lack of vehicle to carry out regular monitoring and evaluation exercises.

3.0.MONITORING AND EVALUATION ACTIVITIES REPORT 3.1 Programmes/Projects Status for 2016

As indicated earlier, the status of implementation of all on-going development programmes/ projects in the district with respect to their start-time, expected completion date, contract sum, source of funding, location, status, remarks, etc have been clearly spelt in the project register table which has been provided at the end of this report.

From appendix table, it can be realized that some projects were started as far back as 2010 and are still on-going. The implications are that the delays in completion period would lead to high project cost, high M&E cost and may affect negatively the achievement of the desired impact on the people.

Notwithstanding that, many projects were completed in 2016, while those which could not be completed, work progressed steadily.

3.2 Update on Revenue by Sources and Disbursements This section analyzes the trends in revenue by sources and expenditure of the Assembly for the year under review.

Table 1: Trends of Actual Revenue received by Sources from 2013-2016 S/N SOURCES OF 2013 2014 2015 2016 REVENUE (GHc) (GHc) (GHc) (GHc) 1 Rates 278,910.04 477,983.00 513,242.00 644,709.67

2 Lands and 25,775.00 415,489.00 746,574.81 2,082,689.00 Concessions

3 Fees and Fines 101,467.20 97,295.90 135,524.50 155,007.50

4 Licenses 158,071.96 145,389.84 266,741.84 150,807.00

5 Rent 21,310.37 34,843.00 40,895.00 187,715.00

5 Grants 2,939,882.50 3,295,037.75 3,524,278.98 2,905,448.83

6 Investment Income 347.13 2,423.03 10,350.73 5,045.44

7 Miscellaneous 3,689.00 157,120.00 553,344.55 233,908.95

TOTAL REVENUE 3,529,453.20 4,625,581.52 5,790,952.41 6,365,331.39

Source: Finance Department, BABDA, 2016

Comments on: a) Release of funds

From Table 1, it can be said that the total receipts or revenue / Funds from all the funding sources has been increasing since 2013. However, the major issues with regards to release of funds is inadequacy and untimely/undue delays in releasing funds to the Assembly as well as so many deductions at which unprecedentedly affects smooth implementation of development projects in the district. b) Efforts to generate funds The District Assembly in its quest to generate adequate resources to implement all planed programmes and projects to improve the lives of the people, is making every effort to mobilise more funds particularly IGF to support external funding by adopting the following strategies; i. Vigorous public education on payment of taxes. ii. Involvement of Assembly sub-structures in revenue mobilization.

iii. Provision of adequate logistics to revenue office. iv. Establishment of data base on revenue sources. v. Improving facilities in the various markets. vi. Involvement of the private sector in revenue collection in the district. vii. Effective revenue collection system to block any loopholes in the system

The above measures and others resulted in the tremendous improvement in revenue mobilization in 2016 fiscal year even though the Assembly could not meet its entire revenue target.

However, the revenue performance for 2016 indicates that total revenue received was GH¢6,250,181.44 compared with the annual target of GH¢ 11,139,257.71 representing a shortfall of 44% of the budget. The actual revenue received however represents an improvement over 2015 revenue performance by 19% for the entire revenue for the year including IGF. The shortfall of the revenue collection was wholly due to a decline in the inflows of Central Government transfers which constitutes a whopping 75% of the entire budget. There was nevertheless a 20% improvement in Internally Generated Revenue collection over the IGF budget due to formulation and implementation of effective revenue mobilization strategies in 2016.For instance, out of the internal revenue target of GH¢2,781,433.98 set by the Assembly for 2016,a total of GH¢3,344,732.61 was collected as compared to 2015 IGF target and actual of GH¢1,415,519 and GH¢1,714,093.43 respectively.

c) Other challenges with regards to generating funds

Despite the above stringent measures to generate adequate funds, the following challenges are faced by the assembly in its efforts in revenue mobilization; i. Inadequate revenue staff ii. Unwillingness of tax payers to pay taxes. iii. Poor market infrastructure. iv. Illiteracy among tax payers. v. Low motivation for Revenue Collectors. vi. Loopholes in the revenue collection system

For the expenditure situation, it indicates that a greater proportion of the Assembly’s total revenue was spent on development projects (special projects). Expenditures on compensation of employees and good and services were also very significant.

Grant (transfer) from government increased over the previous year’s figure but inadequate. A major proportion of government transfer (grant) is for the payment of salaries of staff of the Assembly as shown in Table 2 on trends of expenditure.

Table 2: Trends of Expenditure (Actuals) from 2013-2016 S/No. Expenditure 2013 (GHc) 2014 (GHc) 2015 (GHc) 2016(GHc)

1. Compensation of 860,368.25 831,687.71 738,584.14 876,444.30 Employees

2. Goods and Services 665,713.81 2,379,680.58 3,189,393.73 2,811,173.90

3. Interest - - - -

4. Grants 1,302,668.99 - - -

5. Social Benefits 2,084.00 4,070.00 14,323.00 7,346.00

6 Other Expenses 243,577.81 254,239.45 296,612.07 420,268.95

7 Non-Financial Assets 319,486.02 232,663.78 660,469.90 39,205.00

8 Other Payments 416,475.19 189,668.13 741,715.73 1,658,657.78 (WIP)

Total Expenditure 3,810,374.07 3,892,009.65 5,641,098.57 5,833,096.13

Source: Finance Department, BABDA, 2016

Comments on: a) Adequacy of funds

Considering the continuous increased demand from communities for basic infrastructural facilities such as good feeder roads, classroom blocks, health facilities, water and sanitation, electricity, housing, etc vis-à-vis the total amount of funds the Assembly has been receiving since 2013, it is obvious that the inflow of funds is woefully inadequate to meet the increasing demands. Also analysis from Table 2 shows a continuous increase in expenditure of the Assembly. This calls for generation of adequate funds by the Assembly to meet the growing demands from the communities. b) Utilisation of Funds in accordance with the Budget

All Assemblies are mandated to draw up an annual budget every year to specify how they will raise funds/revenue and spending patterns. The District Assembly therefore followed this directive by drawing up its annual budget and spent according to each budget line even though some projects could not be implemented due to inadequate funds.

c) Other challenges with regards to disbursements

Some challenges faced by the Assembly with regard to disbursements include the following; i. Large percentage statutory deductions of DACF by Common Fund Secretariat that affected payment of work done by contractors. ii. Undue delayed in releasing the Common Fund that affected payment schedules.

3.3 The Update on District Specific Indicators and Targets under GSGDA This aspect of the Annual Progress Report takes a look at the core district indicators and targets that are achievable and directly related to the DMTDP goals and objectives under GSGDA II. These appropriate indicators are required to measure progress whilst the targets serve as sign-post that will lead the district to the stated goals and objectives of the DMTDP particularly 2016.

The emphasis is laid on the target set for each indicator in 2016 vis-à-vis the actual achievement i.e. indicator level to ascertain whether the district is progressing or retrogressing in all the sectors of the district economy. The district’s performance/assessment of each indicator under the various sectors/ decentralised departments are provided in Tables 3 and 4 respectively.

Table 3: Core District Indicators and Targets under GSGDA II Indicator (Categorized by GSGDA Thematic Areas) Remarks No A. ENHANCING 2016 Target 2014 2015 2016 COMPETITIVENES Indicator Indicator Indicator S IN GHANA’S Level Level Level PRIVATE SECTOR 1. Percentage (%) increase - - - - Not available in tourist arrivals

B.ACCELERATED AGRICULTURE MODERNISATION AND SUSTAINABLE NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT 2. Percentage (%) increase in yield of selected crops, livestock and fish

a) Maize (metric tones) - - 5,653 5,656 The targets set b) Rice (metric tones) - - 2,220 2,310 for various c) Yam (metric tones) - - 21,313 21,200 crops were d) Cassava (metric - - 95,441 97,791 given by Agric. tones) - Office but only e) Cocoyam (metric - 66,872 46,872 the indicator tones) - levels without f) Plantain (metric the target tones) - 91,680 91,680

3. Hectors of degraded forest, mining, dry and Target not met due to 10

wet lands rehabilitated inadequate /restored: 100ha 90ha 25ha 54ha financial a. Forest support

b. Mining 50ha 100ha 120ha 100ha Target was met as a result of combined efforts of Stakeholders - - - - c. Dry and wetland C.INFRASTRUCTURE,ENERGY AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT 4. Proportion/length of roads maintenance/rehabilitat ion  Trunk Roads (in km) – - - - - Not Available Maintenance  Feeder Roads (in km) Target set not -Routine maintenance 83.10km 50.80km 65.20km 78.6km met due to inadequate resources

-Rehabilitation 8.60km 12.0km 12.0km 8.60km Target set for 2016 was met 5. Teledensity/ - - - - Not available. Penetration rate

6. Percentage change in 80% - - 72.0% Target set was number of household almost met by with access to the District electricity. 7. Percent of rural 50% - 80% 80% Improvement population with even though DA sustainable access to is yet to get the safe water sources. actual figure from CWSA. 8. Percent of population 80% - 60% 60% Improvement with access to improved even though DA sanitation (flash toilet, is yet to get the KVIP, household actual figure latrine) from CWSA D.HUMAN DEVELOPMENT, POPULATION AND EMPLOYMENT 9. a. Gross enrolment rate (indicates the number of pupils/student at a given

level of schooling, regardless of age as a proportion of the number of children in the relevant age group) 132.01% 132.90% 134.80% 130.10% - Primary Achievement 105.20% 104.50% 108.90% 103.50% for Primary and - JHS SHS were met 46.80% 51.10% 54.10% 34.90% due to effective - SHS supervision, the presence of school feeding b. Net Admission Rate prograamme at in Primary Schools 90.3% 67.7% 97.60% 87.00% the primary (indicate primary one level and enrolment of pupils sensitization on aged 6 years) child labour in the District

10. Gender Parity Index (ratio between girls and boys enrolment rates, the balance of parity is 1:00)

1.0 1.02 N/A N/A Achievements -KG were not fully met -Primary 1.0 1.02 1.02 0.98

-JHS 1.0 0.98 1.0 0.93

-SHS 0.63 0.80 0.64 0.94

11. Maternal Mortality 69/100,000 72/100,000 69/100,000 86:100,000 Target set was Ratio (number of deaths not met. due to pregnancy and childbirth per 100,000 live births) 12. Under five mortality 0.6/1000 808:100,000 1.4/1000 0.8/100,000 There is an ratio (number of deaths increase in under due to pregnancy and five mortality in childbirth per 1000 live 2016 births) 13. Malaria case fatality in 0.2/1000 20:10,000 0.6/1000 0.1:1000 Target set met children under five years per 1000 populations. 14. HIV/AIDS prevalence N/A 13.8 3.4 N/A Data not rate (% of adult available 12

population, 15-49 years HIV positive) 15. Proportion of 200 54 97 236 The target set unemployed youth was achieved in benefiting from 2016 through skills/apprenticeship new and entrepreneurial programmes by training. BAC & RTF E.TRANSPARENT AND ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNANCE 16. Total amount of GH¢ GH¢ GH¢ GH¢ The Assembly internally generated 2,781,433.98 589,370.70 764,470.29 3,344,732.61 was able to revenue achieve 19% more of its revenue target in 2016. 17. Amount of N/A GH¢ GH¢ N/A The DA development partner 441,458.67 357,057.12 indicator level and NGO funds for 2016 not contribution to applicable ie no DMTDP budget line for implementation Donor & NGOs in 2016 18. Percent of DA GH¢ GH¢ GH¢ GH¢ There has been a expenditure within the 11,130,257.71 1,302,668.99 503,484.70 6,250,181.44 drop in the DA DMTDP budget (How spending within much of DAs the DMTDP expenditure was not in Budget since the annual budget) 2013 even though inadequate 19. Number of reported cases of abuse (children, women and men)

 Inheritance 4 2 1 2 Target was met cases against women

 Inheritance Target was met cases against 4 6 1 3

men

 Paternity cases 4 2 1 2 Target was met against women

 Family welfare, There is still custody/ access 25 33 24 32 irresponsible (case work) men in the society who need to be made to face the full rigorous of the law. 20. Police citizen ratio 1:5,000 - - 1:1,019 Data not available. But the District has 121 Police Officers currently at post

Table 4: Specific District Indicators and Targets in the DMTDP under GSGDA II 2014-2017 Indicator (Categorised by GSGDA Thematic Areas) No. A. Ensuring 2015 2016 2016 Remarks Sustaining Macro- (Base Target Indicator Economic Stability year Level level)

1. Achieve 100% 57.68% 100% 120% The Assembly annual revenue achieved more than collection target 100% target set due to combined effort of all relevant revenue particularly collection units B. Enhancing Competitiveness in Ghana’s Private Sector 1. Private sector involved 3 2 3 As many as 5 investors in Public Private Private Investors showed Partnership(PPP) for interest but did not push further C. ACCELERATED AGRICULTURE MODERNISATION AND SUSTAINABLE NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT 1. Percentage (%) increase 25% N/A N/A Target was not met in major crops and livestock 2. Mining activities 90% 97% 98% Activities conducted conducted orderly satisfactorily 3. Activities Illegal 70% 90% 80% Target almost met through chainsaw operation reduction reduction reduction vigilance, intensified patrol reduced and surveillance 4 Impact of natural - - - Satisfactory even though disasters actual figures not available reduced/minimized 14

C.INFRASTRUCTURE AND HUMAN SETTLEMENT DEVELOPMENT 1. Proportion/length of road surface improved/maintained - N/A N/A Not available - Trunk Roads (in km) tarred

- Feeder Roads (in km)

i.Routine maintenance 75.50km 83.10km 78.6km Target not met

ii.Rehabilitation 28.80km 8.60km 8.60km The target was met 2. Percentage/proportion of N/A 30% N/A Not available population with access to ICT 3. Number of towns with 51 5 N/A Not available access to electricity communities communities increased 4. Percentage (%) of access 82.8% 84% N/A Data not readily available to potable water supply by population increased 5. Percentage (%) of 60% 22% N/A Data not available sanitary facilities increased to improved access (flush toilet, aqua privy, household larine) 6. Personal hygiene & 62% 48% 62% The target was achieved as environmental sanitation a result of enforcement of practices improved environmental bye-laws D. HUMAN DEVELOPMENT, PRODUCTIVITY AND EMPLOYMENT 1. Passing rate of BECE 85.60% 90% 92% Target was achieved Results improved 2. Infant mortality 6/1000 3/1000 4:1000 The district could not meet incidence per 1000 the target and needs to do more. 3. Maternal mortality ratio 69/1000,000 69/1000,000 86/100,000 The target was not achieved per 100,000 4. Population access to - - - Data not available health care esp. poor & vulnerable enhanced 5. HIV/AIDS and other 20% 20% 25% The target was met but the STDs prevalence rate rate infection is still going among adult population up per HIV/AIDS report in 15-49 years reduced the district

6. Vulnerable & excluded 39 100 39 Even though target not empowered and achieved, it is good of the supported assembly 7. No. of people using 26.8% 24.4 26.8 The result is very modern contraceptives encouraging for population increased decrease

8. Worst forms of child - - - Data not available the labour reduced situation is better in the district 9. Functional Child Panels - 6 1 Target not met established E.TRANSPARENT AND ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNANCE 1. Manpower - - - Some level of manpower (Administrative) capacity of the District capacity of the Assembly Assembly enhanced improved through training 2. Assembly’s Sub- The Assembly revamped all structures strengthened 9 9 9 the 9 sub-structures to make them functional in 2016 3 Free flow of information - - - Data not available but it is enhanced better 4. Women’s groups 200 150 145 BAC assisted very in this empowered and aspect in the district supported 5. Adequate infrastructural - - - Satisfactory even though facilities provided for data cannot be quantified as the law enforcement a new Police Headquarters agencies is being constructed at Bekwai 6. Cultural activities - - - Little was done by the promoted assembly to promote it

4.0.UPDATE ON CRITICAL DEVELOPMENT AND POVERTY ISSUES 4.1 Youth Employment Agency (YEA) The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) was established under the Youth Employment Act 2015 (Act 887) to empower young people to contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic and sustainable development of the nation. Its objective is to support the youth between the ages of 15 to 35 years through skills training and internship modules to transit from a situation of unemployment to that of employment.

To ensure sustainability, the policy focus of YEA was changed in 2009 from the traditional modules which have pay roll implications to the self-employment modules such as Trades and Vocation modules through public private partnership so as to reduce the burden on payment of stipend for the Paid Internship Module.

The Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District Assembly has seriously been involved in the implementation of the YEA programme in the year under review.

Table 3.1 refers to the current personnel or beneficiaries of the Y.E.A. Programme/modules in the B.A.B. District for the year under review. However, many youth are yet to be employed under other modules to be introduced later.

Table 5: Statistics on Youth Employment in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District as at December, 31, 2016 S/N Module Registered Employed Male Female

1 Youth in Community Policing Assistant 50 25 19 6

2 Youth in Community Health Workers 450 86 35 51

3 Youth in Fire Service 45 6 6 -

4 E-Health Assistant 30 4 3 1

5 Environmental Protection Officer 40 8 6 2

6 Youth in Community Education Teaching 532 78 43 35 Assistant

7 Youth in Afforestation 435 - - -

8 Youth in Paid Internship 20 - - -

9 Youth in Water Bodies Protection 10 - - -

10 Environmental Health Officer (Special group) 8 - - -

11 Youth in Industrial Support 17 - - -

12 Total 1,637 207 112 95

Source: YEA Office, Bibiani, 2016

The details of the modules under the agency have been provided as follows:

i. Youth in Community Policing Assistant

Twenty-Five (25) Beneficiaries have been engaged under the CPA Module. They were employed in two batches. The first batch had 13 beneficiaries and the third batch was also 12 beneficiaries. Two (2) out of the 25 beneficiaries have opted out from the programme. The remaining 23 beneficiaries have all reported to duty and working at their various duty posts and Police Stations in the district since May, 2016 after going through a successful 5-Week Intensive Training at the Police Training School in Accra.

ii. Youth in Community Health Workers

Eighty-Six (86) beneficiaries have gone through an 11-Day Intensive Training and had been issued their Appointment /Engagement Letters to start work. The training was undertaken by the District Health Directorate in the areas of Community Health Delivery.

iii. Youth in Fire Service

Six (6) Beneficiaries have been engaged under the YFS module. All the Six (6) beneficiaries have reported to duty and working at the District Fire Service Station in Bibiani at at December,31, 2016 after going through a successful 5-week Intensive Training at the Ghana Fire Service Training School at James Town in Accra. B.A.B. District was given Four (4) slots but the Suaman District ceded two (2) of their slot making it six (6) in total.

iv. E-Health Assistant

Four (4) beneficiaries have gone through a one (1) week Intensive Training at the Kintampo College of Health, had been given their Appointment/Engagement letters and all of them had reported at their various stations and working effectively.

v. Environmental Protection Officer (EPO)

Eight (8) Beneficiaries have been selected and are waiting for their training and Appointment/Engagement Letters to start work.

vi. Youth in Community Education Teaching Assistant (CETA)

532 people registered to be employed into the YEA teaching module. Out of this number, 78 were employed (43 males and 35 females). Following that, a five day training programme was organised by the District Education Directorate to train the teachers.

The following modules are still ongoing. The online Registration is still underway on our Online Registration Portal at www.yea.gov.gh/register. These are:

Youth in Afforestation, Youth in Paid Internship, Youth in Water Bodies Protection, Environmental Health Officer (Special Group) and Youth in Industrial Support Modules.

vii. Staffing

The district has Two (3) Staff working under the Y.E.A.

1. District Director 2. Deputy Director 3. District Secretary viii. Achievement

Generally, as at the end of 31st December, 2016, One Hundred and Twenty-Nine (129) persons/youth have benefited under the YEA programme/modules in the B.A.B District.

The Programme has brought about a tremendous support to the lives of many people especially the youth in the district.

Recommendation

1. The office is looking forward for the appointment of a Deputy District Director. 2. The office lack computer, printer and Internet Accessories to facilitate office work. 3. There is no office Imprest to run the office.

4.2 National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS

4.2.1. Membership The District National Health Insurance Scheme as at the end of the fourth quarter of 2016 indicated that NHIS registered 33,033 (14,536 males and 18,497 females) subscribers including 862 pregnant women to join the scheme.

However, the total subscribers or active membership of the scheme as at the end of the fourth quarter of 2016 stood at 74,660 (31,396 males and 43,364 females) representing 54.45% of the district’s total population of 137,099 (projection of 2010 PHC). The total number of pregnant women who were registered and benefited in the fourth quarter of the year under the President’s Special Free Maternal Care policy which started since in July 2008 was 862.

4.2.2 Claims Management

The claims received for processing for payment particularly last quarter of 2016 was GH¢1,239,840.66. The total payment made to service providers as claims on behalf of the scheme’s clients who attended various health facilities up to the end of the second quarter of 2016 was GH¢1,874,185.36

4.2.3 Finance The amount of money the scheme mobilized particularly in the fourth quarter was GH¢ 8,204,169.82. This includes GH¢858,718.96 and GH¢7,345,450.86 as support from IGF) and NHIA (GOG respectively.

4.2.4 Challenges of the NHIS in the District

Below are some of the major challenges that affect the growth of the scheme in the district. They include:  The nature of occupation of the people in the District. The major occupation in the district is farming and most of the farmers are into subsistence farming and as such they find it difficult to raise funds to pay for their families particularly during the off cocoa seasons.  High cost of tariff and medicines for treatment  Low premium and administration fee

 Politicisation of the policy as divergence views are usually expressed by various political parties as to how the scheme would be operated if they win political power. This affects the enthusiasm of the residents who have already subscribed and are yet to join the scheme.  Inadequate logistics particularly computer sets for the scheme office as only six and one laptop computer sets are available.  Seasonal period of registration.  Delays in processing the new I.D Cards.  Inadequate staff  Late submission of claims by service providers  Late release of funds for reimbursement

4.3 Capitation Grant

The implementation of the Capitation Grant continued throughout 2016 in the district. An amount of GH¢104, 151.00 involved two trenches was released to the district to execute the programme in the year to cater for a total enrolment of 34,671 pupils (17,525 boys and 17,146 girls) in all basic schools in the district.

The major challenge facing the implementation of the programme has been the delay in the release of the grant to the various schools in the district which the Central Government should make a frantic effort to address it.

4.4 Supply of Free Exercise & Text Books and School Uniforms

The district is a beneficiary of the above government policy in the 2016/2017 academic year. In all 300 Mono desks, 322 school uniforms (478 boys and 476 girls), 1,292 GES CSSPS flyers, 10,017 boxes of white chalk, 314 malaria Teacher’s guide, 900 attendance register and 173 guidelines for the school grant were received and distributed to the schools in the district during the quarter under review.

4.5 School Feeding Programme

The implementation of the above national programme which started in 2006 on pilot basis, continued as expected in the quarter under review. The status of implementation as at the end of 2016 is indicated in Table 6. However, the expansion and retargeting programme by the government that took effect from 2009 to 2012, in the district which added additional 61 new schools to existing 4 schools to make the total number of schools 65 is still the same as at the end of 2016. The total number of pupils currently being fed in the district is 18,931. The details of the names of both old and new selected schools with total enrolment in the district are indicated in Table 6.

Table 6: Beneficiary Schools of School Feeding Programme and their Total Enrolments in Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District, December 31, 2016. Total enrolment as at the Total enrolment as at the NO. NAME OF SCHOOL end of December-2014 end of December, 2015 264 304 1 Kwamekrom D/A KG Primary 2 Humjibre D/A KG Primary 463 531 212 406 3 Wenchi 'A' D/A KG/Primary 'A' 211 211 4 Wenchi 'A' D/A KG/Primary 'B' 340 325 5 Nambro D/A KG Primary 302 388 6 Sefwi Bekwai 'A' D/A KG Primary 377 416 7 Sefwi Bekwai 'B' D/A KG Primary 164 145 8 Ansarudeen Islamic KG/Primary 282 223 9 Bibiani Old Town KG/Primary 497 516 10 Ashiam KG/DA Primary 11 Adiembra 'C' Cath. KG/Primary 365 372 12 Kojina D/A KG 118 90 379 377 13 Surano 'B' KG/DA Primary 377 383 14 Tanoso D/A Primary 15 Ntakam Catholic Primary 462 472 16 Ankra Muano Methodist Primary 550 520 17 Manse Methodist KG Primary 281 329 18 Chirano Catholic KG/Primary 'A' 403 435 19 Chirano Catholic KG/Primary 'B' 389 335 20 Nkatieso D/A Primary 365 354 21 Bassengele KG/DA Primary 408 402 22 Kwakumekrom D/A KG/ Primary 300 286 23 Chine D/A KG/ Primary 250 262 24 Fawokabra D/A KG/ Primary 105 25 Nzema Nkwanta D.A/KG/ Primary 248 269 26 Bethlehem D/A KG/ Primary 267 294 27 Debiso D/A KG/Primary 261 223 329 292 28 Lineso Catholic KG/Primary 29 Anyinasie D/A KG/ Primary 247 188 21

30 Surano 'A' Anglican KG/ Primary 302 419 31 Pataboso D/A KG/ Primary 320 279 32 Kunkunso D/A/KG/ Primary 428 474 33 Adiembra 'A' D/A/ KG/Primary 230 268 34 Asempaneye DA/KG/ Primary 167 178 35 Akaaso DA/KG/ Primary 401 412 36 Breman Methodist KG/Primary 270 196 37 Sukusuku KG D/A/Primary 269 38 Muoho KG/Primary 388 443 344 303 39 Kofikrom KG/Primary 40 Nyetina KG / D/A Primary 555 592 41 Atronsu Catholic KG/Primary 215 201 141 183 42 Akaasu D/A KG/Primary 43 Adobewura Meth KG/Primary 417 390 44 Ampenkro R/C KG/Primary 421 267 45 Chiraa KG/Primary 227 252 46 Baakokrom KG/Primary 244 254 47 Bankromisa D/A KG/Primary 252 244 48 Mpesiem D/A KG/Primary 167 49 Gyambo KG/Primary 'A' 227 176 50 Aboabo KG/Primary 388 209 51 Adukrom KG/Primary 346 388 52 Dansokrom KG/Primary 169 173 53 Adupri KG/Primary 325 286 54 Subiri Anglican KG/Primary 509 398 55 Etwebo D/A KG/Primary 304 290 56 Hwenampoli/KG/Primary 'A' 311 315 57 Domiabra KG/Primary 'A' 139 135 58 Fahiakobo KG/Primary 205 59 Dominibo No. 1 KG/Primary 119 138 60 Dominibo No.2 KG/Primary 383 342 61 Merewa KG/Primary 384 401 62 Nkronua KG/Primary 600 644 63 Afamu D/A KG/Primary 340 301 64 Donkorkrom KG/Primary 55 71 65 Krodua D/A KG/Primary 127 Total 19,905 18,931 Source: Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District Assembly, 2016

4.5.1 Payments Made

In 2015/2016 academic year, one payment was made through the MTN mobile money transfer system as at the end of 2016.

4.5.2 Achievement

The programme since its inception has achieved the following:

1. There has been increase in enrolment in all the beneficiary schools. 2. There has been high retention rate. 3. Absenteeism has reduced drastically in all the beneficiary schools. 4. Trained teachers have also been attracted to the schools and this has improved teaching and learning in the schools. 5. Regular stakeholders meetings have helped to address some of the challenges in the schools.

4.5.3 Challenges

The following are some of the challenges facing the school feeding programme:

1. Delay in the release of funds affects the smooth implementation of the programme. 2. Payment in tranches also pose a lot of problems to caterers 3. Irregular monitoring of activities in the school due to lack of logistics. 4. Lack of sensitization of teaching and cooking staff on the programme. 5. Communities not committed to the programme. 6. Political interference hinders the smooth running of the programme.

4.5.4 Recommendations

The following challenges still persist within the district and if addressed would go a long way to sustain the programme: 1. Timely release of fund. 2. The amount per head per day should be increased to ensure improvement in the quality and quantity of food since the cost of living has gone up. 3. There should be regular sensitization of teaching and cooking staff. 4. Resources should be made available to ensure regular monitoring of activities in the schools. 5. The programme should be devoid of politics to ensure ownership.

In conclusion, the programme has gone a long way to help relieve parents and improve the lives of children and beneficiary schools. Retention and enrolment have increased drastically in the schools. The above recommendations need to be taken into consideration for the sustainability of the programme. 23

4.6. National Board for Small Scale Industries - Business Advisory Centre

The role of the Business Advisory Centre (BAC) in employment creation and poverty reduction is still on course in the Bibiani – Anhwiaso – Bekwai District. This is realized as a result of organizing employable skill training, business management and marketing training programmes to the unemployed youth, existing entrepreneurs, etc as well as facilitating access to credit, counselling and extension services, formation and strengthening of associations to promote the growth of Micro and Small Enterprises.

The various activities taken place during 2016 are captured in this report. It includes the challenges and recommendations.

4.6.1 Planned Activities for the Year, 2016

The following activities were planned for year, 2016. These were in line with the objectives of the centre and the Board as well:

 Counselling and Advisory Services  Organization of 2 Community Skills Training (CBT)  1 Quality Improvement in Beads making  1 Basic CBT in Bridal Decoration and flower making  Consultative meeting  Strengthening of Associations  Market Research  Follow ups

4.6.2 Activities Undertaken for the Year, 2016 Out of the various planned activities for the year, the following were undertaken: a. Training

The Centre was not able to organize all the programmes due to lack of funds. However the Centre was able to organize the following trainings:

 Basic Technical training in beads making and quality improvement training in fashion and designing  Training on diseases of poultry to address the outbreak of New Castle disease affecting greater percentage of poultry farmers in the district.  Technology improvement in soap making  Technology improvement in poultry farming

b. Strengthening of Associations

The BAC staff attended some associations’ meetings. The needs of some associations were assessed through the visits by the BAC staff in order to organize some training programmes to strengthen them. Besides, the members were assisted to address some of their challenges facing them. c. Advisory and Extension Services

The BAC took some advisory and extension services for clients and visitors who called to seek for advice at the office was 61. A total of one hundred and ninety eight (198) people were visited and some paid visit to the centre to seek advice and counselling. This is made up of fifteen (161) males and eleven (37) females.

The centre for the period registered was able to register a lot of businesses and realized an amount of four thousand nine hundred and thirty Ghana Cedis (GH¢4,930.00) for the district.

4.6.3 Institutional Development (ID)

Apart from the District Assembly, the Centre is collaborating with the following institutions to promote the development of MSEs and job creation as well. This collaboration is taking place through sharing of ideas in the implementation of programmes by the respective institutions.

The partnership of World University Service of Canada (WUSC) and Peace Corps (NGO) with the BAC has been very encouraging. Even though WUSC is no more operating in the district it is still providing support in the form of bringing volunteers to enhance the activities of the BAC. Currently there are two volunteers from WUSC attached to the BAC to help in the development of MSEs in the District.

The collaboration of WUSC and the BAC has improved the activities of MSEs in agribusiness especially those in the livestock and poultry. Besides it has also improved the activities of fashion designers as one of the volunteers is specialized in fashion designing. Many clients have improved the size of their business. Some have purchased new equipment through their personal savings to expand their business.

4.6.4 Agricultural Commodity Processing Infrastructure Development (ACPID)

The following technical trainings were organized during the year:

4.6.4.1 Technical Apprentice Training

Table 7: Technical Apprentice Training: Actual Remarks

No Activity Male Female Total

1 Metal Machining / Welding & Fabrication 4 0 4

BAC, BABDA, 2016

4.6.4.2 Agro Processing Equipment Manufacture and Repairs

Table 8: Agro Processing Equipment Manufacture and Repairs No Equipment Actual Remarks

1. General 78

2 Manufacture of agro processing 1

3. Repairs 55

BAC, BABDA, 2016

4.6.5 Access to Rural Finance (ARF)

About fifty (50) clients have applied for the REDF through the Sefwiman Rural Bank Limited; Bibiani. It is our hope that they would receive the loan within the first quarter of 2017.

4.6.6 Impact of BAC Activities

The table below illustrates the impact of BAC activities during the 4th quarter:

Table 9: Impact of BAC activities during the 4th quarter NO OUTCOME INDICATORS MALE FEMALE TOTAL

Clients Adopting New technology 42 18 70

New Business Established 0 1 1

New Jobs Created 8 2 10

Clients Recording Increased Production 32 15 47

Clients Recording Increasing Sales 29 12 41

Clients Keeping Business Records 15 3 18

Clients Having Access to MSE Information 7 2 9

Clients Operating Active Bank Accounts 24 12 36

LTAs with improved leadership - - 2

LTAs networking with others - - 0

BAC, BABDA, 2016

4.6.7 Challenges

The following are some of the challenges faced by the Centre during the year:

 Failure to pay the counter – part funding by the District Assembly.  Limited staff.

4.6.8 Recommendations

It is suggested that the Regional Monitoring Team would contact the District Assembly to support the office in its daily activities. Also the Assembly should employ a Business Development Officer to assist in the implementation of BAC activities.

4.6.9 Conclusions

The partnership of WUSC and BAC has been very successful in the implementation of BAC activities to the growth of SMEs. The activities of the center during the quarter have been very positive to the development of MSEs in the District.

4.7.Report on HIV & AIDS Activities The HIV & AIDS pandemic has become the worry of all stakeholders of which the Bibiani- Anhwiaso-Bekwai District is no exemption. Vibrant commercial activities in the District involving; Mining (gold, bauxite), Cocoa and Oil palm production, two active markets are major risk factors for the District. Studies have shown that, the majority of men and women in the reproductive ages are generally aware of HIV & AIDS in Ghana (SC-Ghana, 2001). In the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District, available statistics from Bibiani District Hospital, Noble Gold Limited Clinic and Ghana Bauxite Company (GBC) Clinic indicate a sturdy increase in the rate of HIV & AIDS. The District Assembly in collaboration with NGOs has intensified activities of HIV&AIDS in the district in the area of sensitization, counselling and testing, training of peer educators, stigma reduction and support to PLHIV’s association with the objective of reducing the incidence in the district. Government is making efforts to reduce the impact of HIV&AIDS on the infected and affected through free NHIS registration and ART for PLHIVs.

However, report from Ghana Health Service still indicates that more people are testing positive compared to the previous years. Currently, available data from 2009 to 2014 keeps on fluctuating as depicted in Table 10:

Table 10: Data on HIV&AIDS Situation in the District from 2009-2014 Year No. Tested Positive No. of PLs on ART Male Female Total Male Female Total 2009 84 148 232 21 32 53 2010 84 171 255 17 50 67 2011 60 154 214 30 90 120 2012 48 134 182 38 114 152 2013 64 127 191 18 80 98 2014 48 125 173 38 114 152 Source: Ghana Health Service, Bibiani, 2016

Factors that have combined to influence the spread of HIV&AIDS in the District include; unemployment, poverty, migration, commercial activities (vibrant market), divorce and broken homes, superstition, stigmatization and discrimination against PLHIVs and the affected, attraction of expatriates at the mines to the youth and disguised prostitution.

The higher risk groups include the youth, apprentices, commercial drivers, cocoa farmers, trekking officers, and hotel and restaurant attendants.

4.7.1 Goal The main goal of the district is to reduce HIV & AIDS prevalence, enhance and sustain HIV & AIDS awareness in the District.

4.7.2 Objectives The Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District AIDS Committee set itself to carry out the following objectives:  Hold one (1) DRMT meeting to monitor and coordinate HIV&AIDS initiatives.  Hold one (1) DAC meeting to monitor and coordinate HIV &AIDS initiatives.  Monitor HIV&AIDS initiatives: PLHIV Support group; HIV&AIDs Clinics  Three (3) monthly payment of allowances to motivate M&EFP/supporting staff to monitor and coordinate HIV&AIDS activities.  Produce one (1) quarterly report on all HIV&AIDS initiatives.

4.7.3 Activities, Progress and Results for January– December, 2016 The Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai District AIDS Committee carried out the following activities for the year Table 11. Activities, Progress and Results for January – December, 2016. Intervention Activity Indicator Target Results Cumulative Area Results Coordination Hold regular DRMT No. of DRMT meetings 1 1 3 and meetings to monitor and held to monitor and Management coordinate HIV & AIDS coordinate HIV & of the initiatives AIDS initiatives. Decentralized Response Hold regular DAC No. of DAC meetings 1 1 1 meetings to monitor and held to monitor and coordinate HIV & AIDS coordinate HIV & initiatives. AIDS initiatives Produce quarterly report No. of quarterly reports 1 1 4 on HIV&AIDS initiatives. on HIV/AIDS produced.

Monitoring of HIV & No. of monitoring of 12 10 10 AIDS activities in the HIV & AIDS activities District undertaken.

Payment of allowance to No. of months 4 1 1 M&EFP/Supporting staff allowance paid to M& EFP/supporting staff Source: Social Welfare Office, BABDA, 2016

4.8.2 Major Achievements The following were some of the major achievements under HIV/AIDS: a. Visit to HIV&AIDS Clinic The M&EFP continued to visit the ART centre for PLHIVs every Thursday. Some of the topics treated included continuation of;  Preventing the spread of HIV/AIDs.  Sensitization on PMTCT  Living a healthy lifestyle  Stigma reduction. b. Monitoring of Nyame Tease PLHIV Association monthly meetings: Attendance to meetings has ceased as result of financial constraints by members. c. Monitoring of HIV&AIDs activities in the District.

4.7.4 Major Challenges:

The HIV&AIDS situation in the District has not improved much and as such affects the society. The following challenges still pertain in the district;

 The attitude of health care providers still enhances stigma and discrimination.  Lack of support to the PLHIV association has seriously affected attendance and livelihood of the PLHIVs. This has made it difficult for members to meet during the quarter under review. There is therefore the need to find a way to revive it.  Believe in superstition and patronage by PLHIVs to prayer camps result in high default.  PLHIVs inability to disclose their status to their partners continues to be a major problem as some move from one relationship to the other.  The kind of support provided by the NGOs do not directly affect the PLHIVs and OVCs whose economic situation makes it difficult for some to live healthy lives.

4.7.5 Way Forward

To enhance HIV & AIDS activities and reduce its incidence, the following have been outlined for the next year: a. Coordination and Management of the Decentralized Response  Four (4) DRMT meetings to be held to monitor HIV &AIDS activities.  Four (4) DAC meetings to be held to monitor HIV &AIDS activities.  Four (4) Stakeholders meeting to monitor HIV&AIDS initiatives.  Four (4) quarterly report to be produced and submitted to stakeholders  Twelve (12) monthly monitoring to be undertaken within the period.  Twelve (12) monthly payments of allowances to M&EFP/ supporting staff.  Participate in four (4) training, conferences, workshops, seminars, meetings organized by GAC and TSU (RCC)  Organize four (4) stakeholders performance review meeting on HIV/AIDs.  Assist in four (4) community mobilization for HIV/AIDs b. Strategic Information (Monitoring and Reporting)  Four (4) monitoring of NGO’s /CBO’s activities  Four (4) monitoring of activities at PMTCT/ ART sites  Four (4) monitoring of activities under HIV school Alert Programme. c. Advocacy 30

 Four (4) advocacy meetings organized on Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV/AIDs  Four (4) advocacy meetings organized on HIV/AIDs Stigma Reduction  Four (4) advocacy meetings organized to mobilize resources  Celebrate World AIDs Day

d. Mitigation  Provide support to eight (8) PLHIV and Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVCs) in critical needs. e. Administration  Four (4) purchases of stationery items  Four (4) Monitoring of HIV/AIDS activities in the district  Pay four (4) quarterly allowance to Project Management Team (M/DCE, Focal Person, Project Accountant and Coordinating Director)

To enhance HIV & AIDS activities and reduce its incidence, the following have been outlined for the next quarter:

Coordination and Management of the Decentralized Response  Four (4) DRMT meetings to be held to monitor HIV &AIDS activities.  Four (4) DAC meetings to be held to monitor HIV &AIDS activities.  Four (4) quarterly stakeholders meeting to monitor HIV&AIDS initiatives.  Four (4) quarterly reports to be produced and submitted to stakeholders  Four (4) quarterly monitoring to be undertaken within the period.  Four (4) quarterly payment of allowance to M&EFP/ supporting staff.  Participate in four (4) training, conferences, workshops, seminars, meetings organized by GAC and TSU (RCC)  Organize four (4) stakeholder’s performance review meeting on HIV/AIDs.  Assist in four (4) community mobilization for HIV/AIDs Strategic Information (Monitoring and Reporting)  Four (4) quarterly monitoring of NGO’s /CBO’s activities  Twelve (12) monitoring of activities at PMTCT/ ART sites  Four (4) quarterly monitoring of activities under HIV school Alert Programme.

Advocacy

 Four (4) advocacy meetings organized on Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV/AIDs  Four (4) advocacy meetings organized on HIV/AIDs Stigma Reduction Mitigation  Provide support to ten (10) PLHIV and Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVCs) in critical needs. Administration

 Four (4) purchase of stationery items  Four (4) quarterly payment of allowance to Project Management Team (M/DCE, Focal Person, Project Accountant and Coordinating Director)

4.8 Report on People with Disabilities (PWDS) As part of government’s effort to incorporate Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) into the mainstream of society and to help them contribute their quota to the development of the nation, 2% of the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) has been allocated to support PWDs activities.

Two trenches of the funds were received ;16th June, 2016, an amount of Thirty-two Thousand, Five Hundred and Eight Ghana Cedis, Twenty-three pesewas (GH₵32,508.23), and 27th July, 2016, an amount of Twenty-four Thousand, Six Hundred and Sixty-six Ghana Cedis (GH₵24,666.00). The total for the two tranches received within the year was Fifty-seven Thousand, One Hundred and Seventy-four Ghana Cedis, Twenty-three pesewas (GH₵57,174.23).

4.8.1 Summary of Activities (January - December, 2016)

The following are some of the major activities support to PWDs: a. Registration:

For the period under review, a total of sixty-nine (81) Persons with Disability (PWDs) made up of forty (40) males and forty –four (44) females were registered. The breakdown is shown in Table 12 below:

Table 12: Registration of PWDs with sex disaggregation. S/N Category of PWDs Number of PWDs Male Female Registered

1 Difficulty in Moving 35 15 20

2 Difficulty in Seeing 20 12 8

3 Difficulty in Hearing 15 9 6

4 Mentally Challenged 2 0 2

5 Multiple Disability 8 5 3

6 Fits/Epilepsy 1 0 1

Source: Social Welfare Office, BABDA, 2016 b. Apprenticeship; Seven (7) PWDs were apprenticed during the period under review.

 Difficulty in Moving: Two (2)  Difficulty in Hearing: Five (5) c. Top-up;

Thirty-two (32) PWDs were given financial top-ups to expand and boost their businesses and trades.These supports went to persons who desired to expand their business in the field of drinking spot,cold store,car spare parts, petty trading and hair dressing. The breakdown is as follows:

 Difficulty in seeing: 6  Difficulty in Moving: 18  Difficulty in Hearing 8 d. Medial Support One (1) person was assisted medically within the period under review.

e. Educational Support Twenty-four (24) PWDs were given Educational support (financial) on timely/semester basis. The breakdown is as follows:  School for the Deaf :Sixteen (16)  School for the blind: Two (2)  Vocational School: One (1)  Tertiary: University Four and Nurses and Midwifery training One (1) f. Meetings/workshop/programme/conference:  The GFDO, Bibiani branch was supported for an advocacy and awareness creation on international Disability Day at Adeshie FM on the 2nd December, 2016.  Two Executives of the GSPD, Bibiani Branch, were supported to attend the last quarter Regional Council meeting from 16th -17th November, 2016 at the Western Regional GNAT Hall, Fijai, Takoradi.  The District Assembly supported the advocacy officer of the youth wing of the GBU, Bibiani Branch, attend their annual congress from the 8th to 12th November, 2016 in Sunyani.  GFDO District Chairperson election was held on Friday,4th November,2016 at the Bibiani District Assembly, Hall. The following people were elected as the executive of the GFDO; Isaac Kyere.  The Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai District hosted the Tenth Annual Convention of Gana Build Union celebration of the white cane day from the 15th to the 17th October,2016.Fourteen Districts from the western region partook in the celebration .Regional GBU executives also attended the programme.in all a total of one hundred and twenty (120) PWDs attended the programme.

4.8.2 Challenges

The issues below are same as the challenges confronting the programme:

 Untimely release of fund  PWDs who registered with the Department keeps checking when they will be supported.  A lot of PWDs have brought in their application who need to be supported.  There are more PWDs who need assistance to special schools who have not been covered.  Lack of seriousness on the part of PWDs who have been supported.  Lack of support from families of PWDs.

4.8.3 Conclusion/Recommendation:

The support to PWDs is making a lot of impact in their lives as most of them have become financially independent and are supporting their families and communities. The factors listed below are recommended to make the programme successful:

 The support to PWDs is making a lot of impact in their lives as most have become financially independent and are supporting their families and communities.  However, a lot more can be done to cover all PWDs and make the programme effective if these recommendations are considered.  Timely release of funds to ensure continuity in implementation.  The support should be spread to cover more PWDs.  Financial management training should be given to equip PWDs manage their business.  There should be regular monitoring of PWDs to ensure the full utilization of items given.  Families should be tasked to contribute to the empowerment of PWDs especially those in apprenticeship.  The District Assembly should continue to empower PWDs executive members to enable them visit and monitor members of their branch who have benefited from the fund and report back to DFMC.  PWDs executives should be empowered to enable them visit and monitor members of their branches who have benefitted from the fund and report back to DFMC.

We look forward that, if the above challenges are given the necessary consideration, the project will go a long way to help the people in the district and the country at large.

4.8. Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation During the period under review participatory monitoring and evaluation activities were organized for the Assembly’s projects such as those financed from the District Development Facility and the Assembly’s share of the Common Fund. Interaction with user clients and beneficiary community members brought up critical issues for consideration. These included sufficient consultations with user clients on project planning, designing and monitoring.

The feedback received was informative. It is important to sustain such meetings in order to increase community ownership of projects and also ensure efficient project results.

4.9. Poverty Status of the District The major poverty issues discussed in this report include:

 Feeder Roads:

Feeder roads constitute a major mode of transport in the District apart from the only major highway which is first class. It links the communities to health centres, clinics, schools, market cen aparttres, major towns and farms. Many of the feeder roads are unengineered while other are engineered.

As a result of the high rainfall pattern in the district, both the engineered and unengineered feeder roads rapidly get deteriorated and this greatly affects the carting of cocoa beans and staple foods to the market centres. Post -harvest losses of staple food continue to rise in the district due to poor surface conditions of feeder road networks thus worsening the conditions of food crop farmers in particular and others. Tarring of some of the major feeder roads would be a cost effective way of addressing the problem and ensuring the alleviation of poverty in agriculture dependent communities. The period under review witnessed the completion of the rehabilitation and maintenance of some kms of feeder roads as indicated in Tables 3 and 4. The Assembly’s grader also undertook reshaping works on a number of farm tracks and feeder roads during the year under review.

 Potable Water Supply

The coverage of potable water in the district did not see much increase from the percentage figure recorded in 2010 (82.8%). The reason was that a lot of potable water projects (boreholes and hand dug wells) which the government (central) planned to undertake could not be implemented. Although the Assembly did not also undertake boreholes/hand dug well construction, it took steps to rehabilitate a number of broken down boreholes to provide potable water to the people.

It is anticipated that the ensuing year would see the provision of potable water facilities by government and the Assembly to improve access in communities which do not have potable water.

 Environmental Situation

The environmental situation is multidimensional as it involves both built and natural environment.

The high exploitation of timber for logs and timber by both registered timber firms and illegal chainsaw operators has contributed significantly to deforestation.

The rainfall pattern in the district has resulted in erosion in some of the communities, example include Awaso, Asempanaye and Aboduabo. the depletion of the forest stock because of excessive lumbering, destructive agricultural practices, mining and bush burning have all resulted in the deterioration of the land exposing the bare land surface leading to deforestation and soil erosion.

Air pollution is one of the environmental problems caused by the use of energy sources in the district. The pollution comes from the mining activities as well as fuse from vehicles.

Some impacts of human activities in the district include:

 Illegal Chainsaw operations  Air pollution: fuse from vehicles, mining firms  Loss of soil fertility due to farming on the same piece of land continuously  Bush fires

Another environmental pollution is waste disposal. Most of the settlements lack proper waste disposal facilities and dump refuse indiscriminately.

The built environment (settlements) in the district lacks development controls apart from Bibiani, the district capital. Most settlements are built haphazardly with poor quality building materials, which have resulted in poor housing conditions.

Generally, the environmental conditions are not all that bad, but the environment faces serious challenges as indicated above which the plan seeks to address within the plan period.

 Climate Change

Climate change has become a top global and national development issue or priority as a result of its significant impact on total development of the global economy.

Ghana has shown serious commitment in fighting negative impact of climate change to the extent that it has been adequately reflected in the Ghana Shared Growth Development Agenda, the blueprint of the development strategy for Ghana. By this MMDAs are mandated to translate and integrate climate change into the district level planning and budgeting by capturing it in the DMTDPs. What is relevant for the district is to ensure the mainstreaming of climate change issues into its development agenda. 37

The district’s economy is highly vulnerable to climate change due to its impacts on key sectors such as health, agriculture, water resources, land and forestry. The future growth and development of the district is threatened by its high impacts as reflected in increasing temperatures, change in rainfall patterns making it less predictable and thus exacerbating poverty amongst the poor particularly women and children.

The development implications of climate change include low agriculture yields leading to more poverty and food insecurity and loss of revenue from food and cash crops (eg. cocoa); severe impact on land use leading to loss of biodiversity and soil fertility, land degradation and increased deforestation all contribute to loss of ecosystem; deteriorating health as a result of increased incidence of diseases; water scarcity; impact on women and other vulnerable groups and increased rural - urban migration. All these call for climate change adaptation and mitigation factors/measures to reduce its impacts to ensure sustainable development.

4.11 Development Evaluation, Results and Recommendation One of the main characteristics of the district development effort is a strong commitment towards conducting thorough impact evaluations. In this vein, all the types of evaluations including ex- ante, ex-post, mid-term as well external evaluation need to be conducted throughout the DMTDP implementation period. However, during the year under review, any of the types of evaluation mentioned above could not be carried out due to inadequate resources of the assembly and external support. It recommended that the needed resources should be made available to DPCU to conduct some of these development evaluations to ensure speedy development of the district.

4.12 Participatory M & E and Other Studies

The District Assembly fulfilled this mandatory exercise in the year under review by conducting comprehensive participatory Monitoring and Evaluation exercises in the first three quarter of the of 2016. These were done to ascertain the people’s perceptions and to assess whether the various interventions met the people’s expectations / needs especially the poor and the vulnerable in 2016, the existing cordial relationship between the Assembly and the various communities shows that the few development projects the Assembly with support from NGOs, Donors, Central Government etc. is providing with its limited resources, are meeting some of the numerous needs and aspirations provided in the DMTDP by the people.

5.0. THE WAY FORWARD

5.1. Key Issues addressed and those yet to be addressed.

As indicated in the major challenges/difficulties faced by the Assembly during M & E exercises within the period under review, lack of resources, bad roads – feeder roads and undue delays in the release of funds seriously affected the proper functioning of the District Assembly.

The feeder road issue was partially addressed through an effective and efficient collaboration between the District Assembly, Western Regional Co-coordinating Council (W.R.C.C) and Department of Feeder Roads (DPR) through routine maintenance/ spot improvement programme.

However, the issues that could not be addressed were undue delays in the release of DACF and GETFund which negatively affected project completion period and high cost of M & E exercises caused by delays in project completing period. These issues could not be addressed because they were beyond the control of the District Assembly.

6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS.

For effective and efficient M&E exercises to be achieved in the district to facilitate smooth projects implementation in the district, the following factors are being recommended by the Assembly for further action. 1) All feeder roads in the district should be rehabilitated regularly to enhance easy accessibility. 2) Government should try as much as possible to release the DACF, GETFund on time to be able to complete all on-going projects on scheduled. 3) Strong support from WRCC, NDPC, Local Government, NGOs, and Donors to DPCU activities particularly M& E. 4) Adequate funds should be provided to the Assembly to perform its functions.

7.0 CONCLUSION The analysis of the above indicators shows that the district did not perform badly even though all the indicators were not readily available. However, the district hopes to take keen interest in areas where it did not perform well and work towards achieving the set targets in ensuing years.

APPENDIX 1

A. Annual progress report on development projects implementation